How to Rearrange Instagram Posts: A Step-by-Step Guide

Your Instagram feed is your visual identity. Whether you're a content creator, brand, or casual user, how your posts appear at a glance matters. But what if you want to switch things up, without losing all your engagement? Instagram doesn't offer a native rearrange feature, but that doesn't mean you're stuck. In this article, I'll walk you through a few smart workarounds to rearrange Instagram posts, preserve content quality, and even back up your videos with ease. Let's get your feed looking just the way you want it.

Part 1: Use the Archive & Repost Method

If you're wondering how to rearrange Instagram posts without deleting them, the Archive & Repost method is one of the few practical workarounds available. It's not an official feature, but it works, especially if you're aiming for a clean grid layout or want to highlight certain visuals.

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This method involves hiding existing posts using Instagram's archive feature and then reposting them in your desired order. By doing this, your posts will appear in a new sequence on your feed. However, there's one major trade-off: you'll lose the original likes and comments, which is why this strategy works best on posts with low engagement or when starting fresh.

Steps:

• Step 1: Open the Instagram app

Go to your profile and find the post you want to move.

• Step 2: Tap the three-dot menu (⋮)

This is in the upper-right corner of the post.

• Step 3: Select "Archive"

The post will disappear from your feed but remain saved in your archive folder.

• Step 4: Repeat for other posts you want to reorder

Archive all the posts you wish to rearrange.

• Step 5: Repost the content in the desired order

You can re-upload them as new posts. To retain video quality, see Part 2 for a quick backup tip.

• Step 6: Add captions and hashtags again

Since this is a fresh post, treat it like new content.

I've personally used this method when helping a friend rebrand her art account. While we had to sacrifice a few comments and likes, the end result looked far more intentional and professional. If you're still asking, can you rearrange Instagram posts after posting; this is your best bet for full control. Just weigh the visual gain against the loss in social proof.

Part 2: Backup Your Instagram Videos Before Reposting with Toolsmart's Instagram Video Downloader

If you plan to use the archive and repost method on videos, there's one thing you should absolutely do first: back them up. Reposting deletes all original engagement, but it also risks losing the content itself if you didn't save a copy. That's where Toolsmart's Instagram Video Downloader comes in.

This free tool lets you download your Instagram videos in high quality before you archive or delete anything. It's quick, secure, and doesn't require any login, making it perfect for creators who want to maintain their video content without sacrificing visual clarity.

Features:

• Download Instagram videos in HD quality

• No need to log into your Instagram account

• Completely free to use

• Works on any device via browser

• Saves time by avoiding screen recording or third-party apps

Pros:

• Maintains original resolution

• No watermark or compression issues

• Web-based (no installation needed)

• Ideal for reusing video content in future posts or other platforms

Steps:

• Step 1: Go to Toolsmart's Instagram Video Downloader

This opens the download interface.

• Step 2: Copy the link to your Instagram video post

Tap the share icon on your video → choose "Copy link."

• Step 3: Paste the link into the Toolsmart search bar

Then hit the download button.

• Step 4: Save the HD video file to your device

Now you're ready to repost or reuse it anytime you want.

Before I found Toolsmart, I used to screen-record Instagram videos, which often resulted in pixelated re-uploads. Toolsmart solves that in seconds. If you're asking how to repost Instagram posts and want to retain quality, this step is non-negotiable. I highly recommend trying it now; it's one of the simplest tools I've used in my content routine.

Part 3: Rearranging With Carousel Posts

Another smart way to tidy up your Instagram feed without deleting content is by using carousel posts. These are posts that allow you to include up to 10 images or videos in a single swipeable post. While this won't let you directly move old posts, it helps you group similar content and free up visual space in your grid, giving the appearance of a cleaner layout.

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If you've ever wondered how to rearrange Instagram posts carousel, the trick lies in organizing the order before you hit publish. Once posted, you can't change the sequence of images or add new ones, so make sure your visuals are planned out.

Steps:

• Step 1: Open Instagram and tap the "+" to create a new post

Click "+," then tap "Select" when choosing your photos or videos.

• Step 2: Choose up to 10 items in the order you want them to appear

The first image will be your cover, so pick one that fits your grid theme.

• Step 3: Edit and arrange your slides

Use Instagram's editing tools to crop, filter, or adjust each image individually.

• Step 4: Add a caption, location, and hashtags

Treat this like a single post, but use the caption to guide viewers through the carousel.

• Step 5: Post it to your feed

Your carousel will now appear as one unified post, helping you manage your feed layout better.

I've found carousel posts incredibly helpful when I want to post multiple shots from the same trip or product shoot without overloading my feed. Instead of having three separate posts crowd the grid, I bundle them into one carousel. If your goal is how to rearrange Instagram posts on feed without deleting or reposting, this is a creative solution worth trying. Just remember: carousel content is locked once published, so plan wisely.

Part 4: Pin Key Posts to the Top of Your Profile

While you can't change the full layout of your feed directly, Instagram now offers a subtle yet powerful tool to control your first impression: Pin to Profile. This feature allows you to pin up to three posts, photos, videos, or reels, so they appear at the very top of your grid, regardless of when they were originally posted.

If you've been wondering how to change IG layout without messing up your timeline or deleting posts, this is one of the easiest options available.

Steps:

• Step 1: Go to your Instagram profile

Scroll through and decide which post you'd like to pin.

• Step 2: Tap the three-dot menu (⋮) on the top-right of the post

This opens the options for that specific post.

• Step 3: Select "Pin to your profile"

Instagram will instantly move that post to the top-left of your feed.

• Step 4: Repeat for up to three posts

Pinned posts appear in the order they were pinned, most recent first.

Why It Works:

Pinning posts doesn't affect your overall feed order, but it does give you visual control over what new visitors see first. For creators, brands, or anyone curating a specific theme, this is a powerful tool. You can pin your best video, an introduction post, or even a current promotion.

I used this feature to highlight a project update that would've otherwise gotten buried. The results were immediate; more profile visits turned into clicks. If you're asking, can you rearrange Instagram posts after posting? No, but pinning lets you visually rearrange without losing content or engagement. Use it to tell your story at a glance.

FAQs

Q1: Is there a way to change the order of posts on Instagram?

Not directly. Instagram doesn't support drag-and-drop rearranging. However, methods like archiving and reposting or using the "Pin to Profile" feature can help you rearrange key content visually.

Q2: Will I lose likes and comments if I repost a photo or video?

Yes, reposting creates a completely new post. The original likes, comments, and insights will not carry over. That's why it's important to back up your videos before reposting.

Q3: How many posts can I pin on my Instagram profile?

You can pin up to three posts at a time. They'll appear at the top of your feed and stay there until you manually unpin or replace them.

Q4: Do carousel posts support both photos and videos?

Yes. Each slide in a carousel can be either a photo or a video, and you can include up to 10 items in one post. This is a great way to organize related content.

Q5: Is Toolsmart's Instagram Video Downloader free to use?

Absolutely. Toolsmart's Instagram Video Downloader is 100% free, with no sign-up required. It's ideal for backing up content before archiving or reposting.

Q6: Is there any software I need to install when using Toolsmart's Instagram Video Downloader?

No software needed. Toolsmart is web-based; just visit the site, paste your Instagram video link, and download directly from your browser.