reblogging

Reblogging is the act of reposting another user's content on one's own social media or blog, typically within the same platform. The term is most associated with Tumblr, where a post can be reblogged to appear on the reblogger's own blog while preserving attribution to the original author. Other platforms use different terms for similar behavior, such as retweet on X (formerly Twitter) or share on Facebook or Instagram.

Mechanics and presentation: When reblogging, the original post is displayed on the reblogger's profile alongside the reblogger's notes; the original author is credited, and a link back to the source is usually included. Users may add a comment or caption to their reblog, effectively creating a new post that comments on the original.

Purposes and effects: Reblogging helps disseminate content, curate feeds, and reduce content discovery friction. It can amplify reach for creators, facilitate conversations, and contribute to online communities. However, it can also spread misinformation or infringing content if misused, and algorithms may prioritize reblogged materials.

Etiquette and legal considerations: Proper attribution is recommended; avoid misattribution or edits that change meaning; respect licensing and privacy; abide by platform terms and copyright law. Reblogging generally stays within the platform's ecosystem; external reuse may require permission.

Variations across platforms: The exact mechanics differ—Tumblr emphasizes reblog and quote reblog; Twitter/X emphasizes retweet; Facebook/Instagram emphasize shares. Regardless, the core idea is sharing someone else's content with attribution to extend its reach.