The power of the Remix: Supporting original creators
Every so often, I share a remix that takes off — tens of thousands of views, sometimes even millions.
And with those viral moments come two very different kinds of comments:
- Hundreds of beautifully uplifting messages: “This made my day.”
“I needed this laugh.” Sometimes, even gratitude directed straight to the original creator, and the creator chiming in to thank me for helping them go viral. - And occasionally, someone comments: “Not your video.” or “Stolen content.” Even though it’s a legitimate Instagram Remix.
For some people, those negative comments might sting. After all, of course we all value originality and integrity. But here’s the thing: remixes aren’t theft. They’re support, connection, and celebration — exactly how Instagram designed them to be.
Remixing: Built for Support, Not Stealing
When Instagram launched the Remix feature, it wasn’t to encourage copycats — it was to help creators grow. It was a way to build in something creators were already doing- collaborating to cross promote.
Original creators have the option to opt-out of having their reels remixed. Those who don’t… want their content remixed. It helps them immensely.
Here’s how it works:
- Your remix lifts the visibility, reach, and engagement of the original creator.
- Viewers see both versions, discovering and celebrating both creators.
- Original creators keep full credit and visibility- the original creator’s reach grows, engagement grows, and they gain new followers. And the algorithms favor them a little more every time they’re remixed. Because- that must be some shout-worthy content they’re creating!
Instagram designed the feature as a collaboration tool, not a competition.
Every legitimate remix is a form of support, like saying, “This is amazing — and the world needs to see it.”
Why I Remix (and Why It’s Always Positive)
When I remix something that moves me, makes me laugh, or inspires me, my intention is simple:
- Share it with my community.
- Amplify the original creator’s voice.
- Add another ripple of good energy to the world.
I don’t remix drama or negativity — and that’s intentional.
Because that’s what I’m all about- that’s what I teach, that’s my approach to self-made success: improved mindset through laughter, joy, and fun- these aren’t distractions. They’re strategies.
The Science of Joy (and Why It Matters)
Your mood influences your decisions.
Your energy powers your actions.
Your mindset? It’s the foundation for everything — wealth, freedom, happiness, all of it.
And science backs this up:
- Humor reduces stress, boosts mood, and builds connection. PositivePsychology.com notes that laughter is a powerful emotional regulation tool.
- Laughter lowers cortisol (the stress hormone) and increases dopamine, oxytocin, and endorphins — chemicals that fuel motivation, focus, and social connection. (NeuroLeadership.com)
- Even a brief positive interaction creates micro-shifts in your nervous system and perspective, setting off a ripple effect that can change your entire day.
So that 15-second remix that makes you laugh?
It’s not “just content.”
It’s a moment of rewiring — a micro-momentum shift — that changes the way you feel, think, and act.
The Ripple Effect of Good Energy
When you share content that uplifts or inspires, you’re doing more than entertaining.
Here’s what really happens:
- For the original creator – They gain visibility, engagement, and often, a whole new audience.
- For your audience – They get a micro-dose of positivity that can shift their day (and their decisions).
- For you – You align your brand with joy, authenticity, and connection — which builds trust and magnetism.
Every share becomes a ripple effect of good energy that stretches further than you realize.
Why Negative Spaces Need Positive Ripples
Let’s be honest: the internet can feel harsh.
Trolls, criticism, negativity — they’re part of the landscape.
But every piece of light, humor, and kindness adds balance to the space.
Every joyful remix is a small act of resistance, tipping the tone toward connection instead of chaos.
When you post uplifting remixes, you’re not just entertaining people — you’re shaping the culture of your corner of the internet.
Why Remixing Helps YOU Grow
Here’s where this gets practical.
Remixing isn’t just good for the original creator.
It’s good for your growth, too.
1. Built-in Collaboration
When you remix, viewers see your remix alongside theirs, creating organic cross-promotion.
2. Algorithm Boost
Instagram favors features it’s trying to grow. When you use Remix, your content is more likely to get shown to new people.
3. Trust and Connection
Sharing someone else’s brilliance makes you relatable. People trust curators — not just creators — because you become a guide to what’s worth watching.
How to Remix the Right Way
If you want to start remixing (or remix more confidently), here are a few tips:
1. Choose Positive, Aligned Content
Stick to content that reflects your values and energy.
2. Always Credit the Original Creator
Instagram does this automatically, but if you’d like- you can always thank the original creator in your caption, tags or comments.
3. Add Your Voice
Whether it’s a reaction, commentary, or just sharing what you loved about it, adding your personality makes the remix feel authentic. I create a related post with the remix that inspires and rewires.
4. Engage with the Original Creator
You can leave a thoughtful comment on their post. This builds relationships and creates opportunities for future collaborations. Small gestures extend the good will 🙂
5. Don’t Overthink It
Remember: this is about connection, not perfection.
The Mindset Shift: From “Not Mine” to “Ours”
Here’s the real mindset shift that makes remixing powerful:
It’s not about ownership. It’s about community.
When you remix, you’re saying:
- “This moved me, and I want it to move others.”
- “This creator deserves more eyes on their work.”
- “This moment deserves more life.”
That’s not theft. That’s celebration.
Examples of Remix Wins
Some of my biggest growth moments have come from remixes.
I recently remixed a reel from 150k views in a week — and dozens of followers thanked the original creator in the comments for the joy their clip brought into their lives. (@jeffandsophi are amazing and talented and omg follow them!)
And you know what happened?
That creator gained thousands of new followers overnight.
And my audience saw me as someone who shares the good stuff — the content worth saving, sharing, and coming back for.
The Bigger Picture: What Remixing Teaches Us
At its core, remixing reminds us that:
- We rise together.
- Sharing joy multiplies it.
- The internet can be a space of collaboration, not competition.
When you remix with intention, you create more than content.
You create connection, possibility, and a ripple of good energy that extends far beyond a single post.
Why You Should Remix
If you’ve been holding back from remixing because you’re afraid of how it will look or what people will say, let this be your permission slip: start today.
- Share the post that made you laugh until you cried.
- Remix the tip that inspired you to take action.
- Celebrate the creator who shifted your perspective.
Because every share is bigger than you think.
Every remix supports the creator, uplifts your audience, and reinforces the truth that joy and connection are powerful tools — for business, for life, for everything.
The Takeaway
Remixing isn’t about copying. It’s about connection, collaboration, and celebration.
So the next time you wonder, “Should I share this?” — the answer is yes.
Not just because it will help you grow, but because it will help someone else smile, take action, or feel seen.
And that ripple effect?
That’s the kind of energy the internet — and the world — could use a lot more of.
