What Is an Instagram Story?
Instagram stories are photos or short video clips that disappear after 24 hours (unless you add them to your profile as a highlight). Unlike regular posts, stories lack certain features like social media buttons and comment sections. It’s possible to repost Instagram stories you’re tagged in provided the original poster enables sharing. You can even live stream Instagram Stories using the Instagram Live Video feature. Users who have 10,000 or more followers can add links to their Instagram Stories.
How to Make an Instagram Story
To share photos and videos as a story on Instagram:
Where Do Instagram Stories Appear?
Whenever you post an Instagram story, a ring appears around your profile picture. When other users tap your profile picture, they see your story. But your story isn’t visible on your profile grid. Stories appear at the top of your feed. If you see a friend’s profile picture, tap it to view their story. Your profile picture appears at the top of your friends’ feeds as well as next to your posts and direct messages. If your story includes a hashtag or geotag, it shows up in searches unless you make your Instagram account private.
How to Delete an Instagram Story
To delete your current story on Instagram:
How to Delete an Instagram Story From Your Archive
Once an Instagram story expires, it remains in your archive for your eyes only (unless you highlighted it or shared it elsewhere). To permanently delete the story:
How to Share an Instagram Story
It’s possible to share Instagram stories you’ve previously posted from your archive:
How to Add to an Instagram Story
Before you share a story, you have the option to add stickers, text, and other elements. If you tap the sticker icon while editing your story, you see a bunch of additional options. For example, you can add music, tag your location, or even create a quiz. To add a selfie sticker, scroll down the stickers page and tap the camera. It’s also possible to pin stickers and text to moving elements in a video. After placing your text or sticker, tap and hold the screen until you see Pin at the bottom of the screen, then tap the object in the video you want to pin it to.
How to Add a Tweet to Your Instagram Story
As social media tools become more integrated, there’s more crossover between social channels. For example, if you’re using the iOS Twitter app and the iOS Instagram app, you can add a Twitter post you like directly to your Instagram story. Find the Twitter post you like and tap on the tweet. Then, select the Share icon and choose Instagram Stories. The tweet will be added to your Instagram Story just like any other photo or video.
