This guide on how to use Instagram Stories will help you use Instagram Stories more easily and effectively. Through Instagram, you can easily post, save, and update photos from your friends.
Instagram added a new feature called Stories on August 2nd. From now on, you won't need to carefully select content before posting. Stories allow you to post multiple images and videos throughout the day, and after 24 hours, these images will automatically disappear.
Table of Contents:
1. How to create Stories on Instagram .
2. Some instructions on using Instagram Stories .
2.1. Adding images/videos from your phone's library .
2.2. Deleting Stories . 2.3. Adding image filters (effects) . 2.4. Changing text color . 2.5. Filling the background of the entire image . 2.6. Tagging friends in Stories . 2.7. Moving between Stories . 2.8. Mute a person's Stories . 2.9. How to hide Stories . 2.10. Checking who is viewing your Story . 2.11. Blocking comments . 2.12. Saving your Stories . 2.13. Posting Stories to your profile .
How to use Instagram Stories, the storytelling feature on Instagram.
Anyone who uses Snapchat will surely find this familiar, as it's very similar to the app's My Story feature. The only difference is that Instagram Stories has fewer effects. This article will guide you on how to use Instagram Stories , Instagram's new feature.
1. How to create Stories on Instagram
If your device doesn't already have Instagram, you can download it here:
- Download Instagram for Android
- Download Instagram for iPhone
Images and videos uploaded to Stories will be linked together to form a photo library. To create a Story, follow these steps:
Step 1: Open Instagram, tap the plus button in the upper left corner of the Home screen, or swipe left to open Stories.
Step 2: Take photos by pressing and record videos by holding the circular button at the bottom of the screen.
Step 3: Add text or draw shapes to the image/video you just created. There are 3 types of pens to choose from. The third type will create a neon-like drawing effect. Press Done to save and press the checkmark to add the created content to your Stories.
If you want to add more images/videos to your Stories to create a slideshow, repeat the three steps above.
2. Some instructions on how to use Instagram Stories
2.1. Add images/videos from your phone's gallery.
If you don't want to take photos and videos using Instagram, you can add them from your phone's gallery.
Step 1: Open Instagram, tap the plus sign in the top left corner to create a Story.
Step 2: In the Instagram camera screen, scroll down to see the most recent photos/videos on your phone. Select an image/video and post it as usual. You can only use images/videos saved in your library within the last 24 hours, so be quick.
How to use Instagram Stories for beginners
The images and videos you choose to create your Stories will only be visible for 24 hours. Once your Stories are created, your profile picture will appear at the top of your Feed, surrounded by a circle so your followers can see and view the story.
2.2. Delete Stories
If you accidentally post something unwanted to your Stories, you can easily delete it. Click the three-dot icon in the bottom right corner of the image or video, then select Delete .
2.3. Adding image filters (effects)
Currently, Stories' filters are quite simple compared to Snapchat. After taking a photo or recording a video, swipe horizontally across the screen to add effects. There are 7 effects to choose from, but more will surely be added in the future.
2.4. Change the text color
If you find black text too boring, change your text color by tapping the Aa icon in the upper right corner. Swipe left to see more colors and choose your preferred option.
2.5. Apply a background color to the entire image.
Sometimes, all you need is to post a photo with a colored background, along with text and a drawing. Take any photo with Stories, then tap the drawing icon in the upper right corner.
Choose your desired background color, and hold your finger on the image until that color completely covers the photo. Use this pen tool for endless customization and creativity with your photos.
How to use Instagram Stories from A to Z
2.6. Tag your friends in Stories
To tag someone in your story, when adding text to your Instagram Story, simply type @username. This tag will link your Story to that person's profile. You can tag up to 10 people.
People who are tagged will receive notifications from Instagram Direct, which is a great way to let your friends know about your Stories. If the tagged person doesn't follow you, there will be a notification in their messages.
2.7. Moving between Stories
While viewing your friends' Stories, you can swipe left to see the next Story, swipe right to see the previous Story, and click on the image to skip that Story.
2.8. Mute a person's Stories
There will be times when you don't want to receive updates from someone. To turn off Stories from them, press and hold their Story icon when it appears in your Stories list. A window will appear allowing you to mute that person's stories.
This won't completely remove the Story from the list, but will only move it to the bottom, and it won't automatically open. To unlock it, repeat the above steps and select Unmute .
2.9. How to hide Stories
You can choose who can and cannot see your Stories. For example, you might not want your parents to know about your boyfriend. Go to your profile, select the gear icon (iOS) or the three-dot icon (Android) in the upper right corner of the screen. Select Story Settings and tap Hide My Story From .
Select the people you don't want to see and press Done. That person will still be able to view your profile and posts, but they won't see your Stories.
2.10. Check who is viewing your Story
Want to know who's viewing your Story? Open your Story and scroll up. The bottom will show the number of views and who has viewed your Story. Only you can see this information.
If someone is viewing your Story and you don't want them to see it anymore, simply click the three-dot button next to their name and select Hide Story From [username] .
You can send messages instead of comments: You can send direct messages to friends from their Stories. In the bottom left corner of the screen, you'll see the words "Send Message." Click on it, type your message, and press Send. This feature only works if the person allows comments.
2.11. Block comments
You can also block others from commenting on your Story. Go to your profile page, select the gear icon (iOS) or the three-dot icon (Android) in the upper right corner of the screen. In Story Settings , there are three options.
- Everyone: everyone can comment
- People You Follow: only people you follow can comment
- Off: no one can comment.
2.12. Save your Stories
If you want to save a story and prevent it from disappearing after 24 hours, you can download it to your phone. Open Your Story (tap on your avatar) and click the three dots in the bottom right corner. Select Save Photo .
To set up Stories to automatically save to your phone's gallery, go to your profile page, select the gear icon (iOS) or the three-dot icon (Android) in the upper right corner of the screen, and select Story Settings. Under Camera, turn on Always Save Photos and Videos.
Alternatively, tap the gear icon on the Story screen and slide the Always Save Photos and Videos toggle to enable automatic saving of Stories to your phone's library.
2.13. Post Stories to your personal page
If you want to save a Story on Instagram, post it to your profile. Open Your Story , and click the three dots in the bottom right corner of the story you want to post. Select Share as Post . You can add effects, comments, location, etc., just like a normal post, then press Share.
Note: When posting in this format, images and videos will not disappear after 24 hours, and anyone with permission to view your profile can also see this content.
Above, TipsMake has guided you on how to use Instagram Stories, including creating a Story and tips for using Instagram with this interesting new feature. This method applies to Instagram for Android and also on iOS devices. This new feature helps Instagram compete directly with Snapchat. For those who have installed Instagram on Windows 10, this feature is not yet available; you may have to wait for future versions. TipsMake will continue to update this feature in future updates for Instagram Stories.