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    2 min read 4 stepsMarch 31, 2026Verified March 2026

    What Are Instagram Stories? (And How to Post One)

    Instagram Stories are short photos or videos that disappear after 24 hours — here's what they are and how to use them.

    In this guide (4 steps):

    1. 1.Understand what Stories are
    2. 2.View someone else's Story
    3. 3.Post your own Story
    4. 4.Save a Story as a Highlight
    1

    Understand what Stories are

    ~15s
    Instagram Stories are photos or short videos (up to 60 seconds) that disappear after 24 hours. They appear as circles at the top of your Instagram home screen. Think of them as quick updates that do not stay on your profile permanently.
    2

    View someone else's Story

    ~15s
    On the Instagram home screen, tap any profile photo circle at the top to watch that person's Story. Tap the right side of the screen to skip forward, or the left side to go back.
    3

    Post your own Story

    ~26s
    Tap your own profile photo circle (with the + sign) at the top left of the home screen. Choose a photo or video from your camera roll, or take a new one. You can add text by tapping "Aa" or add stickers by tapping the smiley face icon. When you are ready, tap "Your Story" to share it.

    Quick Tip

    If your account is private, only your approved followers can see your Stories. If your account is public, anyone can see them.

    4

    Save a Story as a Highlight

    ~16s
    If you want to keep a Story beyond 24 hours, you can save it as a Highlight. Go to your profile, tap the + next to "Story Highlights," and choose which Stories to keep. Highlights stay on your profile permanently for anyone to see.

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    Official Resources

    Facebook Help CenterAARP Social Media GuideFTC — Social Media Safety

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    What Are Instagram Stories? (And How to Post One) — Step-by-Step Guide | TekSure