While Facebook is losing audience with each new data leak and privacy scandal, Instagram seems to be becoming more popular than ever. All though the two networks are in fact linked together.
Whether you are a complete newbie or have managed multiple Instagram accounts, one of the essential things to know is what an Instagram story is and how to create one.
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What is an Instagram story?
An Instagram Story is a temporary photo or video up to 10 seconds in length that you can post separately from your feed. There’s no limit to the number of stories you can post, and they come together to form a slideshow that any of your followers can view.
Stories are considered one of the most useful features of Instagram. Many users choose this format instead of posting handpicked photos on their instagram page. Unlike your regular posts, a Story disappears after 24 hours.
If you think this sounds familiar, that’s because Instagram Stories is a clone of a similar Snapchat feature called My Story. Except Snapchat’s privacy settings give you more control over your Stories.
How to create an Instagram story
There are two ways to create Instagram Stories. First, on your smartphone, navigate to the main page of the app. Then follow these steps:
- In the upper left corner, find a circle with your profile picture and plus up there. Tap the circle once.
- You can now use the Instagram camera to take photos or record videos to add to your Story. To add media from your library, swipe up or tap square icon in the lower left corner of the screen.
- Edit your Story with stickers, filters or text.
- When you’re happy with the end result, tap Your story in the bottom left corner of the screen to share your story. You can also save the story to your gallery or send it to any Instagram user via Direct Message.
Alternatively, you can swipe right from the main page of the app and that will take you to the Stories screen. Then repeat the steps above.
How to navigate through Instagram stories
You can find Stories of the people you follow on the main Instagram page at the top of the screen. Navigating through them is simple, but can vary depending on whether you’re using Instagram on your PC or smartphone.
On your smartphone, swipe left to go to the next user and swipe right to go to the previous user. If you want to pause the story, you can do so by holding your finger over the photo or video.
On a computer, you can use the left and right arrows to navigate through your friends’ Stories.
Tips and tricks to improve your Instagram stories
Instagram stories can be used to promote your account or brand. Although most people create stories to share precious moments with their followers or just for fun. Here are some tips that will help you get the most out of this feature.
Use Filters & Stickers to spice up your story
Instagram has a variety of tools you can use to make your stories stand out. These include drawing tools, text and style tools, filters similar to the ones you use when editing a regular post, and some stickers that Instagram is constantly updating.
Hide your story from other users
If your Instagram profile is public, any other user can see your stories, even if you don’t follow them.
To hide your story from specific users, go to Instagram settings. From your profile page, tap the three horizontal lines in the top right corner of the screen, then select Setting.
Follow the path Privacy > Storythen click Hide stories fromand select the users you don’t want to share your story with.
You can also use Best friend lists only share some (or all) of your stories with specific users. To do that, aggregate your list of close friends through the privacy settings on Instagram. Then, when you post a story, you’ll have the choice of sharing it publicly or only with your Close Friends.
Manage your story replies
By default, anyone who can see your story can also reply to them via direct message. However, you can change the settings to prevent some users from sending you replies.
To do that, follow the same path: Instagram Setting > Privacy > Story. Scroll down until you see Allow replying to messages. Then, choose one of three options: Everybody, but you follow meand Turn off to remove the function completely.
Repost another user’s Instagram story
Instagram allows you to repost other people’s stories and share them with your followers. However, before you do that, make sure to meet the following requirements:
- The account you are reposting stories from is set to Public.
- The user whose story you’re reposting has enabled story sharing on Instagram.
- You are tagged in the story.
When other users tag you in their stories, you will receive a DM notification. If the above requirements are met, you will also receive a link in the message that says Add this to your story. Click the link to reshare the story to your Instagram Story.
Masterful Instagram Stories
Those are just the basics you need to know about Instagram Stories. Instagram is always evolving and adding new features. Make sure you stay up to date and stay up to date with new updates that the network introduces.
Do you use Instagram Stories or do you prefer to share your content via traditional posts instead? Share your Instagram knowledge with us in the comments section below.
