Instagram Stories launched in 2016, drawing inspiration from Snapchat. By 2018, it boasted twice as many daily active users. Its intuitive design and frequent updates have made it a powerhouse for engagement.
Contents
1. Use the built-in portrait mode
2. Add face above photos
3. Share highlights
4. Add multiple photos and videos
5. Post stories longer than 15 seconds
6. Add a color block to a story
7. Add interactive stickers
8. Blur background (pop-up card)
9. Change pen size
10. See all colors
11. Remove date from old photos
12. Share posts in stories
13. History of regram
14. Silent story
15. Enable Story Notifications
Conclusion!
While some features are obvious, others hide in menus or gestures. We've tested them all to bring you these reliable hacks. New to Stories? Start with Instagram's basic FAQ, then dive in.
Most modern smartphones offer portrait mode, blurring the background to mimic a professional DSLR shot. No compatible phone? Instagram's Focus mode has you covered.
To activate: Tap the Story icon (top left). Swipe left on bottom modes to Focus. Center the face—the background blurs automatically.
Overlay a fresh selfie on any image in Stories. Note: Use front camera only; no existing photos or rear camera.
Step 1: Open Story mode, capture or upload a photo.
Step 2: Tap Sticker icon, then camera sticker.
Step 3: Capture selfie in the mini camera. Tap again for mode options.
You can share any Highlights—yours or others'—via DM or link.
Hold the Highlight on a profile. Select Send To for DM or Copy link for external sharing.
Note: Works for yours and others' Highlights.
Pro tip: Learn to download Highlights too.
Select and edit multiple at once—no more tedious repeats.
Step 1: Story mode > Gallery icon.
Step 2: Tap layered icon (top right). Select files via bubbles.
Step 3: Edit in bottom carousel, then share.
Bypass the limit by splitting videos automatically. Android: Story Cutter. iOS: CutStory.
Tip: Optimal size: 1080x1920px (9:16 ratio).
Create solid backgrounds without templates.
Step 1: Story mode, capture/upload image.
Step 2: Tap pen icon.
Step 3: Pick color, hold to fill screen.
Boost interaction with polls, emoji sliders, questions. Tap Sticker icon > search for quick access.
Elevate shared posts: Hold post on feed, screenshot without lifting. Upload to Story—profile pops with blurred background.
Four pens available. Tap pen icon, drag left slider up/down for size.
Hold any bottom color for full palette. Or use color picker on image.
Instagram adds date sticker to old pics—hold and drag to trash icon.
Share public posts directly (clickable). Tap paper plane > Add post to your story. Edit as needed.
Note: Public profiles only. Disable in settings if desired.
Mentioned in a Story? DM notifies—tap Add to your story to repost.
Mute unwanted Stories while following accounts.
Step 1: Profile > three dots (top right).
Step 2: Mute > Mute Story. Or hold Story icon on home > Mute.
Get alerts for favorites: Profile > three dots > Turn on Story Notifications (if active Story exists).
These battle-tested tips will transform your Stories. Share your favorites or misses in comments!
