Instagram Stories are a common means for users to share daily moments, yet a drawback is their automatic disappearance after 24 hours. This can be frustrating if you wish to revisit or save an older story. Thankfully, there are methods to see older stories on Instagram. Continue reading as we offer a comprehensive guide on accessing previous stories, and enhancing your experience with the Instagram application.
Utilize the Archive Feature
When you share a story on Instagram, it disappears from public view after 24 hours, but you can see older stories on Instagram later by accessing your Archive.
Accessing the Archive on the Instagram Website
- Log in to your account through the Instagram website.
- Navigate to your profile by selecting your icon on the left side of the screen.
- Click on View Archive at the top of your profile page.
- Upon clicking View Archive, you’ll find all your past stories in reverse order.
- Clicking on any of them allows you to rewatch them.
Accessing the Archive on the Instagram Mobile App
- Log in to your account using the Instagram mobile app.
- Tap your profile image at the bottom right to go to your profile page.
- On the profile page, tap the three lines at the top to open the Settings menu.
- Scroll down on the settings menu until you locate the Archive option.
- Tapping the Archive option displays any previous Stories you shared, and you can tap them to rewatch.
Utilize Instagram Highlights
Instagram Highlights enable you to feature top stories for an extended viewing period beyond the standard 24 hours.
Creating a Highlight on the Instagram Website
- To craft a highlight from one of your stories on the Instagram website, log in to your account and click your profile image on the left side.
- On your profile page, locate a large plus sign below your image.
- Clicking it directs you to a page displaying all your posted Stories.
- After naming your new Highlight, select a story to highlight by clicking it.
- Choose one or multiple Stories to include in your Highlight.
- Click Next once satisfied with your selection.
- On the next page, pick a cover image for your Highlight, and clicking Done makes it live on your page for visitors to view.
Creating a Highlight on the Instagram App
- To create a highlight from your stories using the Instagram app on a mobile device, sign in to your account and access your profile by clicking your image at the bottom right.
- On your profile page, find a large plus sign below your image.
- Clicking it leads you to a page displaying all your posted Stories, and you can choose one or more to highlight by clicking them.
- After selecting the images, clicking next takes you to a page to edit the cover image and name your Highlight.
- Once content with the title, clicking Done makes your Highlight live for viewing by you and others for as long as you keep it posted.
Alternative Methods to Access Older Stories on Instagram
If the desired old Story belongs to another user, consider messaging them and politely asking to turn it into a highlight for your enjoyment.
For stories from others that you anticipate wanting to see later, take a screenshot and save it to your device’s image gallery.
Opt to receive notifications to catch stories as they appear, providing more time to enjoy them before the 24-hour window closes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is There a Limit to the Number of Highlights I Can Create on My Instagram Profile?
Instagram permits unlimited Highlights, allowing you to organize and showcase older Stories based on various themes or topics.
Can I View Stories from Users Who Have Blocked Me on Instagram?
If someone blocks you on Instagram, access to their Stories, even if public, is restricted.
How Long Does Instagram Keep Stories in the Archive?
Instagram retains stories in the Archive unless you delete the account, ensuring you can access them at any time.