{"id":130975,"date":"2019-05-09T20:45:52","date_gmt":"2019-05-09T18:45:52","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/sftarticles.wpenginepowered.com\/en\/?p=130975"},"modified":"2025-07-01T21:59:45","modified_gmt":"2025-07-02T04:59:45","slug":"complete-guide-instagram-stories","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cms-articles.softonic.io\/en\/complete-guide-instagram-stories\/","title":{"rendered":"What are Instagram Stories and how to use them as a PRO"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Instagram<\/a> has been around for quite a while. It has also grown into one of the most popular social media platforms in the world. According to most recent statistics, Instagram is just slightly behind Facebook and YouTube regarding the number of active users on the platform. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You may be wondering, “What is my story on Instagram<\/strong>?” If that’s the case, don’t worry, we have created this guide to get you using Instagram Stories like a pro. Whether you’re a business owner, influencer, or just enjoy the Instagram platform, Stories has something for everyone to enjoy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Are Instagram Stories?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Now, back to your original question, “What is my story on Instagram?” Simply put, Instagram’s Stories work similarly to Snapchat or statuses in WhatsApp. When you upload photos to your Story<\/strong> on Instagram, it will vanish after 24 hours. Instagram Stories are also published separately from your photos and videos on your main feed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Instagram Stories can be up to 15 seconds long<\/strong>. They are also displayed at the top of the active users’ app and need to be tapped on to be viewed. Once you’ve viewed one user’s Stories, the app will automatically start playing the next user’s Stories.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why tell your Story?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Apparently, Instagram Stories drive a ton of engagement<\/strong>. We mentioned the authenticity factor, but Stories are essentially a secondary feed that\u2019s a bit more exclusive<\/strong> than your main feed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long are Instagram Stories?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Each video has a maximum length of 15 seconds.<\/strong> If you add a video from your phone, it will only play for 15 seconds, no matter how long the original video was.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re posting a live video, then you\u2019ll have 60 seconds.<\/strong> Anything longer than that, you\u2019ll need to get some help from a third-party app like CutStory<\/a>. The app lets you import videos of any length to your camera roll in 15-second segments. This way, you can post longer content as a series of videos.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get started with Instagram Stories:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Okay, here is the basic rundown for setting up your first Instagram story:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Camera<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

First, open Instagram and hit the camera icon<\/strong> in the left-hand corner of the app.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Select<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Upload a photo or video from your camera roll<\/strong> by clicking that little icon to the far left. You can also swipe up on the screen to access your gallery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can also create something new by clicking the big circle<\/strong> in the middle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you choose to record within the app, you\u2019ll have a few options:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Normal<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This will take a regular-looking photo, much like one you\u2019d shoot from your phone. Just like your \u201cnormal\u201d Instagram posts, you can choose to use one of the app\u2019s built-in filters, or skip that part and edit elsewhere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Boomerang<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Boomerang allows you to create a GIF-style video that loops on repeat. While most features allow you to create a 15-second video, boomerangs only last a few seconds. Let Jimmy Fallon and Zendaya<\/strong> show you how this can work:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Superzoom<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Superzoom allows you to take a video that automatically zooms in on your subject and automatically plays a dramatic sound. To use this feature, you\u2019ll tap an area of the screen to zoom in on, then tap the circle at the bottom of the screen to start recording.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rewind<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Rewind looks just like your default videos, the only difference is (you guessed it), it plays back in reverse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hands-Free<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Hands-free also allows you to record a 15-second video, but you don\u2019t need to keep holding down the button. All you do is tap it once, and the camera rolls until the time runs out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Type Mode<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"type<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Type Mode is the feature for those who want to share what\u2019s on their mind without posting a photo or video. To access Type, hit the Type button and add your caption.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Instagram Live<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Instagram<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Instagram Live is a feature that lives inside Stories, allowing users to share live videos with the users. One of the perks of \u201cgoing live\u201d is that you\u2019ll immediately be shown at the top of your followers\u2019 feeds. It stands to earn you some engagement points if you care about that sort of thing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep in mind, you\u2019re sharing live videos in real-time, so you might want to get used to the rest of the features before diving into the deep end.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To start a live video:<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n