How long do Instagram stories last?

Georgina Smith
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Instagram Stories are an alternative to regular posts that let you upload content to your profile for a limited period, but how long do they last? Here’s everything you need to know.

For many years, Instagram has been one of the most popular social media platforms, where millions of people use it for anything from updating friends and family about their lives, to promoting their business.

There are a number of different types of content you can post on the platform, like regular posts or reels, but one of the most popular features is the story function.

Stories allows users to upload portrait images and videos which differ from regular posts in that they are only temporary, and expire after a set time period automatically. They can be viewed by clicking on an account’s profile picture in the stories section on the home page, and creators are then able to view who has seen their story after uploading it.

But how long does a story last?

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Stories are a hugely popular way to share content on Instagram.

How long do Instagram stories last?

Pictures and videos you share to your Instagram story will expire automatically after 24 hours. Following this period, the post will disappear from your profile.

However, if you want to make your story post more permanent, you are also able to add it to a highlight. A highlight is a section on your Instagram profile where you can upload stories you’ve posted previously, and they will remain visible to other users until you remove them.

You can of course delete a story before the 24-hour period is over by clicking on your story, tapping ‘more,’ and then selecting the ‘Delete’ option.


If you want to know more about how to use Instagram, you can check out our other guides here:

How to link your Instagram account to TikTokHow to see your first-liked Instagram postHow to switch Instagram feed to chronological orderHow to re-share a post to your Story on InstagramHow to make money on InstagramHow to hide likes on Instagram

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