Editing Instagram stories is a great way to add some personal flair to your social media presence. It’s easy to do once you get the hang of it, and you can use a variety of tools to make your story stand out. In just a few steps, you can add text, stickers, filters, and more to make your Instagram story uniquely yours.
Step by Step Tutorial on How to Edit Instagram Stories
Before diving into the specifics, let’s talk about what editing an Instagram story can do for you. It helps you express your personality, convey a message, or simply make your story more visually appealing. Let’s get started with the basics!
Step 1: Open Your Instagram Story
Open the Instagram app and swipe right or tap on your profile picture to start a new story.
Starting a new story is as easy as taking a photo or video directly through the Instagram app. You can also choose a photo or video from your gallery to upload.
Step 2: Access the Editing Tools
Tap on the screen or the Aa icon on the top right to access text and drawing tools.
Once you’ve captured or selected your story, you’ll see a variety of icons on the top right of your screen. These are your editing tools, which include text, drawing, and stickers.
Step 3: Add Text or Drawings
Use the text or drawing tools to add captions, hashtags, or artwork to your story.
You can choose different fonts and colors for your text, and there are several pen styles for drawing. Don’t be afraid to get creative!
Step 4: Use Stickers or Filters
Add stickers, GIFs, or filters by tapping the corresponding icons.
Instagram offers a wide range of stickers to express emotions, show the location, the current time, or even the temperature. Filters can change the mood of your story with just one tap.
Step 5: Save and Share Your Story
Once you’re happy with your edits, tap Your Story to share it with your followers.
Remember, Instagram stories are only live for 24 hours unless you add them to your highlights, where they can be viewed indefinitely.
After you finish editing and share your Instagram story, it will appear on your profile and your followers’ home screens for 24 hours. You can check who viewed your story by swiping up while viewing the story.
Tips for Editing Instagram Stories
- Play around with different fonts and colors for text to make your words pop.
- Use the eraser tool to create a “scratch card” effect, revealing parts of a photo or video.
- Experiment with filters to find the perfect one that complements your story’s vibe.
- Don’t overcrowd your story with too many stickers; sometimes less is more.
- Remember to use hashtags and location tags to increase the reach of your story.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I edit a story after I’ve posted it?
No, once a story is posted, you can’t edit it. However, you can delete the story and re-upload it with the necessary changes.
How do I add music to my Instagram story?
Tap on the sticker icon and select the music sticker. From there, you can search for a song and choose the segment you want to play.
Can I change the cover of a video in my story?
Yes, when uploading a video, hold down on the screen to pause and choose a frame from the video as the cover.
Is there a way to save my edited story?
Yes, you can save your edited story to your phone by tapping the download icon before or after posting it.
How do I add a link to my Instagram story?
If you have the link feature enabled, you can add a link by tapping the chain icon at the top of the screen and pasting your link.
Summary
- Open Your Instagram Story
- Access the Editing Tools
- Add Text or Drawings
- Use Stickers or Filters
- Save and Share Your Story
Conclusion
Editing your Instagram stories can turn a simple photo or video into a work of art that captures your followers’ attention. With the easy-to-use tools that Instagram provides, the possibilities are endless. Whether you’re sharing a moment from your day, promoting a product, or just having fun, a well-edited story can make a big difference.
Remember, your Instagram story is a reflection of you or your brand, so take the time to make it look just right. Keep experimenting with different tools and techniques to find your unique style. And don’t forget to engage with your followers by responding to their reactions and messages. Happy editing, and here’s to your next viral Instagram story!
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.