An Instagram Story is a post that is only visible for 24 hours, accessible to your followers at the top of their Instagram Feed. Instagram Stories can either be a photo, created graphic, or 1-60 second long video. To create an Instagram Story:

1) Open the app.

2) Tap the Home button at the bottom of the screen if you are not already at your Instagram Feed.

3) Swipe right.

4) Either take a picture or video with the white button at the bottom center of your phone, upload an image or video from the button at the far bottom left of your phone.

• You can also enter Create Mode by tapping the “Aa” button at the center left of your phone screen

• You can make a Boomerang by tapping the infinity symbol at the center left of your phone screen

• To create a photo grid, tap the grid button at the center left of your phone screen

• Enter Hands-free mode by tapping the down arrow under the grid button and tap the “Hands-free” button

• To take a photo with both your front and back facing cameras, tap the “Dual” button

• When making a Story, you can turn your camera’s flash on or off, adjust settings and exit at the top of your phone screen. To try different filters, slide the circle buttons at the bottom (next to the white center button) to left and stop at whichever filter you want to use

5) Once you take your photo or create a graphic, you can edit it more, or post it by tapping the white circle button with a right facing arrow. After tapping the arrow button, share the Story by tapping the blue “Share” button when there is a blue circle to the right of your profile photo and “Your Story.”

Once posted, your Instagram Story will be visible to your followers and the rest of Instagram for 24 hours. People can see your Story by tapping your profile photo on your Instagram profile, or at the top of their Instagram Feed. Stories can be shared by other Instagram users as messages or re-shared as Stories. Stories can also be displayed on your profile as “Highlights” on your profile page.

Stories are a great way to communicate with your audience easily and in a low stakes way. Your Story post isn’t meant to stick around forever, as most expire after 24 hours, unless kept as a Highlight. You can announce limited time only sales with an Instagram Story, or give your followers a behind the scenes look at your business. Post as many Stories as you want, and they will be displayed in sequential order from oldest to most recent. Posting regularly is a simple way to stay engaged with your followers or customer base. By posting Instagram Stories you may even find new audience.