Instagram Stories allow users to share photos and videos that disappear after 24 hours. With over 500 million daily active users, Stories have become a popular way to give followers a behind-the-scenes look into your life.
While Stories may seem temporary, there are ways to edit and update them after posting to keep your followers engaged. This article will provide tips on how to edit your Instagram Stories like a pro.
Table of Contents
Use Instagram Story Settings to Control Viewership
Once your Story is live, tap the three dots in the bottom left corner to access Story Settings. Here you can:
- Choose who can view your Story:
- Hide your Story from specific followers
- Create a Close Friends list for more private sharing
- Allow message replies from everyone, people you follow, or no one
- Feature your Story on your profile
- Save your Story to your Archive or camera roll
Customizing these settings allows you to target specific audiences and control interactivity.
Edit Captions, Stickers, and Media After Posting
While you can’t completely re-edit the actual photo or video after posting, you can still make changes to certain elements:
Text
Click on your caption or other text boxes to edit or update wording as needed. You can change the font style and color as well.
Stickers
Tap on a sticker to move its placement, resize it, or delete it altogether. You can also add additional stickers.
Tagged People
Click the tag to change the username tag to another person or remove it.
Delete and Repost Your Story
If you need to make major edits, you’ll have to delete your entire Story and repost it. Here’s how:
- Open Stories and tap the three dots icon in the bottom right corner of the Story
- Select “Delete”
- Confirm by tapping “Delete” again
- Make edits to photos/videos as needed
- Create a new Story with your updated content
While deleting and reposting takes more effort, it allows you to completely refresh your Story if needed.
Use Third-Party Editing Apps Before Posting
To have more editing control, use a third-party editing app to customize your photos and videos before posting them to your Story. Some top options include:
- InShot: Add filters, stickers, text, animations
- Canva: Select from beautiful templates and graphics
- Unfold: Create collages and add bold text
- Adobe Express: Apply professional edits with easy-to-use tools
The key is finding an editing app with features that fit your brand’s aesthetic. Take the time to explore different apps to see which is best suited for your content style and editing needs.
Edit Story Highlights
In addition to one-off Stories, you can create Story Highlights – collections of your best Stories that live at the top of your profile permanently. You can edit existing Highlights by:
- Tapping the three dots on the Highlight’s cover image
- Choosing “Edit Highlight”
- Accessing your Archive to swap out existing Stories for new ones
- Rearranging the order of Stories in your Highlight
Refreshing your Highlights keeps your profile looking updated and engaging for both existing and new followers.
Use Instagram Story Analytics
Check Instagram Story analytics to see which types of Stories resonate best with your audience. View metrics like:
- Impressions and reach
- Exits and completion rate
- Responses
- Link clicks
Analyze this data to determine optimal Story length, formats, interactive elements, etc. Then edit and update your strategy accordingly.
Consistency Is Key
Post new Instagram Stories frequently and consistently, at least once daily. This keeps your profile active so the algorithm shows your content to more followers.
While Stories may seem temporary and casual, putting effort into editing, updating, and analyzing them pays off by boosting engagement. Use these pro tips to keep your audience hooked!
