iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Instagram Story Highlights are curated collections of Stories displayed on an Instagram profile. Unlike an ordinary Story, which Instagram described as appearing for 24 hours, a Highlight keeps selected Story content on the profile until the account owner removes it. Highlights are not the same as the private Stories Archive: an archived Story must be added to a Highlight to appear in a profile collection.
What Instagram Story Highlights look like
Highlights appear as tappable circles on an Instagram profile, where visitors can open the saved Stories inside. An account owner can group selected Stories by topic or purpose—for example, an introduction, travel memories, tutorials, frequently asked questions, opening information, products, or events.
Instagram introduced Stories Highlights and the Stories Archive in a December 5, 2017 announcement. Instagram said Highlights let people feature Stories they had already shared and that they remain on the profile until removed. Read Instagram’s announcement.
How Stories, the Archive, and Highlights differ
| Feature | Purpose | Where it appears | Duration or access |
|---|---|---|---|
| Story | Share timely photos or videos. | The Story surface. | Instagram’s 2017 announcement described the ordinary display period as 24 hours. |
| Stories Archive | Keep expired Stories for the account owner. | A private archive, not a profile collection. | Instagram says it is visible only to the account owner; automatic archiving can be turned off. |
| Highlight | Curate selected Stories for profile visitors. | A collection on the profile. | Instagram says it stays on the profile until removed; who can see its Stories still depends on account and Story audience settings. |
Archiving and displaying are separate: saving an expired Story to the Archive does not automatically add it to a Highlight.
#1 Best Overall
How to create or edit a Highlight
Instagram’s controls can vary by device, app version, and account, so button names and placement may differ. Current guides describe two common starting points:
Add a current Story
- Open the Story you have shared.
- Use its Highlight control to add it to an existing collection or create a new one.
- Choose a name and cover for the collection.
Add an older Story
- Open your Stories Archive and find the Story, if it was saved and is still available to your account.
- Select the Story and add it to an existing Highlight or create a new one.
- Choose the collection name and cover.
Edit or remove a Highlight
You can edit a collection to change its included Stories, name, or cover, or remove it from your profile. Instagram’s 2017 announcement described pressing and holding a Highlight to edit or remove it; current controls may differ.
Archive and privacy considerations
Instagram’s announcement says expired Stories are automatically saved to a private Stories Archive, and that automatic saving can be disabled in profile settings. If an old Story is missing, check whether archive saving was enabled and whether the Story is still available to the account.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Adding a Story to a Highlight does not, by itself, make it visible to everyone. The audience depends on the account’s settings and the visibility settings that apply to the Story. A Highlight is a way to organize and retain selected content on a profile, not a way to override its audience.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Choosing a Highlight cover
A cover helps visitors recognize what a collection contains. You can use an image from a Story; current third-party guides also describe choosing a custom image. A separate design app is optional—Instagram Highlights do not require a paid design tool. If you use a custom image, choose one that remains clear at the small circular size shown on the profile.
Quick Recap
Best Value
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
