Grow your Instagram account with 2k+ real, organic IG followersGet started
By Published On: August 11, 2026

Ways to Highlight Instagram Stories and Keep Them Permanently

Instagram Stories are a powerful tool for engaging with your audience, but they disappear after 24 hours. To make your content accessible longer, you can highlight your favorite stories. Here are the optimal ways to create and maintain Instagram Story highlights.

Creating Story Highlights

Step 1: To create your first highlight, go to your profile and tap on the “+” icon under your bio section labeled “New.” This will allow you to select stories you’ve previously posted that you want to feature permanently.

Step 2: Choose a cover for your highlight. You can either select from existing stories or upload a custom image. Keep your cover consistent with your brand aesthetic for a cohesive look.

Step 3: Give your highlight a catchy name. Short, descriptive titles help viewers understand what content they can expect. You can also create multiple highlights, categorizing stories into themes like “Events,” “Behind the Scenes,” or “Tips.”

Organizing and Managing Story Highlights

Once you’ve created highlights, maintaining them is crucial for engagement. Here are some tips for effective management:

  • Regular Updates: Keep your highlights fresh by adding new stories regularly. This can be anything from new products, customer testimonials, or promotional content.
  • Delete Old Content: If certain stories are no longer relevant or do not align with your current branding, feel free to remove them. This helps keep your profile tidy and focused.
  • Use Story Insights: Utilize Instagram Analytics to track which highlights receive the most views and engagement. This information can inform your content strategy moving forward.
  • Promoting Your Highlights

    To drive more traffic to your highlights, you can mention them in your regular posts or insert a call-to-action in your current stories. Encourage followers to explore highlights for more exclusive content. You can also cross-promote on other platforms like Facebook or your website to reach a broader audience.

    For advanced strategies, consider using tools such as Canva for creating aesthetically pleasing highlight covers or exploring Hootsuite for managing your Instagram account effectively.