Instagram Stories last 24 hours and let you get a glimpse of the exciting things in people's lives in just a few seconds. You may use Instagram, but there's a lot to explore within the app. Transform your photos and video posts in innovative and charming ways with the latest features. Let's go through this detailed guide to efficiently use Instagram Stories.

How do I use Instagram Stories?

Before using Instagram Stories, it is important to know how to create these stories. There are several features and filters on Instagram, but you'll get the most out of them if you know their nuances.

Instagram Stories can be either photos or long videos. These stories can be created from pre-existing photos or videos on your phone, snaps downloaded from Snapchat, or you can click or record live based on your needs. Individuals and big brands reach their audience with Instagram Stories by posting lucrative stories on their Instagram profiles. Here is the step-by-step guide to understanding how to create and use Instagram Stories.

Step 1. Launch Instagram camera.

First, update your Instagram app and then launch it. Now you can create your very first Instagram story in 3 ways. First, you can choose one of the options listed below.

• a. Tap the camera icon in the top left corner of your Instagram screen.
• b. In the Stories section, click your profile picture with a "+" sign - below the camera icon.
• c. Swipe right on the screen (to launch the Instagram camera there).

Step 2. Share a video or photo from the gallery

If you want to post an image or video that you already have on your phone, you can make it your Insta Story. To do this, you need to swipe up on your screen after launching the Instagram camera. It will open your gallery, and you can select the image or video you want and click "Send to." On the next page, tap Your Story, then tap Share. Now your first Instagram story is there for your contacts.

Image resource: Quora

Step 3. Now click and share

If you want to capture and share the stunning surroundings you are vacationing, Instagram Stories allows you to instantly do so.As storiesdown.com official website says Instagram allows to capture in-app footage with camera lenses, be it a video or still (image). Mastering them will help you get the most out of Instagram Stories.

Here's the list of options to choose from while clicking on a picture or recording a video with the Instagram app.

Note: By default, 'Normal' mode is ready to capture your subject. We will bring you the entire list of options to click amazing shots perfect for decorating your Instagram Stories.

After launching the Instagram camera, then select the following camera options as you like –

Image Resource: Ryan Bilello

normal

This mode is available by default. You need to hold down the camera button to record a video because tapping on it will click a picture. Once you've recorded the video, you can save it or share it as a story on Instagram.

live

Then click on the "Live" option on your camera. It will be recorded and broadcast lives on Instagram. You can reach your friends and followers live and leave comments to read and reply to online. You can save the video, make it disappear, or share it as your Instagram Stories for a day (24 hours) once the broadcast is over. You can also add people, choose filters and flip the camera.

boomerang

With this mode, you can create funny GIFs that repeat repeatedly. The video is recorded with a duration of up to 3 seconds. All you have to do is tap and grab the boomerang button! Then, post it as your story on Instagram and make your friends laugh!

i.e., superzoom

This camera lens is for videos on Instagram. You can add dramatic music by tapping the music icon above the camera icon. You have to select the music and then press and hold the camera button to capture the subject. The video will zoom in to give you a closer look at the subject and play the soundtrack.

Rewind

This lens will make your Insta Stories super exciting. How about people greeting each other with a hug? 'Rewind' lets you watch the video in reverse order. They will not hug; Rather, the video shows them opening their arms and then moving backward away from each other. Interesting, isn't it? Record it and share it as your Instagram story.

Handsfree

So you've tried all the options with the Instagram camera? Let's go through 'Hands-Free.' As the name suggests, you can record your own video by mounting your phone in a stable place without holding down the camera button.

After capturing the video with any of the above lenses, you can share it as your Insta story. We're sure you enjoyed reading about these cool camera lenses. 

Tricks and tips

Well, now that you have an idea about all of Instagram's filters and lenses, we thought of sharing some cool add-ons for your captivating Instagram Stories.

Image Resource: Ryan Bilello

Use stickers:

With "Sticker" with your video or your pictures, you can spice up your Insta Stories. First, open Instagram and then take a video/picture or choose one from your gallery to use these stickers. Now tap on the smiley face icon in the top right corner of the image or video. You will see many options below. Choose one of them and then pin it to your image/video to share. You can resize the "Stickers" by pinching them together (to zoom in and out).

 The most popular 'Stickers' and their uses

location, poll hashtags

You can add location and hashtags to your Insta Stories by tapping their icon in the Stickers list. The Poll allows you to add a yes or no option to a question to measure engagement for your photo/video on Instagram. 'Location' helps you tag the location with your image/video. Finally, adding #hashtags works just like describing your Insta polls, gram post and makes it searchable.

b.face sticker (camera icon)

To turn your face into a sticker, tap the camera icon in the Stickers section and take a selfie. Then tap the selfie to pin it to your picture or video as a sticker, then share it as your Instagram story.

Use your pen:

Now that you've used fun stickers to make your pic attractive (for Insta Story), how about adding a cute personal note as well? Well, you can do this by tapping on the pencil icon right next to "Sticker." Select the pen type you want (highlighter, airbrush, eraser, etc.) at the top, then select the color at the bottom of the screen. You can adjust the pen size using the slider on the left. After you've written or doodled on the picture, tap the checkmark in the top-right corner, and you're good to go.

Whoa! You'll become a sport in how to use Instagram Stories.

Add text:

You can add text to make your InstaStories more attractive. Tap the 'Aa' icon in the far right corner of your screen (in the Instagram camera), and you should start typing. Change the font style by tapping if you want on the style available at the top of the screen and choosing the color of the 'Text.' You can also tag people in 'Text' by typing '@,' then the person's handle name and then clicking their picture.

Add Color Overlays:

Now dress up your creative hat and weave some magic into the Insta Stories. Here, to add color overlays to your Insta Story image or video, you need to use the pen tool and select a color. Click anywhere on the screen and hold on for a moment wait until the entire screen is covered with that color. Then tap on the "Eraser" tool and uncover certain parts of the image or video to create interesting Instagram stories.

Add link:

Adding links to your Instagram Stories is one of the hottest things right now. Go on the days of 'link in bio' under your description. However, adding a link to your Instagram story is now limited to the verified accounts and business profiles with more than 10,000 followers. This is an interesting way to drive traffic to your business page or YouTube channel etc.

First, add a video or image and then click on the paper clip icon in the top right corner of the screen. Enter your URL after tapping the paperclip icon, then share it as your Instagram story to attract your audience. The "Swipe Up" message will appear at the bottom of the story. You can get your audience going by being a little creative and drawing an arrow pointing to this text.

You May Also Like: How to Post a Link to Instagram Stories and Posts

Add music:

If adding "stickers," "text," and choosing filters for your perfect Insta Story video is not enough, why not try your favorite music? First, play audio with the built-in player in your phone (you can also stream online), then go to Instagram and tap the camera icon to record the video. When your recording is complete, you can share this video as your Instagram story along with your favorite song. Ensure the music icon is not muted ('X' mark above).

Conclusion: With this complete guide to Instagram Stories, we hope you are a pro at using Instagram Stories. Bring out your creative soul and explore the world of Insta Stories with these incredibly cool features. Keep telling your stories through your camera lens (Instagram's!).