Are you looking to elevate your Instagram profile and highlight your most memorable moments? Adding Instagram Highlights is the perfect solution. Unlike standard Instagram Stories that disappear after 24 hours, Highlights remain on your profile for as long as you choose.
In this easy-to-follow guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to create and publish Instagram Highlights, whether you’re using an iPhone or Android device. Let’s embark on this journey to enhance your Instagram presence!
What are Instagram Story Highlights?
Have you ever visited someone’s Instagram profile and noticed the various bubbles displayed between their bio and feed? Those bubbles are Instagram Story Highlights—collections of users’ favorite stories that remain accessible well beyond the typical 24-hour limit.
Given their prominent placement on the profile, Instagram Story Highlights offer followers a snapshot of your account and its content. This is why brands and influencers often utilize this feature—it’s an effective way to capture the audience’s interest!
But it’s not just for brands; regular Instagram users love Story Highlights, too. This feature provides an excellent way to save and categorize stories from events, travels, birthdays, and other memorable moments. It’s like having your very own Instagram album.
Launch the Instagram App
Launch the Instagram app on your smartphone or tablet. Locate the distinctive white camera icon set within a vibrant purple-and-orange square.
Once the app is open, tap on the profile icon in the bottom right corner, which is either the Android IG Profile icon or your profile picture, to access your profile page.
Adding Your First Highlight
Here’s a refined version of your instructions:
Now, let’s add your first Highlight! Look for the ‘+’ symbol located below your username and bio, and tap on it. If the ‘+’ symbol isn’t visible, don’t worry.
First, tap on “Story Highlights,” which will expand to show a list of your previously created Highlights.
From there, tap ‘+’ to create a new one. The best part? You can add as many Highlights as you like to your profile!
Selecting Stories to Include
After tapping the ‘+,’ you’ll need to select the Stories you want to feature in your Highlight. Instagram offers the flexibility to choose one or multiple Stories to include in the same Highlight.
Remarkably, you can add up to 100 Stories to a single Highlight, giving you endless opportunities for creativity.
Adding Highlights Privately
While only published Stories can be converted into Highlights, we’ve developed a workaround for those who prefer to keep their Stories private.
Although this method requires a bit more effort, it ensures your Highlights remain unseen as public Stories.
To get started, open the Instagram app on your device and access your profile. Then, follow these steps:
- Switch your Instagram profile to private to maintain the privacy of your Stories.
- Hide your Story from everyone in your privacy settings.
- Publish your Story, and promptly add it to your Highlights.
- After 24 hours, restore visibility to your Stories and adjust your privacy settings as needed.
Managing Your Instagram Highlights
Keeping your Instagram Highlights updated is essential for maintaining a fresh profile. Here’s how to edit or remove Highlights 🍾:
- Go to your profile and tap the “+” icon below your bio.
- Select “Archive” from the drop-down menu.
- Choose the Highlight you wish to edit or remove.
- Tap the three-dot menu icon in the bottom right corner of the screen.
- Select “Edit Highlight” or “Remove Highlight” based on your preference.
- Make the necessary changes and save your edits.
How to Add Instagram Highlights in 2023
Adding Highlights is a straightforward process. Follow these steps to create and customize your Instagram Highlights effectively:
Step 1: Create an Instagram Story
Before you can add a Highlight, you need to have a Story. Here’s how to create one:
- Open Instagram: Launch the app on your device.
- Tap Your Profile Picture: Click on your profile picture in the top-left corner or tap the “+” sign to create a new Story.
- Capture or Upload Content: You can either take a photo/video or upload content from your gallery.
- Edit Your Story: Use Instagram’s editing tools to add text, stickers, or effects.
- Share Your Story: Once you’re satisfied, tap “Your Story” to post it.
Step 2: Add Your Story to Highlights
After posting your Story, you can add it to Highlights:
- View Your Story: Tap your profile picture to view your Story.
- Tap the Highlight Icon: At the bottom right, click on the “Highlight” button (a heart with a plus sign).
- Choose or Create a Highlight: You can add it to an existing Highlight or create a new one by tapping “New Highlight.”
- Name Your Highlight: Enter a name for your Highlight (up to 15 characters).
- Select a Cover: Choose a cover image for your Highlight that visually represents the content.
- Save: Tap “Add” to finalize.
Step 3: Manage Your Highlights
Once you’ve created Highlights, you can manage them easily:
- Edit a Highlight: Tap and hold the Highlight on your profile to access the editing options.
- Add More Stories: Select the Highlight you want to edit, then tap “Edit Highlight” to add more Stories.
- Remove Stories: While editing, you can unselect Stories to remove them from the Highlight.
- Change Cover: You can also change the cover image and title by tapping on them during the edit process.
Best Practices for Instagram Highlights
To maximize the effectiveness of your Highlights, consider these best practices:
Organize by Theme
Group similar Stories under specific themes, such as “Travel,” “Food,” or “Tutorials.” This organization helps viewers find relevant content easily.
Keep Titles Short and Descriptive
Use concise titles that clearly represent the content within each Highlight. This clarity will improve user experience and engagement.
Design Custom Covers
Creating custom covers for your Highlights can enhance your profile’s visual appeal. Use tools like Canva or Adobe Spark to design unique covers that match your brand aesthetic.
Update Regularly
Update your Highlights regularly to reflect current trends or significant events. This practice keeps your content fresh and engaging for followers.
Promote Your Highlights
Don’t hesitate to promote your Highlights in your posts or Stories. Encourage followers to check them out for more in-depth content.
Frequently Ask Questions
What are Instagram Highlights?
Instagram Highlights are curated collections of your past Stories that you choose to display permanently on your profile. They allow followers to easily view your best content, even after the original Stories have disappeared.
Can I add multiple Stories to a single Highlight?
Yes, you can add multiple Stories to a single Highlight. When editing a Highlight, select additional Stories from your archives to include.
What is the best way to organize my Highlights?
Organize your Highlights by theme or category, such as travel, food, or tutorials. This makes it easier for followers to navigate and find content relevant to their interests.
How often should I update my Highlights?
You should update your Highlights regularly to keep your content fresh and engaging. Consider updating them whenever you have new Stories that fit the existing themes.
Can I delete a Highlight?
Yes, you can delete a Highlight. Tap and hold the Highlight you want to remove, then select “Delete Highlight.” This will remove it from your profile, but it won’t delete the original Stories.
Do Instagram Highlights affect my profile visibility?
While Highlights themselves do not directly affect visibility, well-organized and visually appealing Highlights can enhance your profile’s overall aesthetic, making it more attractive to followers.
Can I see who viewed my Highlights?
No, Instagram does not provide a way to see who views explicitly your Highlights. However, you can see the views of individual Stories within the Highlight while they were active.
Are there any limitations on the number of Highlights I can have?
You can have an unlimited number of Highlights on your Instagram profile. However, it’s best to keep them organized to avoid overwhelming your followers.
Conclusion
Instagram Highlights in 2023 is a fantastic way to enhance your profile and engage your audience. By curating your best Stories into organized collections, you not only keep your content accessible but also showcase your brand’s personality and interests. Remember to create meaningful categories, design eye-catching cover images, and update your Highlights regularly to keep your profile dynamic and appealing.
With the steps and best practices outlined in this guide, you can leverage Instagram Highlights to create a visually compelling narrative that resonates with your followers. Whether you’re a casual user or a business owner, utilizing Highlights effectively can significantly improve your Instagram presence and foster deeper connections with your audience. Start today and transform your Stories into lasting memories.
