Instagram Story Download: Save Stories the Official Way
Searching for an Instagram story download online? Instagram already lets you save your own stories, and keeps them in Archive after 24 hours. Here's how, plus the honest answer about other people's stories.
Quick answer
- Your story: open it, tap ⋯ (More), then Save.
- Older stories of yours: find them in Archive.
- Someone else's story: no official way. Ask them, or check their Highlights.
Save a public account's stories
Stories last 24 hours. Yours can last longer.
A story disappears from everyone's feed 24 hours after you post it. That doesn't mean it's gone for you: with story archiving on, Instagram keeps a private copy in your Archive.
From Archive you can save a story again, share it again, or pin it to your profile as a Highlight. That's the built-in Instagram story saver, and it costs nothing.
Three official ways to save your own stories
Menu names can differ slightly by app version.
Save a story right now
- Open your own story while it's live.
- Tap ⋯ (More) in the corner.
- Tap “Save” to keep the photo or video on your phone.
Save every story automatically
- Open your profile menu and go to Settings.
- Find the archiving and downloading options.
- Turn on saving stories to your phone's gallery.
Find old stories in Archive
- Open your profile menu and tap “Archive”.
- Choose the stories archive to see past stories.
- Open one to save it again or add it to a Highlight.
What about someone else's story?
Instagram gives no official way to save another person's story. Stories are meant to be temporary, and many are personal. Here's what you can do instead:
- Ask the creator to send you the photo or video.
- Check their Highlights, where creators keep stories longer than 24 hours.
- Follow the account so you see new stories while they're live.
Close Friends stories and stories from private accounts are only for the people the creator chose.
Red flags in a story saver for Instagram
Many sites call themselves an insta story saver. Walk away if one is:
- Asking for your Instagram password or a login “to unlock” stories
- Promising Close Friends or private stories (that isn't possible legitimately)
- Making you install an app or browser extension first
- Covering the page in fake “Download” buttons and pop-ups
Respect people's stories
If someone sends you their story, keep it for yourself and ask before sharing it anywhere. Rights holders can reach us through our DMCA page.
Curious what others see when you watch? Read Does Instagram notify when you view a story?. For reels, videos and photos, see the Instagram Downloader guide. To watch public posts and reels, use our Instagram Viewer.
Instagram story download FAQ
Can I download someone else's Instagram story?
Instagram has no official way to save another person's story. Ask the creator for the file, or check whether they added it to their Highlights.
How do I save my own Instagram story?
While your story is live, open it, tap ⋯ (More) and choose Save. The photo or video goes to your phone.
Where do my stories go after 24 hours?
If story archiving is on, they move to your Archive, which only you can see. You can save them again or add them to a Highlight from there.
Can I save my stories automatically?
Yes. In your settings, turn on the option that saves stories to your phone's gallery, and each new story is saved as you post it.
Can I download Close Friends stories?
No. Close Friends stories are shared only with a chosen list of people. Only the person who posted one can save it.
Is there a safe insta story saver app?
Instagram's own Save and Archive features are the safe option for your stories. Be careful with apps that ask for your login or promise private stories.