Since its launch, Instagram has become the largest photo-sharing social media service on the planet. The vital reasons behind Instagram's success are its extremely easy-to-use interface and constantly-updated features. In 2016, Instagram introduced the Stories feature, bringing another great experience to users. If you’re into making short video content in the app, then check out the following tips for Instagram Stories! 

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8 tips and tricks for Instagram Stories 

#1. Use selfie photos as stickers on Stories

Sometimes you want to use a selfie photo as a sticker to add a lively reaction to your story. To do this, follow these steps:

Step 1: Open Story mode and take a new photo or upload an existing photo.

Step 2: On the Edit screen, tap the Sticker icon, then tap the camera sticker.

Step 3: You'll see a small camera interface open up, tap it to take a selfie, then tap it again to select different modes.

#2. Add multiple photos and videos at once

Previously, to download multiple photos or videos, you had to repeat the steps for each individual file. Now, Instagram has allowed users to add multiple photos and videos to stories at once.

Step 1: Access the Story mode and tap the Gallery icon.

Step 2: Then, click on the small multi-layer icon in the upper right corner. You'll see a small circle appear at the top right of each file in the photo view so you can select multiple photos or videos to upload.

Step 3: Tap each photo on the carousel at the bottom to edit them. Finally, hit the Next button and share them on your story.

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#3. Use third-party to post longer video stories

If you post a lot of stories, you might be annoyed that Instagram doesn't allow posts longer than 15 seconds. No worries, you can remove that limitation using the trick below.

Basically, what you need to do is cut the video into small videos. Luckily, you don't have to do this manually as there are many third-party apps to help you do it.

• For Android: Story Cutter 
• For iOS: CutStory

#4. Add more interactive stickers

Instagram offers a variety of interactive stickers, like polls, emoji sliders, question, etc. You can use these stickers to get feedback from your followers. Tap the sticker icon and select a sticker to add it.

#5. Share other posts to your story

If you want to share your own or a friend's post on a story, you don't need to do it manually by taking a screenshot, because Instagram already has an option to help you do this. When you share a post to a story, you can click on it. This means that the user can directly access the post from the story.

Step 1:  Access the post you want to share on the story, then touch the Send to icon.

Step 2: On the Send to screen, you will see the Add post to Your Story option, tap it to go to the story editing screen. Here, you can add stickers, text, or drawings as you like.

#6. Hide someone's story on Newsfeed

If you don't want someone's story to appear in your feed without unfollowing, you can use Instagram's new Mute feature.

Step 1: Open the Instagram profile you want to hide and tap the three-dot icon in the upper right corner.

Step 2: Then click on Mute, on the menu that appears tap on Mute Story. If you want to see their story reappear in your feed, just repeat the steps above and tap Unmute story.

#7. Get notified when someone posts a story

If you like someone's stories, you can set them up to receive notifications every time they post.

Step 1: Go to their profile and tap the three-dot icon in the upper right corner.

Step 2: From this menu, select Turn on story notifications.

#8. Block someone from watching your Stories

Another cool feature is that you can completely block someone from following your stories.

Step 1: Access the personal Instagram account interface, then click on the three-dash icon.

Step 2: Select Story Settings.

Step 3: Then, select Hide Story From. A list of Instagram accounts that are following you will be displayed. If you want to block anyone, just tick the account name, then click Done in the top right corner.

Accounts that are blocked from viewing Instagram Stories are displayed at the top of the list. If you want to unblock someone, you just need to un-check that account.