How to download an Instagram Story

Updated 15 November 2026

Instagram Stories disappear after about a day, so people often want a copy of something they already have the right to see. Here is a straightforward way to download an Instagram Story from a public link, without installing another app.

1. Copy the Story link

Open the Story in Instagram. Use the share sheet or “Copy link” so you get a full URL that starts with instagram.com. A profile page is not enough — you need the link to that Story (or to a highlight, Reel, or post).

2. Paste it into a browser tool

Open the Instagram Story Downloader and paste the link in the box on the first screen. You can add more than one URL, each on its own line.

3. Look up the file, then save it

Tap Download to look up the public file. If Instagram makes that Story available without sign-in, you will get a photo or video with a clear name. Save it to your camera roll or downloads folder. If Instagram requires a sign-in, the tool will say so instead of pretending it worked. Public Reels and posts are more likely to succeed today.

What this will not do

• It will not sign in to Instagram for you, and it cannot fetch content that Instagram only shows after sign-in.
• It will not open private, close-friends, or already-expired Stories.
• It will not keep a copy of the file on this website — nothing is hosted here.

If you are on a particular device, see the follow-up guides for iPhone and Android or PC.

This site does not host any photos or videos. It only helps you download public Instagram content that you already have the right to access. Stories Download is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to Instagram or Meta.