Finding your archived stories on Instagram can be useful for looking back on past posts or reposting old content. Instagram archives stories after 24 hours, so accessing old stories requires digging into your account’s archive. Here are some tips on how to find and view your archived Instagram stories.
What Happens To Expired Stories?
Instagram stories expire after 24 hours by default. Once a story expires, it’s archived on Instagram’s servers. The original poster can still access their expired stories, but they disappear from the app for other users.
So if you notice some of your stories are missing, it’s likely because they have expired and been archived. Don’t worry, the content is still saved and accessible if you know where to look.
Viewing Archived Stories
To view your archived stories on Instagram:
- Go to your profile
- Tap the three horizontal lines in the top right corner
- Select “Archive” from the menu
This will open your story archive, which contains all your expired stories for the last year. You can scroll through and view the stories like normal. Note that any interactive elements will no longer work since these are just archived versions.
Retrieving Archived Stories
In addition to viewing, you can also retrieve your archived stories to repost or download:
- Open your story archive as outlined above
- Tap and hold the story you want to retrieve
- Select “Show Original” from the pop-up menu
This will open the original expired story. From here, you have a few options:
- Download – Save the story to your device’s camera roll
- Repost – Share the story again as new story
- Close – Return to your archive
Downloading lets you permanently keep copies of your old stories. Reposting is handy for sharing old content again for your followers to see.
Finding Old Stories on Profile
In addition to your archive, old stories are also accessible directly from your profile:
- Go to your profile
- Swipe up to view stories
- Tap “See All” below your story name
This shows a grid view of your last 24 hours of stories. Continue swiping up to access your older stories, all the way back to your earliest story.
The difference here is these are organized chronologically, while your archive groups stories from the same 24 hour period. But both methods work for finding old story content.
How Long Are Archived Stories Kept?
Instagram archives your stories for the following time periods:
- Story posts – 1 year
- Direct messages – 1 year
- Posts you’ve liked or commented on – Forever
So you have a full year to access old story posts and messages before they are deleted. Regular posts aren’t archived the same way since they remain visible on your profile unless deleted.
Archiving Stories Before They Expire
If you want to save an important story before it expires, you can download it:
- Open the story
- Tap the three dots at the bottom
- Select “Save” to save to your camera roll
This prevents having to dig back through your archive later to find a specific story you want to keep.
Restoring Deleted Stories
If you accidentally delete a story you wanted to keep, there may still be a way to get it back:
- Go to your story archive
- Look for the deleted story under “Recently Deleted”
- Tap “Restore” to salvage it
However, Instagram only retains deleted stories for 24 hours after removal. So act quickly if you change your mind about deleting something.
Conclusion
While Instagram stories are temporary by design, your old stories aren’t lost forever once they expire. Instagram archives them for a year before deleting. This gives you plenty of time to look back on stories or re-share them when needed.
Just navigate to your archive or profile story grid to find your old content. And be sure to download any keepers before the 24-hour expiry hits.
With Instagram’s built-in archive, you don’t have to worry about missing out on your old stories. Your story history will be there when you need it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far back can I view old stories?
You can view stories up to 1 year old in your archive. Stories older than 1 year are deleted.
Can I download my archived stories?
Yes, opening an archived story gives the option to save it to your camera roll.
Who can see my archived stories?
Only you can view your archived stories. They are not visible to other users.
What if I accidentally delete a story?
Check your archive’s Recently Deleted section within 24 hours to try restoring it.
Do stories expire at 24 hours exactly?
Stories expire after 24 hours plus the time remaining when originally posted. So a 2 hour story will be archived at 26 hours.
Other Instagram Story Tips
In addition to accessing your archive, there are other story tips that can be helpful:
- Use creative tools like stickers, drawings, and text
- Check your audience analytics to see who viewed your story
- Add relevant hashtags and location tags
- Use the hands-free camera to easily record yourself
- Make highlights to pin stories you want featured
Take advantage of all Instagram stories have to offer. Apply these archive tips when you need to reminisce on your past stories!