Adding memories on Instagram is a great way to look back on past posts and highlight your favorite moments. Instagram Memories allows you to rediscover old posts, stories, and reels by curating them into collections that are easy to find again later. Here are a few tips on how to use Instagram Memories to showcase meaningful times in your life.
What are Instagram Memories?
Instagram Memories are collections of your old posts that you can create to revisit special moments or events. You can make memories based on a specific time period, location, person, topic, or hashtag that you’ve used. Memories make it easy to find and share your favorite blasts from the past in a dedicated tab on your profile.
Why Use Instagram Memories?
Here are some of the key benefits of using Instagram Memories:
- Rediscover forgotten posts – Easily find old content you may have forgotten about.
- Relive meaningful moments – Revisit trips, weddings, birthdays, etc.
- Showcase your best work – Highlight favorite photos, videos, reels.
- Tell a story – Create cohesive narratives with related posts.
- Engage your audience – Share throwbacks that your followers will enjoy.
- Boost creativity – Get inspired by looking at your previous creativity.
How to Create an Instagram Memory
Creating memories on Instagram only takes a few simple steps:
- Open the Instagram app and go to your profile.
- Tap on the three lines in the top right corner to open the menu.
- Select “Archive” to view your archive of old, hidden posts.
- Tap the posts you want to add to a memory to select them (you can select multiple).
- Tap “Add to Memory” at the bottom.
- Give your memory a name and tap “Create memory” to finish.
Your new memory will now appear in the Memories tab on your profile. You can continue adding to it any time by selecting additional posts from your archive.
Tips for Making Memories
- Choose a consistent theme – location, event, person, hobby, etc.
- Add context with captions – explain what the memory represents.
- Use relevant hashtags – so others interested can find it.
- Make it visually cohesive – use filters, editing to tie it together.
- Keep it updated – add new relevant posts as you take them.
How to Add Posts to an Existing Memory
Adding more posts to an existing memory you’ve already created is easy:
- Go to your Instagram archive.
- Select the posts you want to add.
- Tap the “Add to Memory” icon.
- Select which memory you want to add the posts to.
Your selected posts will now show up in that memory for you and your followers to see. You can keep adding to memories over time this way.
Things to Remember When Adding to Memories
- Stay on theme – only add posts related to that memory.
- Pay attention to order – rearrange posts if needed.
- Refresh with new additions – don’t let memories stagnate.
- Delete irrelevant posts – curate memories carefully.
- Update the description – provide context for new posts.
How to View an Instagram Memory
Once you’ve created memories, they are easy to find and view again:
- Go to your profile.
- Tap on the “Memories” tab at the top.
- Select the memory you want to view.
All the posts you added will be displayed chronologically. You can tap each one to view it in full on its own page too.
Ways to Engage With Memories
- Scroll through it – revisit the story it tells.
- Tap posts – open them to see details.
- Like and comment – interact with old content.
- Reshare posts – tap the arrow icon to share memories.
- Save it – add it to your saved collection.
How to Edit an Existing Instagram Memory
You may want to edit one of your memories to update it. Here’s how:
- Go to your Memories tab.
- Tap the 3 dots next to the memory name.
- Select “Edit Memory.”
From here you can:
- Change the name/description.
- Rearrange the post order.
- Remove posts.
- Add new posts.
Editing memories periodically helps keep them fresh and engaging. Don’t forget to update cover images too!
Tips for Editing Memories
- Swap old posts for new ones.
- Delete irrelevant posts.
- Break a large memory into smaller ones.
- Combine multiple related memories.
- Refresh the description.
How to Delete an Instagram Memory
Want to get rid of one of your memories? Use these steps:
- Go to your Memories tab.
- Tap the 3 dots next to the memory name.
- Select “Delete Memory.”
- Confirm that you want to delete it.
The posts in that memory will return to your archive. You can delete memories when they are outdated, irrelevant, or you want to start fresh.
Reasons to Delete a Memory
- It’s outdated.
- It doesn’t fit your brand anymore.
- You made it by mistake.
- You want to reorganize memories.
- You no longer like the content.
How to Reshare an Instagram Memory
A fun way to engage your audience with memories is to reshare posts from them. Here’s how to do it:
- Go to the memory and tap a post.
- Tap the arrow icon at the bottom.
- Select “Add post to your story” or “Share as a post.”
Resharing memories to your story or feed is an easy way to showcase nostalgic moments with new commentary.
Tips for Resharing Memories
- Add a descriptive caption about why you’re resharing.
- Tag people who were originally in the memory.
- Use relevant hashtags people can find.
- Choose memories aligned with current holidays/events.
- Ask followers to share their own memories.
How to Use Memories for Your Instagram Business
Memories also provide great opportunities for businesses on Instagram. You can use them to:
- Showcase your history and milestones.
- Promote “throwback” sales/deals.
- Feature nostalgic versions of products.
- Celebrate your company’s anniversary.
- Run retrospectives of past campaigns.
- Show employee growth and achievements.
Memories help add personality to your brand and connect with customers in a more human, relatable way.
Best Practices for Business Memories
- CURATE CAREFULLY – Only include high-quality, brand-aligned posts.
- PROVIDE CONTEXT – Use clear, descriptive captions.
- TELL A STORY – Arrange memories to highlight your brand narrative.
- ENGAGE FOLLOWERS – Ask them to share their own memories of your brand.
- USE BRANDED HASHTAGS – So people can easily find/contribute to your memories.
- MAKE THEM VISUALLY COHESIVE – Use a consistent style/aesthetic.
Top Examples of Memories Done Well
Looking for some inspiration on how to creatively use memories for personal or business accounts? Here are some great examples:
@vsco
VSCO curates minimal, aesthetically pleasing memories featuring their favorite photo trends and styles over the years:
@nike
Nike creates memories around iconic athletes, campaigns, products, and innovations that define their brand history:
@airbnb
Airbnb uses location-based memories to showcase the most unique, beautiful stays from around the world:
Frequently Asked Questions About Instagram Memories
Here are answers to some common questions about using Instagram Memories:
How many memories can you make?
There is no limit to the number of memories you can create on Instagram. You can make as many as you’d like!
Can you add posts from your feed to memories?
No, you can only add posts that are in your archive. To add a regular post, you first have to move it to your archive.
Do followers see your memories?
Yes, any follower who visits your Instagram profile can see your memories by tapping on the “Memories” tab.
Can you collaborate on memories with other accounts?
Unfortunately there is no way currently to collaborate on creating a memory with other accounts. Only you can add posts to memories on your own profile.
Do memories appear on your home feed?
Memories will only appear in your dedicated Memories tab and profile. They do not automatically get shared to your main Instagram feed without you actively posting one.
Conclusion
Instagram Memories provide a powerful way to rediscover your favorite past moments and tell visual stories that resonate with your followers. By curating meaningful memories, you can showcase the most memorable parts of your life or business in a creative, engaging format.
Use the tips in this guide to start archiving your top posts into evocative collections you’ll want to revisit again and again. What past moments will you cherish forever in your Instagram Memories?