Have you ever wished you could turn back the clock and relive an old Instagram Story? Maybe it was a holiday memory from a fantastic break, a nice moment with mates, or just a Story that you shared and got so much love and fantastic feedback for? It’s something that we can all identify with. The problem is that Instagram Stories only last for 24 hours, which can make us feel as though they have been lost in the depths of time and destroyed for good. This brings us to a question that is extremely relevant: can you actually see those old Instagram Stories that seemingly vanished?

Yes, of course! In this blog post, we will take you step by step through exactly how to view old stories on Instagram. The process can be followed if you want to view your own old Stories, or if you want to look and view the highlights posted by other people. 

So, let’s proceed and take a look at the steps to follow in the process in detail.

Why are IG Stories Fading in 24 hours?

Instagram Stories are meant to be temporary and transitory in nature, lasting only 24 hours since they were uploaded. This temporary availability creates a sense of urgency among the users, making them look at the content more voluntarily, while also making sure the site remains new and dynamic. 

But Instagram certainly knows the value and importance these transitory moments have in the eyes of its users—so the site has a few options that enable users to view and access their previous Stories even after 24 hours since posting.

Read More: How to Monitor Telegram Messages and Calls Remotely?

How to View Old Instagram Stores?

Here are the main ways through which you can see and access previous Stories on IG:

Method 1: How to View and Retrieve Your Own Past Instagram Stories Using Archive Tool

Step 1: Start by opening your Instagram profile. To do this, you simply need to click on the profile icon, which can be found at the bottom right-hand corner of the screen for easy access.

Step 2: Tap the Three Lines (Menu)

You will have to tap the three horizontal lines on the top right corner of your screen or the hamburger menu.

Step 3: Select the option that reads “Archive”. You can see that “Archive” is one of the many menu options you have available. Go ahead and click on it.

Step 4: Go through Your Stories Archive. Your past Stories appear chronologically. Swipe through and tap on any Story to see it. You can re-share, save, or put it in your Highlights as well.

Pay attention to the following: In case you find yourself in a situation where you are unable to see any Stories in your archive, it would be best that you check your settings. To do this, navigate to the Settings menu, move to Privacy, then Story, then choose the option which reads Save Story to Archive. Make sure that this option is enabled and available.

Method 2: How to Access and See Previous Stories Using Instagram Highlights

Step 1: Go to Your Profile Page Once again, go to the page on which your profile is displayed.

Step 2: Tap Any Highlight Circle. Below your bio description, you’ll see a line of circles labelled Highlights. There’s one circle for each group of some of your previous Stories that you’ve chosen to save and look at later.

Step 3: Scroll Through the Highlight Tap on a circle to view the Stories within. You can tap and hold to pause, swipe forward or backwards, and replay as much as you want.

But remember, this option is only available if you have saved your IG story in a highlight. Moreover, highlights may be edited at any time, reordered, or added/removed Stories.

Method 3: How to See Old Stories through Spy Apps?

mSpy

mSpy is one of the most popular spy apps for monitoring Instagram activity. It allows you to see private messages, shared media, and account interactions, giving you insight into how someone is using the platform. It can help you view stories, screenshots, and other activity while they’re still live. This means you can track and save Instagram content before it disappears. With its user-friendly dashboard and detailed tracking features, mSpy is a reliable option for keeping an eye on Instagram activity in real time.

Eyezy

Eyezy is one of the most reliable spy apps for monitoring Instagram. It offers social media tracking features that let you see messages, shared photos, and interactions. While Eyezy can’t magically restore deleted or expired stories, it helps you monitor and save active stories before they disappear. Its screen recording and activity tracking tools make it possible to capture Instagram content in real time, ensuring you don’t miss out on updates. If your goal is to keep a watchful eye on Instagram usage, Eyezy is a strong option.

Spynger

Spynger is an easy-to-use mobile monitoring app that supports popular platforms, including Instagram. It allows you to view chats, media, and activity logs, making it helpful for tracking Instagram usage. Its simple interface and affordability make Spynger a good choice for beginners who want simple Instagram monitoring without too many complicated features.

How to Save Stories So That You Can Access and View Them Later? 

Step 1: Begin by turning on the Story Archive feature. To do this, proceed to the Settings menu, then proceed to select Privacy, then Story. Finally, you will have to flip the option labeled “Save Story to Archive” to the on position.

Step 2: Pin to Highlights Right. After posting, tap “Highlight” at the bottom once your story is live, select an existing collection, or create a new one.

Step 3: Save to Your Phone Tap three dots when looking at your Story and then tap “Save Video” or “Save Photo.”

That way, you’ve always got a backup, either on Instagram or saved securely in your own gallery.

Final Reflections

Instagram’s all about taking and sharing memorable moments, it doesn’t mean that your valued memories have vanished into thin air for good. If you’d like to relive happy memories of an enjoyable night out with buddies, get the spirit of a very special day of your life, Instagram provides a complete array of convenient tools by which you can go back to your past Stories effortlessly.

FAQs

Can I see someone else’s old Stories on Instagram?

You can only view someone else’s old Stories if they saved them in their Highlights. Otherwise, expired Stories from other users are not accessible.

Where is the Archive feature on Instagram?

The Archive feature is found in your profile. Tap the three-line menu in the top right corner and choose “Archive” from the list.

Can I re-share my old Instagram Stories?

Yes, you can re-share your archived Stories. Simply tap the Story in your Archive and use the “Share” option to post it again or add it to Highlights.