Chapter 4: Instagram Stories and Live (Temporary and Live Content)

Lesson 9: Story Camera Modes

To access the Story feature, you have two simple options: either swipe left to right on the main feed or tap your profile picture at the top left (which displays a small plus sign). This immediately opens the dedicated Story camera interface.

Taking Photos and Videos Directly with Instagram Camera

Inside the camera view, you will see a large circular shutter button at the bottom center. To take a photo, simply tap this button once. To record a video, press and hold the circular button for the duration of your recording. Alternatively, you can swipe up from the bottom of the screen to choose an existing photo or video from your phone’s gallery.

Boomerang, Layout, and Hands-Free Camera Modes

A toolbar menu is located along the edge of the camera screen. The infinity symbol activates Boomerang, which captures a short looping video that plays forward and backward. The grid icon opens Layout, allowing you to place multiple photos into a single collage. The Hands-free mode lets you record video without constantly holding down the capture button.

Lesson 10: Engaging Story Tools and Stickers

After taking a photo or video, editing tools appear across the top of your screen. These features allow you to customize your story, make it visually appealing, and add interactive elements to boost audience engagement.

Adding Text, Changing Colors, and Selecting Fonts

To add text overlay, tap the Aa icon at the top right. After typing your text, select color swatches at the bottom to change font color. Use the top formatting controls to switch font styles, adjust alignment, or add colored background highlights. You can also pinch the text with two fingers to resize or rotate it anywhere on screen.

Interactive Stickers: Links, Polls, Questions, Music, and Locations

Tap the square smiling face icon (Stickers) at the top of the screen to open the interactive menu. Use the Link sticker to share website URLs. The Poll sticker and Question box encourage audience interactions. The Music sticker embeds background audio tracks, while the Location sticker tags your geographic position.

Sharing Stories with Close Friends Only

If you want to share private updates with a select group, use the Close Friends feature. Once your story is edited, tap the green circle icon with a white star at the bottom instead of publishing publicly. This story will only be visible to users added to your Close Friends list.

Lesson 11: Story Drafts and Live Streaming

Sometimes you need to save a story for later publication or stream live to connect in real time. Instagram provides reliable tools for managing drafts and controlling live broadcasts.

Saving Stories to Gallery and Accessing Story Drafts

To store an edited story on your device before posting, tap the three dots icon in the top right and select Save. If you tap the exit button (X), select Save Draft to store the story temporarily within the app, allowing you to finish and post it at a later time.

Starting an Instagram Live: Controls, Comments, and Joint Live

To go live, scroll the bottom selector mode in the Story camera to LIVE and press the broadcast button. During the stream, use bottom control icons to toggle your camera or microphone on and off. Tap the three dots in the comment box to select Turn Off Commenting. To stream together with a guest, tap the two people icon to send an invitation.