How to Edit a Posted Instagram Story on iPhone or iPad: A Step-by-Step Guide

Editing a posted Instagram story on an iPhone or iPad is straightforward. Simply tap on your story, swipe up to view the list of viewers, and tap on the “More” button (three-dot icon) near the bottom right. From there, select “Edit” to make changes to your story. Once done, tap “Done” to save the edits or “Cancel” to discard them. It’s important to note that you can only edit stories that are still live; once a story has expired, it can no longer be edited.

After you complete the action of editing your story, the changes will immediately be visible to anyone who views your story. If you’ve added new content or altered the text, it will appear as if it was part of the original story.

Introduction

Instagram stories have revolutionized the way we share moments with friends, family, and followers. They’re quick, ephemeral, and a great way to show what’s happening in real-time. But what if you’ve made a mistake or want to update something in a story you’ve already posted? Fear not, because Instagram gives you the opportunity to edit live stories right from your iPhone or iPad. This can be a game-changer for those who share content regularly and want to maintain a certain level of perfection.

Editing a posted Instagram story is significant for various reasons. Perhaps you’ve noticed a typo in your text, the filter isn’t quite right, or you forgot to mention someone important. Whatever the reason, being able to tweak your story after posting it means you can make sure it’s exactly how you want it, without having to delete and repost. This is especially relevant for influencers, brands, or anyone using Instagram for business purposes, where maintaining a professional image is crucial.

Step by Step Tutorial on How to Edit a Posted Instagram Story on iPhone or iPad

Before diving into the steps, it helps to understand that editing a posted story allows you to change text, stickers, or drawings. However, you can’t change the photo or video itself once it’s been uploaded. Let’s get started!

Step 1: Access Your Live Story

Tap on your profile picture to view your live story.

Once you’ve located your profile picture, usually found on the top left corner of your Instagram feed or on your profile, tapping it will bring up your current story.

Step 2: Swipe Up

Swipe up on the screen to view the list of viewers for your story.

Swiping up will reveal not only the viewers but also a list of actions you can take on your story. It’s the gateway to accessing the edit function.

Step 3: Tap on “More”

Tap on the “More” button, represented by three horizontal dots, situated at the bottom right of your screen.

The “More” button will give you a menu with several options, including sharing the story, saving it, or deleting it. Look for the “Edit” option.

Step 4: Select “Edit”

Tap on “Edit” to begin making changes to your story.

After tapping “Edit,” you’ll be taken back to the editing screen, where you first created your story. This is where you can make all your desired alterations.

Step 5: Save or Discard Changes

Once you’ve finished editing, tap “Done” to save the changes or “Cancel” if you’ve changed your mind.

Remember, once you tap “Done,” your story will be updated, and viewers will see the edited version.

Pros

BenefitExplanation
Correct MistakesEditing your story allows you to fix any errors, ensuring your content is always accurate and as intended.
Update InformationLife is unpredictable. Being able to edit a story means you can add or change details as needed.
Enhance EngagementPolished and updated stories can improve viewer engagement, as they reflect a more professional look.

Cons

DrawbackExplanation
Limited EditingYou can’t change the fundamental aspects of your story, like the photo or video itself, which can be frustrating if those need tweaking.
Confusion for ViewersIf viewers see your story before and after editing, it might lead to confusion or make them think they’ve missed something.
Potential for OveruseConstant editing might lead people to question your authenticity, as spontaneous moments are part of the charm of stories.

Additional Information

Editing your posted Instagram story is a feature that might go unnoticed if you’re not aware of it. But once you know how to do it, it can become a crucial part of your Instagram toolkit. It’s particularly useful if you’re someone who values precision in your posts or if you’re managing a brand where misinformation can lead to larger issues.

Here’s a tip: if you’re worried about making mistakes in your stories, consider preparing your content in advance using a separate app or the draft function in Instagram. That way, you can review everything before it goes live. Also, remember that editing a story is not a replacement for thoughtful posting. It’s always best to double-check before you share.

Remember, this article is all about editing a posted Instagram story on your iPhone or iPad. Keep this guide handy for those moments when you need to make a quick fix or update.

Summary

  1. Access your live story by tapping on your profile picture.
  2. Swipe up to view the list of viewers.
  3. Tap on “More” at the bottom right.
  4. Select “Edit” to make changes.
  5. Save changes by tapping “Done” or discard by tapping “Cancel”.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I edit the photo or video in my posted story?

No, you cannot edit the photo or video once it’s been uploaded to your story. You can only edit text, stickers, or drawings.

Will viewers know if I edit my story?

Viewers will not be notified of your edits, but they might notice changes if they view your story again after you’ve edited it.

How long do I have to edit my story?

You can edit your story any time before it expires, which is typically 24 hours after posting.

Can I edit a story highlight?

No, once a story is added to your highlights, it cannot be edited. You can only edit live stories.

What if I make a mistake while editing?

If you make a mistake while editing, you can always go back and edit the story again, or if you haven’t saved the changes, simply tap “Cancel” to discard them.

Conclusion

Editing a posted Instagram story is a nifty feature that can save you from potential embarrassment or simply allow you to keep your content up-to-date. While it has its limitations, the ability to tweak text, add or remove stickers, or update tags can be a lifesaver for anyone who uses Instagram as a primary communication tool. So next time you spot a typo or forget to tag someone, don’t panic!

Just remember this guide, and you’ll have your story polished and perfect in no time. Whether you’re a social media pro or just like keeping your feed tidy, knowing how to edit a posted Instagram story on your iPhone or iPad is a skill worth having.