2026’s Guide on How to Download Instagram Stories

Instagram stories last just 24 hours from the moment that they’re posted. If you don’t download them fast enough, they’re gone forever. Instagram has shown that they have no intention of adding an easy way to download Instagram stories.

Why?

They’re meant to be in-the-moment posts. You know, posts people make while touring Rome or running on the beaches of Brazil.

Luckily, we’re going to explain how to download Instagram Stories using apps, tools and other creative methods that you might have overlooked.

5 Ways to Download Instagram Stories

We want to mention that if you download apps or browser extensions, do your due diligence to make sure that they’re legitimate and not malicious tools.

Reviews from other users will help you weed out some of the suspicious tools that pop up and are often removed within days.

1. Use Apps from the App Store

Developers have focused on apps that make it simple and easy to download Instagram stories from your smartphone. You can do this using apps for Android or iOS, and we’ll list some of the most popular below:

● Story Saver (probably the most popular)

● Blindstory (iOS)

If you look through the app store, you’ll find plenty of other options that work, too.

2. Screen Record on Your Phone

If you don’t mind lower quality than a direct download, you might want to consider screen recording on your phone. It’s easy for iPhone users:

● Swipe down on the top-right of the screen

● Go to Control Center

● Tap “Add a Control” by touching and holding on the background

● Select Screen Recording

Once you’ve done this once, you’ll have the record button on your Control Center unless you remove it.

Android users have a similar tool that will record screens, too.

3. Try a Free Instagram Stories Downloader

Free tools like https://mystorysaver.com/ make it easy to download stories even if you don’t have an Instagram account or aren’t logged in.

Just enter the person’s Instagram handle or the story’s address to get started. Then, tap the “download video” button under the story to download it to your hard drive.

4. Download a Browser Extension on Your PC

If you’re on a desktop computer, you can use a browser extension on Chrome or Firefox to download stories.

You’ll need an Instagram account and to be logged into your account to use these extensions.

5. Take Screenshots of the IG Story

As a last resort, you can take screenshots of key moments of the person’s IG story. This method isn’t the best and you likely won’t capture every second of the story, but if you just want to save specific parts, it’s a practical option.

How to Download Instagram Stories You Post

Want to save your own Instagram story? It’s easier than you think.

On Android devices:

● Tap the Download button at the top of the screen before you share a photo or video, OR

● Tap the three dots on your posted story and tap the Save Photo/Video button.

On iPhones:

● Tap the Save button at the top of the screen before you post the story, OR

● Open your story, tap Options at the bottom right and tap Save.

In just a few steps, you can download your story to any device and post it again in the future if you want.

Can I Repost a Story I Downloaded?

Downloading a story is easy, but what can you do with it after you’ve downloaded it? Can you repost it?

That depends on a few things.

● Is it your story? Then you’re free to do whatever you want with it, including reposting.

● Is it someone else’s story? You’ll need to ask permission first.

It’s never okay to repost someone’s content on Instagram without their permission. Always reach out to ask if it’s okay and explain why you want to repost the content.

You may be asked to give credit if they do give you permission.

Why Doesn’t Instagram Allow You to Download Other People’s Stories?

Instagram introduced stories as a way to share moments of your day without it being permanently tied to your account. The fleeting nature of this feature is its biggest advantage.

Naturally, Instagram doesn’t allow you to download other people’s stories because that would defeat the purpose of having temporary content.

They may change their minds in the future, but for now, the best way to download Instagram stories is to use one of the methods in our guide above. Each of these options is free and easy to do.