Share a public story with a reader

If a newsletter or article refers to a particular Instagram story, give readers its original link and say what they will see. The account’s username alone opens whichever stories are available when they visit.

Pick the right link

“Watch this clip”

Copy the individual Instagram story link, keeping the number after the username. Send it with the English story viewer. The reader pastes the link and chooses View stories to open that item, if it’s still available.

“See what the account shared today”

Send the viewer link and the public @username. The reader enters the name, opens the Stories tab and picks a thumbnail. The account’s current selection can change before the next reader opens it.

“Try this later”

For a walkthrough that needs to work after a live story expires, use the two sample stories. Open the dock photo, choose Full screen, then Exit full screen to return to the controls.

If the reader needs a copy

For a photo or video you own or have permission to save, use Download photo or Download video when offered. On iPhone, check Safari’s downloads or the Files app. When Open original to save appears, use the original tab’s Share menu. On Android and desktop, the original may open in a tab for the browser’s save command. The available options depend on the file and browser. Find a Safari download on iPhone.

Before publishing, test the link from a signed-out browser. Clips can expire or be removed, and an account can change its audience. A short written description lets readers follow your article after the story is gone.