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by 2Point

How to Add Highlights on Instagram Without Adding to Story

Author: Haydn Fleming • Chief Marketing Officer

Last update: Jan 21, 2026 Reading time: 4 Minutes

Instagram Highlights are a fantastic way to showcase your best content without cluttering your profile or relying solely on Stories. Many users seek ways to enhance their profiles, and knowing how to add highlights on Instagram without adding to stories can make a significant difference in how you present yourself or your brand.

Understanding Instagram Highlights

Instagram Highlights allow you to group Stories together and display them permanently on your profile. Unlike regular Stories, which disappear after 24 hours, Highlights can be a curated portfolio of your content, available for your followers and potential followers to view at any time. This feature is especially useful for businesses and influencers wanting to keep essential content accessible.

Why You Should Consider Highlights

  1. Brand Storytelling: Highlights enable you to tell your brand’s story in an organized way, emphasizing key aspects of your business.

  2. Permanent Content: Unlike ephemeral Stories, Highlights remain accessible, allowing your audience to engage with your content beyond a single day.

  3. Enhanced Engagement: By categorizing your content, you can improve the likelihood of followers interacting with your posts, leading to increased engagement.

  4. Professional Look: A well-structured Highlight section enhances the professionalism of your Instagram profile, improving your overall aesthetic.

How to Create Highlights Without Adding to a Story

If you are wondering how to add highlights on Instagram without adding to stories, follow these straightforward methods:

Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Highlights

  1. Access Your Profile: Open Instagram and navigate to your profile page.

  2. Select the “New” Button: Under your profile picture, you will find a “New” button within the Highlights section. Click on it to start creating a new Highlight.

  3. Choose Existing Stories: A menu will pop up displaying any previously posted Stories. Select the Stories you want to include in your Highlight. Remember, these must be Stories you have already created.

  4. Name Your Highlight: After selecting your Stories, tap “Next.” Here, you’ll need to give your Highlight a name that reflects the content it contains.

  5. Select a Cover: You can customize the cover for your Highlight either by choosing from your selected Stories or uploading a different image.

  6. Finalize Your Highlight: Click “Add” to create your Highlight. Your newly created Highlight will now be displayed on your profile.

Alternative Method: Using Highlights Without Stories

Currently, Instagram does not allow users to create Highlights from regular posts directly. However, if you are keen on showcasing specific content without posting it to your Story first, consider these options:

  • Use a Story Template: Create an image or video that represents your content and upload it to a Story, then save it. After it’s in your Story, it can be added to a Highlight.

  • Create Videos or Photos: Upload content directly to your feed and reference these in your Highlights. Mention them in the Highlight description so your audience knows where to find the related posts.

Tips for Effective Highlights

  • Keep It Organized: Keep similar themes in the same Highlight to avoid confusion. For example, create separate Highlights for “Product Launches,” “Customer Testimonials,” and “Behind-the-Scenes.”

  • Update Regularly: Regularly refresh your Highlights with new content to keep your profile dynamic and engaging.

  • Promote Your Highlights: Use posts or Stories to direct followers to your Highlights for maximum visibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I directly create a Highlight from a single feed post?

Currently, Instagram limits the creation of Highlights to Stories. However, you can reference feed posts in your Highlight descriptions, directing your audience to view them.

How can I highlight important content without it disappearing?

Only content uploaded in Stories can become a Highlight. To keep important content accessible continuously, utilize Stories as platforms for your key messages.

Can I edit or delete an existing Highlight?

Yes. Simply tap and hold the Highlight you wish to edit. You can change the named stories within it or remove the entire Highlight if necessary.

By understanding how to add highlights on Instagram without adding to story, you can create an optimized profile that increases your visibility and follower engagement. For further tips on enhancing your Instagram strategies, explore our other articles on Instagram techniques and marketing tools. Whether you’re using Instagram for personal branding or business marketing, highlights are a powerful tool to help you stand out.

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