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The Madison Avenue Field GuideA field guide to marketing & advertising, by Brandon Mina

GlossarySocial & CreatorInstagram Stories

Social & Creator

Instagram Stories

Full-screen photo and video posts that disappear after 24 hours unless saved as Highlights.

By Brandon MinaCEO, BrandPilot AIUpdated November 2026

Short answer

Instagram Stories are full-screen photo and video posts that disappear after 24 hours unless saved as Highlights. They appear at the top of the app and support interactive stickers such as polls, questions, links and countdowns. Brands use Stories for timely, informal updates, behind-the-scenes content and driving traffic through link stickers.