How to Like Instagram Stories and See Who Liked Your Story: Step-by-Step Guide
Instagram continues to enhance user interaction by regularly introducing new features. One such update is the ability to like Instagram Stories, a feature that adds a new layer of engagement beyond simple views or replies. This update allows users to express appreciation for a Story without sending a direct message, making interactions quicker and more subtle.
Previously, Instagram Stories only allowed reactions through emojis or replies via direct messages. With the new Story Like feature, users can now tap a heart icon to like a Story, similar to liking a regular post—without cluttering the creator’s inbox.
What Is the Instagram Story Like Feature?
The Story Like feature lets users like Stories they are watching by tapping a heart icon displayed on the screen. These likes are private and do not appear publicly. Instead of sending a message, the Story creator receives a notification showing who liked their Story.
This feature helps creators better understand audience engagement while keeping conversations clutter-free.
Why This Feature Is Important
Instagram Stories are one of the most-used features on the platform. Millions of users post Stories daily to share updates, photos, and short videos. The new Like option:
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Makes engagement faster and easier
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Reduces unnecessary direct messages
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Encourages more interaction from viewers
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Helps creators track genuine interest
How to Like an Instagram Story
If you want to like someone’s Instagram Story, follow these simple steps:
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Open the Instagram app on your smartphone.
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Tap on any Story from the top of the home screen.
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At the bottom of the Story screen, locate the heart-shaped icon positioned between the “Send Message” field and the send icon.
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Tap the heart icon to like the Story instantly.
Once liked, the heart icon briefly animates, confirming your action.
Can You Unlike an Instagram Story?
Yes, if you tap the heart icon again before the Story expires, your like will be removed. This gives users flexibility in case of accidental taps.
How to Check Who Liked Your Instagram Story
If you’ve posted a Story and want to see who liked it, here’s how:
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Open Instagram and tap on your profile picture at the top-left corner.
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Open the active Story you’ve posted.
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Swipe up on the Story or tap the viewer count at the bottom.
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You will see a list of users who viewed your Story.
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Accounts that liked your Story will appear with a heart icon next to their name.
This makes it easy to distinguish between viewers and those who actively engaged with your Story.
Things to Keep in Mind
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Story likes are private and visible only to the creator
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Likes disappear once the Story expires after 24 hours
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The feature works for both photos and videos
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Availability may depend on app updates
Final Thoughts
The Instagram Story Like feature is a small but impactful addition that improves engagement and user experience. It offers a simple way to react to Stories without sending messages, making interactions more comfortable and natural for both viewers and creators.
