MaxDownloaderHow to Download Instagram Stories
Updated: 2026-10-08
Stories disappear after 24 hours. Here is how to save one while it is still live.
Stories vanish after a day, so you need to save them quickly. This works for the stories that are live right now on a public account. Each story appears as its own card: photos save as JPG and videos as MP4.
Highlights are not supported yet, and stories from private accounts can't be downloaded.
Step by step
- Copy the usernameCopy the username of the account. A story link (instagram.com/stories/...) works too.
- Open the Story DownloaderGo to the Instagram Story Downloader page and paste the username or link.
- Press Get mediaAll active stories of the account appear as separate cards.
- Download the ones you wantEach card has its own Download button.
Useful tips
- If you see 'No active stories', the account has no live story right now, or the account is private.
- Stories expire after 24 hours, so don't wait.
- Don't share or post someone else's story without their permission.
Common problems and fixes
'No active stories' appears
The account has not posted a story in the last 24 hours, or it is private.
The video won't play
Open the downloaded file in VLC. Some default phone players don't support every format.
Frequently asked questions
Will the owner know I downloaded their story?
Downloads aren't reported. However, stories are fetched through an account used by this site, so that account may appear in the story's viewer list. Your own account is never involved.
Can I download Highlights?
Not yet. Only active stories.
Why doesn't a private account's story work?
Only followers can see those stories, so this tool can't reach them.