AidanAccording to recent statistics from a survey conducted by Social Media Today in 2022, it was found that over 73% of Instagram users prefer to keep their accounts private, limiting their content to close friends only.
However, with the evolving nature of social media and the desire for greater reach and engagement, many users are now looking for ways to change their Instagram story settings from private to public.
In this guide, we will provide a step-by-step process to help you navigate through this transition, allowing you to share your stories with a wider audience.
step-by-step process of How To Change Story From Close Friends To Public Instagram
Step 1: Open the Instagram App
To begin the process of changing your Instagram story settings from close friends to the public, follow these steps:
1. Launch the Instagram App
- Locate the Instagram app on your mobile device’s home screen or app drawer.
- Tap on the Instagram app icon to open it.
2. Log into Your Account
- If you aren’t already logged in, enter your Instagram username and password to access your account.
- Make sure you provide the correct credentials associated with your Instagram profile.
By opening the Instagram app and logging into your account, you’re ready to proceed with the next steps to change your story settings.
Step 2: Access Your Profile
To change your Instagram story settings, you need to access your profile. Here’s how:
1. Locate the Profile Icon
Look for the profile icon, which is typically located at the bottom right corner of the Instagram app screen. It resembles a small person’s silhouette.
2. Tap on the Profile Icon
Once you’ve found the profile icon, tap on it. This action will redirect you to your Instagram profile, where you can manage various settings and options.
By accessing your profile, you can proceed to the next steps and make the necessary changes to your Instagram story settings.
Step 3: Navigate to Settings
To change your Instagram story from being visible to only close friends to making it public, follow these instructions:
Find the Side Menu
Locate and tap on the three horizontal lines (menu icon) at the top right corner of your Instagram profile page. This will open the side menu.
Access Account Settings
Scroll down the side menu until you find the “Settings” option. Tap on it to access your Instagram account settings.
By following these steps, you will be able to proceed to the next stage of changing your Instagram story settings.
Step 4: Open Story Controls
To begin the process of changing your Instagram story from being visible to only close friends to making it public, follow these instructions:
1. Locate the “Privacy” Section
Scroll down within the settings menu until you come across the “Privacy” section. This section contains various privacy-related options for your Instagram account.
2. Tap on “Story Controls”
Within the “Privacy” section, you will find the option labeled “Story Controls.” Tap on it to access the specific settings related to your Instagram stories.
By reaching this step, you are one step closer to adjusting your story settings and expanding the visibility of your stories to a wider audience.
Step 6: Remove Close Friends
To change your story from close friends to the public, follow these simple steps:
1. Tap on “Close Friends”
Within the “Story Controls” menu, locate and tap on the option labeled “Close Friends.” This will open the Close Friends settings.
2. Toggle Off the Option
Once in the Close Friends settings, find the toggle switch associated with the “Close Friends” option. Simply toggle it off to remove the restriction on who can view your story.
By turning off the “Close Friends” option, you are effectively making your Instagram story visible to the public. Remember that this means anyone who follows you on Instagram will now be able to view your stories.
Step 7: Confirm the Change
When you toggle off the “Close Friends” option in your Instagram story settings, a confirmation pop-up may appear.
This pop-up seeks your confirmation to proceed with the change. Follow these instructions to confirm your choice:
1. Read the Confirmation Message
Carefully read the message displayed in the pop-up. It will ask if you’re sure you want to change your story settings.
2. Select the Appropriate Option
Choose the option that aligns with your intention to make your story public. It may be labeled as “Turn Off” or something similar, depending on the specific wording used by Instagram.
3. Confirm the Change
Tap on the selected option to confirm your decision and finalize the change. Once confirmed, your Instagram story will no longer be restricted to close friends and will be visible to the public.
It’s important to note that this confirmation step ensures you’re intentionally changing your story settings, so make sure you’re comfortable with the switch to a public audience before confirming the change.
Step 9: Make Your Story Public
After successfully turning off the close friend’s restriction, your Instagram story will become accessible to the public.
It’s important to note that anyone who follows you on Instagram will now have the ability to view your stories.
Considerations for Making Your Story Public
When transitioning your story from close friends to the public, there are a few key points to keep in mind:
Expanded Reach: Making your story public allows for a wider audience reach, potentially attracting new followers and engagement.
Privacy Concerns: Ensure that the content you share in your public story aligns with your desired level of privacy. Public stories can be seen by a broader range of individuals, so exercise caution when sharing personal or sensitive information.
Engagement Opportunities: With a public story, you have the opportunity to engage with a larger audience. Be prepared for increased interaction, such as comments, reactions, and direct messages, and make sure to manage your notifications accordingly.
By being mindful of these considerations, you can make the most of your public Instagram story and effectively connect with a broader community on the platform.
In conclusion, changing your Instagram story from being visible to only close friends to making it public is a simple process that can significantly expand your reach and engagement on the platform. By following the step-by-step instructions outlined in this guide, you can transition your story settings seamlessly.
Just remember to consider the implications of making your story public, such as increased exposure, privacy concerns, and potential for greater engagement. With a thoughtful approach, you can successfully change your Instagram story settings and connect with a wider audience, sharing your content and experiences with the world.
