If you’ve ever wondered how many highlights can you have on Instagram, or if there’s a limit to how many stories you can squeeze into each one, this guide’s going to answer all of that , plus share some handy tips to make your highlights look clean, creative, and totally “you.”By the time you finish reading, you’ll know everything from how Instagram highlights work to how to organize them, what happens when you hit the limit, and even how they impact your aesthetic. Let’s dive in.
How Many Highlights You Can Add on Instagram?
Instagram allows you to create up to 100 Highlights on your profile. Yep, you read that right , you can have a hundred different highlight bubbles under your bio. That’s a lot of space for creativity, storytelling, and branding.
Think of each highlight as a themed collection of your favorite stories. One could be “Travel,” another “Recipes,” maybe one just for your dog. If you’re a creator or business, you might have Highlights for “Behind the Scenes,” “Testimonials,” “Products,” or “Events.” Each one adds personality to your profile and helps new visitors get to know you quickly.
If you’re new to setting them up or want to learn how to create them properly, check out this full guide on how to put highlights on Instagram without story. It’s especially useful if you want to add something to your Highlights without making it public in your Story feed first.
What is the Limit for Highlights?
Now, while the Instagram highlights limit caps at 100 total, there’s no rule that says you need to use all of them. In fact, many users find that having too many can make their profile look cluttered.
The maximum number of highlights on Instagram is more than enough for most people to organize their content effectively. However, keep in mind that Instagram doesn’t allow folders or grouping for Highlights, so once you hit 100, you’ll have to delete one if you want to add a new one.
To remove an old highlight, simply hold down on the highlight circle, tap “Delete Highlight,” and it’s gone. For more privacy-oriented management, you can also learn how to hide highlights on Instagram, which is perfect if you only want certain people to see specific content.
How Many Stories You Can Add to Each Highlight
This is where it gets interesting. While Instagram sets a limit of 100 total highlight folders, the number of stories per highlight isn’t limited in the same way. Technically, you can add up to 100 stories per highlight, giving you plenty of space for creative storytelling.
That means if you max out both, you could technically have 10,000 stories saved in your Highlights (100 highlights × 100 stories each). Of course, that would take a serious amount of posting and organizing.
Each story added to a highlight is pulled from your Story Archive, a feature that automatically saves your past stories once they disappear from your feed after 24 hours. If you’ve ever wondered about Instagram story archive and highlights, this connection is key , your archive is where the content lives, and your Highlights are how you choose to display it.
So, if you’re looking to add more to an existing highlight, just go to your profile, hold the highlight, and tap “Edit Highlight.” From there, you can select any story from your archive to add.
What Happens When You Reach the Highlight Limit?
Once you’ve reached the Instagram highlights limit 2025 (still 100 as of now), Instagram won’t allow you to create new ones until you remove an existing highlight. You’ll get a message saying something like, “You’ve reached your limit of highlights.”
This means you’ll have to make some decisions: which ones to keep, which ones to merge, and which ones to let go of. It’s a bit like cleaning out your closet , you might not need that “Summer 2021” highlight anymore if you’ve since posted newer, better travel content.
Here’s another thing to note: if you delete a highlight, the stories in it don’t vanish from your archive. You can always create a new highlight later and re-add those stories. So don’t panic about losing memories; Instagram keeps them safe in your Story Archive unless you manually delete them.
Also, Highlights themselves don’t expire. So while your Stories only live for 24 hours, Highlights stay visible on your profile indefinitely , unless you decide to remove them. That’s part of what makes the Instagram profile highlights feature so valuable.
Why Highlights Matter for Your Instagram Aesthetic
Think of your Highlights as your profile’s first impression. They’re one of the first things people notice when they land on your page, right under your bio and above your feed. For creators, brands, and influencers, that space is marketing gold.
- The visual side of Highlights plays a big role in your overall Instagram aesthetic. Matching colors, consistent icons, or cohesive cover photos can make your page look more professional and memorable. Some users even design custom highlight covers using pastel tones, bold minimalism, or brand colors. These Instagram highlight cover ideas can turn those little circles into your digital storefront.
- But it’s not just about looks. Highlights help with increasing engagement through highlights because they make it easy for followers to revisit your best content. For example, if you post tutorials, Q&As, or travel guides, you can group them neatly so viewers can binge them whenever they want. This keeps people on your profile longer, which the Instagram algorithm loves.
- From a strategy perspective, think of Highlights as evergreen content hubs. A “Reviews” highlight can keep testimonials visible forever. A “FAQs” one can save you time answering the same questions repeatedly. The best way to organize Instagram highlights is to think about what your followers want most from your profile and make it simple for them to find it.
Final Verdict
So, let’s wrap this up neatly. The Instagram story highlights count maxes out at 100 highlights per profile, and each highlight can include up to 100 stories. That’s a total of 10,000 stories you could potentially feature. Highlights don’t expire, they can be edited anytime, and they’re a great way to shape your profile’s personality and storytelling flow.
They’re more than just saved stories , they’re a reflection of your brand, your interests, or your life moments. Whether you’re showing off your art, promoting your business, or simply organizing memories, highlights make your profile feel curated and intentional.
Keep your visuals cohesive, your titles clear, and don’t be afraid to refresh them occasionally. Highlights are one of those underrated features that quietly boost your engagement and help your audience connect with you on a deeper level.
FAQs
How many Instagram highlights are allowed?
You can create up to 100 Highlights on Instagram. Each one can include up to 100 individual stories, which means your profile can store and display a total of around 10,000 stories in Highlights.
Is there a limit on Instagram story highlights count per folder?
Yes, each highlight folder has a limit of 100 stories. Once you hit that number, you’ll need to remove or replace older stories to add new ones.
Do Instagram highlights take up storage space?
Not on your device. Highlights are stored in your Instagram story archive, which exists on Instagram’s servers, not on your phone. This means you can keep hundreds of stories saved without using your local storage.
How to add more highlights on Instagram?
If you’ve reached your limit of 100 highlights, the only way to add more is by deleting one. To create a new highlight, tap the “+” icon under your bio and select the stories you want to include from your archive.
How long do highlights last on Instagram?
Unlike stories, which disappear after 24 hours, highlights remain visible on your profile until you delete them. They don’t expire and can be edited or reorganized anytime.
Can I hide certain highlights from specific followers?
Yes, you can control who sees your stories and highlights. Use the Close Friends feature before posting or adjust privacy settings for stories.
Why are my Instagram highlights disappearing?
If your highlights disappear, it might be due to a temporary glitch, logging out, or a story being deleted from your archive. Make sure your Story Archive feature is turned on so nothing goes missing.
How to delete highlights on Instagram?
Hold down the highlight on your profile, tap “Delete Highlight,” and confirm. This won’t remove the stories from your archive, so you can re-add them later if you want.
What’s the difference between stories and highlights?
Stories are temporary posts that last for 24 hours, while Highlights are your way of saving and showcasing them permanently on your profile. Think of highlights as curated story albums.
What’s the best way to organize Instagram highlights?
Start by choosing clear, engaging categories like “Trips,” “Recipes,” or “Reviews.” Then, pick matching covers to make your profile visually appealing. Consistency is key to keeping it professional and cohesive.