How to Tag Someone in a Story on Instagram: A Definitive Guide

So, you want to tag someone in your Instagram story? It’s a piece of cake, and here’s the lowdown: When creating a story, tap the screen to bring up the text tool, then type the “@” symbol followed by the person’s username. As you type, a list of accounts will appear; simply select the correct one. Congratulations, you’ve just successfully tagged someone!

Mastering the Art of the Instagram Tag

While the basic process is straightforward, mastering the art of the Instagram tag involves understanding nuances that can elevate your story game. Let’s dive deeper into the why, when, and how of tagging.

Why Tag Someone in Your Instagram Story?

Tagging isn’t just about giving a shout-out; it’s a strategic move with multiple benefits:

• Increased Visibility: When you tag someone, your story is more likely to be seen by their followers, potentially expanding your reach.
• Engagement Boost: Tagging encourages interaction. The tagged person (and sometimes their followers) might react, comment, or even reshare your story, amplifying engagement.
• Collaboration and Recognition: Tagging is a simple way to acknowledge contributions, partnerships, or collaborations. It’s about giving credit where credit is due.
• Promotion and Events: For businesses, tagging customers who use their products or attend their events can be a powerful marketing tool.

How to Tag Someone: A Step-by-Step Guide

Let’s break down the tagging process into easily digestible steps:

1. Create Your Story: Start by capturing a photo or video for your story. You can use the Instagram camera or upload media from your phone’s gallery.
2. Access the Text Tool: Once you have your media ready, tap on the screen. This action activates the text tool, allowing you to add text and tags.
3. Type the “@” Symbol: The “@” symbol is your key to unlocking the tagging feature. Type it directly on the screen.
4. Start Typing the Username: As you type the username, Instagram will start suggesting accounts that match your input. This autocomplete feature saves you time and ensures accuracy.
5. Select the Correct Account: From the list of suggested accounts, choose the one you want to tag. Be careful to select the right profile, especially if the username is similar to others.
6. Position and Style the Tag: After selecting the account, the tag will appear as clickable text. You can drag it around the screen to position it where you want it. You can also change the font, color, and size of the tag to match your story’s aesthetic.
7. Post Your Story: Once you’re satisfied with the tag’s placement and appearance, post your story. The tagged person will receive a notification, and viewers can tap on the tag to visit their profile.

Beyond the Basics: Creative Tagging Techniques

While the basic tagging process is simple, here are a few creative techniques to enhance your stories:

• Hide Tags: Want to tag someone without visually cluttering your story? Reduce the tag’s size to the smallest possible, and then hide it behind another element, like a sticker or a graphic. The tag will still work, but it won’t be visible to viewers unless they actively search for it.
• Use Stickers: Instagram offers various stickers that can be used to subtly indicate that someone is being tagged. For example, you could use an arrow sticker pointing to the tagged person in your photo.
• Tag in Videos: Tagging in videos is just as easy as tagging in photos. Simply follow the same steps. For dynamic videos, consider positioning the tag in a way that complements the movement or action within the video.
• Multiple Tags: Don’t be afraid to tag multiple people in your story, especially if you’re featuring a group event or collaboration. Just be mindful of overcrowding the screen with tags.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Instagram Tagging

Here are answers to some common questions regarding tagging on Instagram stories:

1. What Happens When I Tag Someone in a Story?

When you tag someone in your Instagram story, they receive a notification that they’ve been tagged. They also have the option to add your story to their own, further amplifying its reach.

2. Can Someone See if I Mentioned Them in a Story Even if I Don’t Tag Them?

No, if you only mention someone’s name in the text of your story without using the “@” symbol, they won’t be notified and their name won’t be a clickable link to their profile.

3. How Many People Can I Tag in One Instagram Story?

You can tag up to 20 people in a single Instagram story.

4. What If I Tagged the Wrong Person?

If you tagged the wrong person, delete the story and repost it with the correct tag. There is no “edit” function for tags in existing stories.

5. Can I Tag Someone in a Story After It’s Already Posted?

Unfortunately, no, you cannot tag someone in a story after it has already been posted. You must delete the story and repost it with the tag included.

6. Why Can’t I Tag Someone in a Story?

There are a few possible reasons why you might not be able to tag someone. They might have blocked you, deactivated their account, or have their account set to private and you don’t follow them. Ensure that you follow them and they haven’t blocked you.

7. How Do I Know If Someone Tagged Me in Their Story?

You’ll receive a notification in your activity feed when someone tags you in their story.

8. Can I Control Who Can Tag Me in Stories?

Yes, you can control who can tag you. In your Instagram settings, go to Privacy > Mentions and choose who is allowed to mention you: Everyone, People You Follow, or No One. This also controls who can tag you.

9. What’s the Difference Between a “Mention” and a “Tag” on Instagram?

On Instagram, a “mention” refers to using the “@” symbol followed by a username in a comment or caption. A “tag” is when you explicitly label someone in a photo or video, either in a post or a story.

10. If Someone Tags Me in a Story, Does It Automatically Appear on My Profile?

No, stories do not automatically appear on your profile just because you are tagged. You have the option to add the story to your own, but it won’t happen automatically. Only posts appear on your profile.

11. Can I Tag a Business Page in an Instagram Story?

Yes, you can tag business pages in Instagram stories just like you tag personal accounts.

12. What Happens If Someone’s Account Is Private and I Tag Them in My Story?

If someone’s account is private, only their followers will be able to see that they have been tagged in your story. If you’re not one of their followers, you won’t be able to tap on the tagged username and see their profile. This also means your story, if shared to their profile, will only be viewable by their followers.