Tagging people in Instagram Stories is a common way to give credit, share moments with friends, or make your story more interactive. But many users realize after posting that they forgot to tag someone. The good news is that Instagram does allow you to tag people even after your story is live, but with certain limitations.
This guide explains all the official and safe ways to tag someone on an Instagram Story after posting, what is possible, and what is not.
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Can You Tag Someone After Posting an Instagram Story?
Yes, you can tag someone after posting an Instagram Story, but only using the built-in mention option provided by Instagram. You cannot edit the story design, text, or stickers once it is posted, but you can still add a mention through a direct message.
Instagram sends a notification to the tagged person, and they can reshare your story if their account allows it.
How to Tag Someone on Instagram Story After Posting
Follow these simple steps using the official method.
Step 1: Open Your Instagram Story
Open Instagram and tap on your profile picture to view your active story.
Step 2: Tap the Three Dots
While viewing your story, tap the three dots icon, usually located at the bottom right or top corner.
Step 3: Select “Add Mentions” or “Send To”
Instagram may show an option to add a mention or allow you to send the story directly to someone.
Step 4: Type the Username
Enter the username of the person you want to tag. Make sure the spelling is correct.
Step 5: Send the Mention
Once sent, the person will receive a notification and can view or reshare your story if permissions allow.
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What Happens After You Tag Someone?
When you tag someone after posting:
- They receive a direct notification
- They can view the story from the message
- They may be able to reshare it on their own story
- The tag does not appear visibly on your story for others
This method is mainly for notifying the person rather than displaying the tag publicly.
What You Cannot Change After Posting a Story
It is important to understand Instagram’s limitations.
You cannot:
- Add visible username stickers
- Move or resize elements
- Edit text or captions
- Add music or stickers later
If you need a visible tag, the only option is to delete the story and upload it again with the correct mention.
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Alternative Option: Repost the Story With Tag
If tagging is important for visibility, follow this approach:
- Delete the existing story
- Upload the story again
- Add the username using the mention sticker
- Post it fresh
This ensures the tag is visible to everyone.
Tips for Tagging Correctly in the Future
- Always preview your story before posting
- Use the mention sticker instead of typing text
- Check username spelling carefully
- Tag people early if collaboration or credit is required
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Final Thoughts
Tagging someone on an Instagram Story after posting is possible, but only through Instagram’s official mention or message feature. While it does not add a visible tag to the story, it still notifies the person safely and correctly. If public tagging matters, reposting the story is the best option.
Using Instagram’s built-in tools ensures your account stays safe and your interactions remain smooth.