When you’ve got more than one picture to share, say, a full photo dump from a weekend trip or a handful of behind-the-scenes shots. it can get tricky knowing how to line them all up in the same Story session. Instagram has a few built-in features that help, but they aren’t always obvious at first. In this
guide, I’ll show you exactly how to post multiple pictures on Instagram story using two different methods.
Use Instagram’s Native “Upload Multiple” Option
If you want a quick and simple way to post multiple images on Instagram story without app, Instagram’s built-in “Upload Multiple” feature is your best bet. It lets you select several images from your gallery at once, placing each in its own Story frame. You can still edit each slide individually, adding text, stickers, music, or filters, without needing any extra apps. It’s ideal for sharing a photo series while keeping full creative control over each frame. Heres how to add multiple pictures to Instagram story at once:
Step 1: Open the Instagram app and tap “Your Story” in the top-left corner. This takes you to the Story creation screen where you can either snap a new photo or pull from your gallery.
Step 2: Tap the gallery preview in the bottom-left corner to open your camera roll.If you’re on iOS, you’ll see a “Select Multiple” icon. On Android, long-pressing any image will enable multi-select mode.
Step 3: Select up to 10 photos or videos you want to upload.
You can rearrange the order if needed before moving forward.
Step 4: Tap “Next” and edit each Story slide individually, Tap “Next” again, then hit “Your story” to post all the selected pictures to your Story.
If you’re someone who often uploads full collections, this is probably the best way to share multiple photos on Instagram Story without an app.
Combine Multiple Photos in One Story Slide
Sometimes posting ten separate slides feels like too much, especially when you want a clean, cohesive look. A single, collage-style story slide can tell the same story more effectively and with better visual flow. Whether you're sharing memories, showcasing products, or posting an event recap, combining photos adds impact. Here are three methods on how to post multiple pictures on instagram story using built-in tools or free apps, so your post stands out without the clutter.
Method 1: Use Instagram’s Layout Tool
Instagram’s Layout tool is a built-in feature that lets you create collages directly within the Story screen. You’ll find it just above the shutter button on the left side when you open the camera. It allows you to choose from different grid styles and add multiple photos into one frame. This is perfect for creating a clean, organized look without needing a separate editing app.
Step 1: Tap the Layout icon when creating a new Story. This opens up multiple grid options depending on how many images you want to include, select one of these options
Step 2: Edit and share your final Story collage. Add extras like GIFs, text, or location tags before posting.
Method 2: Use the Photo Sticker Hack
If you want more creative control over how your images appear, the Photo Sticker feature is a fun workaround. Start by uploading a background photo to your Story, then tap the sticker icon and select the photo sticker option. From there, you can add additional images as stickers, resize them, and place them anywhere on the screen. It’s a great method for layering, overlapping, or building a more dynamic and personalized layout.
Step 1: Start your Story by uploading one background image. Any image from your gallery will do.
Step 2: Tap the Sticker icon, then select the photo sticker. You’ll be able to add extra pictures as movable stickers.
Step 3: Resize, reposition, and stack your photos however you want.
This method is perfect for aesthetic photo dumps or highlight montages.
Method 3: Use a Third-Party Collage App
For more advanced layouts and creative options, third-party apps like Canva, Mojo, or Unfold are excellent choices. These apps offer a wide range of templates, custom fonts, and design elements that go beyond Instagram’s built-in tools. I’ve used them when I needed animated slides, branded content, or just a more polished, professional look. They’re especially useful if you’re creating content for a business or trying to elevate your personal style.
Step 1: Open a Collage app like Canva and design your layout. Most offer free templates tailored for Instagram Stories.
Step 2: Customize your photos using the app, export it and upload it to story
These methods work especially well for curated Stories like travel recaps or product showcases.
Save Stories with Toolsmart’s Instagram Video Downloader
After crafting the perfect Story with multiple photos, you might want to save it, either to keep a copy, repurpose it for other platforms, or share it elsewhere. This is where Toolsmart’s Instagram Video Downloader really comes in handy. Toolsmart is a clean, browser-based tool that lets you download full Instagram Stories without needing to install anything. It captures the Story exactly as it was posted, music, stickers, filters, and all. Here’s how you can use it:
Step 1: Copy the URL of the Instagram Story you want to download, then head over to Toolsmart’s Free Instagram Video Downloader.
Step 2: Paste the link into the download field and click “Download”.
Features I Found Helpful:
No watermark or quality loss
No account login or sign-up needed
Supports Stories, Reels, and regular videos
Free with no hidden limits
It’s especially helpful when you’ve made something detailed and don’t want to lose it after the usual 24-hour expiration.
FAQs
Q1: Can I add music or stickers to multiple pictures in my Story?
Yes. When using the batch upload method, you can edit each image separately and add music, text, and stickers individually.
Q2: How long will my Story with multiple pictures last?
Each photo or video lasts 15 seconds, and your full Story will stay live for 24 hours unless you add it to a Highlight.
Q3: Why can’t I select multiple photos at once?
Make sure your app is up to date. Also, remember that the multi-select option only appears in gallery view, not when using the camera.
Q4: Is Toolsmart’s Instagram Video Downloader free to use?
Yes, it’s completely free. There’s no watermark, no file limit, and no required account setup.
Q5: Is there a file size limit for Toolsmart downloads?
While there’s no official limit, large video files may take a few extra seconds depending on your internet speed.