Social media is on a revamp. Users are no longer excited about using AI filters or photoshopping their pictures to look presentable. They have finally realized that the world is going to judge you anyways. Instagram understands the change in users’ preferences and allows them to use the Candid Stories feature on Instagram. Users can now show raw and candid versions of themselves through IG Candid Stories.
Instagram users can add pictures on Instagram Stories to create a montage or to share short videos for their friends and followers to see. It will be visible in the user’s profile only for 24 hours, after which it will be automatically moved to the archives. On December 14, 2022, Instagram made an official statement of launching the Candid Stories feature on Instagram.
Users can use the Candid Stories feature on Instagram by tapping on the Candid Story icon right next to the Your Story icon. You will have two minutes to take candid pictures of yourself using both your front and back cameras. Your Candid Stories will be visible only for the users in your Friend list who have similarly shared Candid Stories to see.
Instagram is a constantly evolving app that keeps updating its features to meet the demands of all users. One such extraordinary addition is the Candid Stories feature on Instagram. What are you waiting for? Use the Candid Stories feature on Instagram to share personal moments with your close friends.
What Is A Candid Story?
Instagram Stories is an adaptation of Snapchat, and Instagram Reels is based on TikTok; similarly, the Candid Stories feature on Instagram is based on BeReal, the French social networking app that encourages users to share candid moments with their friends in a 2-minute notification.
The Candid Stories feature on Instagram allows users to post candid moments of themselves without any edits or filters. Users can post only one candid Story every day or can post when the notification for the Candid Story goes off. Users will have a 2 minutes timer to take photos using both the front and back cameras and share it on Instagram.
Only users who participate in Candid Stories for the day will be able to see your Candid Story. If you fail to post Candid Stories for one day, you will not be able to view the Candid Stories of your friends. So, stay focused and do not miss out on the Candid Story notification when it goes off.
How To Use The Candid Stories Feature On Instagram?
To use the Candid Stories feature on Instagram, you will have to wait a little longer as it is still in the testing phase and has not been officially released yet to the public. However, after extensive research, we were able to find out that Instagram does not allow users to add effects and filters to their Candid Stories. However, can users add captions, stickers, and tag locations to their Candid Stories?
1. Adding Filters To Your Candid Stories
Candid Stories is all about showing the real version of you for the world to see. Instagram does not allow you to add filters to your Candid Stories, as the sole purpose of Candid Stories is to show the real, raw, and candid version of you to the world without any edits or filters.
2. Using Stickers On Your Candid Stories
Add Yours Stickers is one of the recent updates made in the Instagram app that is loved by all users. With Add Your Stickers, you can add a location, @mention, #hashtag, or add a link or music to their Stories. But when you use the Candid Stories feature on Instagram, you can add the time stamp sticker to your Story that displays the time in which the Candid picture was posted.
3. Adding Polls And Questions To Your Candid Stories
Users will have a 2-minute time frame to post in the Candid Stories feature on Instagram. We highly doubt that you will have enough time to add polls and ask questions on your Candid Story. If you wish to include polls and questions, you can take a screenshot of your Candid Story and then tap on Add Yours Stickers icon, to add polls and questions to your Stories. However, you should know that it will not be displayed as a ‘Candid’ Story but under ‘Your Story’ on the Instagram feed.
4. Using The Location And Hashtag Stickers On Your Candid Stories
Users who wish to tag their location or add a hashtag Sticker on their Candid Stories feature on Instagram can take a screenshot of the Story before posting them. You can then tag your location and add all the hashtags that you want to post as Your Story on Instagram.
5. Creating A Countdown On Your Candid Stories
Users need not create a countdown on their Candid Stories, as the countdown timer will start automatically once you tap on the Candid notification. You will see a 2-minute countdown on your screen, within which you should take a candid picture of yourself using both your front and back cameras.
6. Highlighting Your Candid Stories
Instagram users can view someone’s old Instagram Stories with the Highlights option. Similarly, users can choose to highlight the Candid Stories feature on Instagram. All your Candid Stories will be displayed on your Profile right under your bio, along with all your other Instagram Stories. This will be visible to all your friends and followers, as you have chosen to enable this option for all to see.
How To Turn Instagram Candid Stories Notifications Off?
To turn the notification for Candid Stories feature on Instagram off, tap on your Profile icon > Menu icon > Settings > Notifications > Posts, Stories, and Comments > Turn off.
You can turn the Candid Stories feature on Instagram off by,
Step 1 – Open the Instagram app.
Step 2 – Tap on your Profile icon at the bottom right side of your page.
Step 3 – Tap on the Menu icon at the top right corner.
Step 4 – Tap to open Settings.
Step 5 – Tap on Notifications.
Step 6 – Tap to open Posts, Stories, and Comments.
Step 7 – Scroll down to Candid Stories.
Step 8 – Tap to turn the Candid Stories feature on Instagram off.
You will no longer be able to hear the notification go off at a random time for taking Candid pictures for your Instagram Story.
Wrap Up
The launch of the Candid Stories feature on Instagram has had a mixed reaction from all social media users. While most users feel that this is a good initiative taken by the app to encourage users to accept themselves and embrace their true beauty, others feel that Instagram should just stick to its expertise without taking “inspiration” from others’ work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. How Long Can My Candid Stories Be On Instagram?
All Candid Stories will be displayed for 24 hours on the user’s Profile, after which it will be saved to the archives or moved to the highlights based on the user’s settings.
Q2. Can I Edit My Candid Stories After Posting Them On Instagram?
No. You certainly cannot edit your Candid Stories after posting them on Instagram. Users cannot add edits and filters to their Candid Stories while posting them.
Q3. Can I See Who Viewed My Candid Stories On Instagram?
You can see who viewed your Candid Stories on Instagram; you can open your Candid Story and swipe up on your screen. You will be able to see the list of all your friends and followers who have viewed your Candid Story.
Q4. How Do You See Candid On Instagram?
To see Candid Stories on Instagram, you should first participate when the Candid Stories notification goes off and post your Candid Story. Only then will you be able to view the Candid Stories of all your friends and followers who have posted their Candid stories for the day.
