A story that won’t upload usually comes down to the connection, the app or the file itself. Check that Instagram is allowed to use mobile data, update the app, restart your phone and clear the app’s cache. If it still fails, try a shorter video or a different photo, check whether Instagram is down, and look at Account Status in case something was removed.
Check the connection
- Switch between Wi-Fi and mobile data, or move somewhere with a stronger signal.
- iPhone: go to Settings, Instagram and make sure Mobile Data is on. iPhones let you turn off mobile data for single apps (Apple Support).
- Android: open Instagram’s App info, go to data usage and check that mobile data isn’t disabled for the app (Guiding Tech).
Update Instagram and restart your phone
- Android: in the Play Store, tap your profile icon, Manage apps & device, then update Instagram (Google Play Help).
- iPhone: in the App Store, tap your photo at the top and update Instagram from the list (Apple Support).
Then restart the phone. For an app that misbehaves, Google suggests this order: restart, system update, app update, force stop, clear cache, clear storage, and uninstall as the last step (Pixel Help).
Clear the app’s cache
- Android: Settings, Apps, Instagram, Storage & cache, then Clear cache. Leave Clear storage alone at first: it deletes all of the app’s data (Android Help).
- iPhone: there’s no clear cache button. Offload the app or delete and reinstall it (Apple Support).
Our guide on clearing Instagram’s cache has the details. Deleting the app can also wipe drafts, so save any you need first (see where Instagram drafts are).
Check the photo or video
- A video of up to 60 seconds posts as one story; longer videos are split into several clips (Instagram).
- Use common formats such as JPG or PNG for photos and MP4 or MOV for videos. Large files upload slowly (Guiding Tech).
- Stickers, GIFs and music can also cause upload problems. Try posting the story without them.
- Instagram’s music depends on licensing agreements, and a track can be muted when those change (Instagram).
Check whether Instagram is down
If the story fails on Wi-Fi and mobile data alike, Instagram itself may have a problem. Meta’s status page covers its business products (Meta Status), and sites such as Downdetector collect reports from users. If it’s an outage, wait and try again later.
Check Account Status
If Instagram removed something you posted for breaking its rules, it may also give your account a strike. Account Status in your settings shows removed content and strikes, and lets you appeal decisions you disagree with (Instagram for Creators).
Last resort
Log out and back in, or reinstall the app. Both can clear drafts that live only on your phone.
Posting several clips at once? See how to add multiple videos to an Instagram story.
FAQ
Why is my Instagram story stuck on posting?
Usually a weak connection, an old app version or a large file. Start with the connection and the app update, then look at the file.
Why was my story video cut into parts?
Videos longer than 60 seconds are split into several story clips.
Does clearing the cache delete anything?
On Android, Clear cache removes temporary files only. Clear storage deletes all of the app’s data, and you’ll have to log in again.
How do I know if Instagram removed my content?
Check Account Status in your settings. It shows removed content and strikes, and lets you appeal.