Video Instagram Story Comments (How advice has gotten complicated with all the outdated tips and platform changes flying around. Here’s what actually works in 2026.
Instagram Story Comments (How They Actually Work)
When someone responds to your Story, it doesn’t show up as a public comment. It goes to your DMs. This confuses some people but it’s actually useful once you understand it.
Where Replies Go
All Story responses land in your message requests or primary inbox depending on whether you follow the person. Not public. Just between you and them.
This makes Stories feel more personal than posts. People are more likely to respond when it’s not public.
Responding to Story Replies
Check your messages. Replies to your Story show up with a preview of which Story they responded to. Reply back to keep the conversation going.
Tip: Actually respond. Even a quick reply builds connection. Ignoring every Story reply kills engagement over time.
Using Interactive Stickers
Polls, questions, quizzes, sliders – these let people respond right in the Story without sending a DM.
Polls: Two choices. Quick engagement. “This or that” works well.
Questions: Open text response. Good for AMAs or getting feedback.
Quiz: Multiple choice with a right answer. Fun for testing knowledge.
Slider: Rate something on a scale. Emoji-based.
All responses are visible only to you in your Story insights.
Controlling Who Can Reply
Settings > Privacy > Story > Allow Message Replies
Options: Everyone, People You Follow, or Off. Public accounts default to everyone. Private accounts may want tighter control.
Why This Matters
Story responses are a signal to Instagram that people engage with your content. Higher engagement = better visibility. Encouraging responses helps your account grow.
Ask questions. Use stickers. Give people a reason to respond. The algorithm notices.
