Instagram is a great way to keep updated about the lives of users with the happenings they share in their Stories. There are, however, times when you can’t view these and see a message that says, “The Story is Unavailable Instagram.” Learn why this happens and how to fix this.
What Does Story Unavailable Mean on Instagram?
If you’re wondering “what does story unavailable mean on Instagram,” we’re here to let you get down to the root of it all. This usually means that the story you are trying to view cannot be viewed or watched.
This message can also mean that the user has already deleted the story, it has been posted for over 24 hours, or it has violated Instagram’s community standards, to name a few.
Why Does It Say Story Unavailable on Instagram?
As mentioned, there are a number of reasons why does it say story unavailable on Instagram. Below are some of these causes.
The Story Has Been Deleted
One of the most common reasons why a story is unavailable Instagram is that it has already been deleted. This may be due to the user deleting the story, which is why you can no longer see it. Instagram may have also deleted the story in question if it violated community guidelines.
It’s Been Over 24 Hours
Instagram Stories can only be up for 24 hours. If it goes beyond this, the story will disappear afterward. If you happen to click on the story right at the 24-hour mark, you’ll get an on-screen message saying the Instagram story unavailable.
The User Has Turned Their Account Private or You’re Blocked
Another reason why you might be seeing this message on screen is that the user might have turned their account from public to private. This can also happen if the user has deactivated their account. At times, this story is unavailable Instagram blocked you.
How to Fix This Story is Unavailable Instagram Issue
Just as there are different reasons why a story unavailable Instagram, there are also a number of ways to help fix this concern. Take a look at these approaches below.
Update Instagram When Story Unavailable
There are times when Instagram glitches, especially if you are using an outdated version. To update your account and hopefully see the story, do this:
- Go to your phone’s app store. This can either be the Google Play Store or the App Store.
- Search for the Instagram app on the play store.
- Tap on ‘Update’ and wait for the new version to be downloaded.
- Open the app once more.
Follow the User on Instagram
If you aren’t following the user you wish to view the Instagram story on and they have already switched their account to private, you can just simply follow them.
Simply search for their username and on the app and tap on ‘Follow.’ Wait for the user to approve your follow request and view their story if it’s still available.
Ask Another Mutual About the Details
If this story is unavailable Instagram for whatever reason, one of the easiest things you can do is by asking another user, preferably a mutual friend, what the Instagram story was about. While this doesn’t come close to actually viewing the story, this comes in a close second while keeping you in the loop.
Conclusion
It’s annoying when you get a message on Instagram this story is unavailable. Thankfully, with the different fixes provided, you can finally get the peace of mind you need to know why you cannot see a user’s story.
Read also: how to Avoid the error "help keep Instagram a supportive place"
FAQs
Will I know if someone blocks me on Instagram?
You will not be notified if someone blocked you on Instagram. However, you can determine if someone blocked you on Instagram and this may be why the Instagram story is unavailable. You can search for their account and if you can’t see their account, you may have been blocked.
Can I know if someone hides their story from me?
You cannot directly tell if a user has hidden their story from you. There are, however, a number of ways you can know if someone hides their story from you. One of these is that the story is unavailable Instagram or if the story suddenly disappears.
Can I recover deleted Instagram stories?
You can recover or restore content that has been recently deleted, including Instagram stories. You can find deleted stories in the Recently Deleted folder for up to 24 hours if these aren’t in your archive and you can recover these easily.