How to see memories on Instagram is so cool!
Instagram is more than just a social media platform; it’s like a digital scrapbook where we capture and share our lives and now with the Memories feature you can relive them all over again.
What happens to those moments after they’re posted?
That’s where the Memories feature comes in. You can go back to your past posts or Instagram stories and relive the good times.
In this post I’ll show you how to see your memories on Instagram, why they’re important and some tips to make the most out of this feature. Let’s get started!
What are Instagram Memories?
Before we get into the how-to, let’s talk about what Instagram Memories are.
Memories are posts or stories from the past that Instagram shows you on the same date they were posted, just like Facebook’s “On This Day” feature.
This Instagram memories feature was created to help users re-engage with content they may have forgotten about and honestly it’s pretty cool!
When Instagram shows you a memory it will appear under the “On This Day” banner and you can share it again just like any other story or post.
It’s a fun way to relive past moments whether they were happy, funny or even a little cringeworthy!
Why are Memories Important?
Instagram Story Memories aren’t just about looking back; they’re a way to reflect on your personal growth, your relationships and even your content creation.
According to a Pew Research survey 60% of social media users say they use platforms like Instagram to stay connected with old friends and relive shared memories.
That’s huge! Memories help people stay emotionally connected to their past and the people they’ve interacted with.
Plus memories get more engagement. If you re-share a memory people will engage with it more since it’s nostalgic.
That feeling of “I remember when that happened!” gets comments, likes and shares.
How to View Instagram Memories
Now let’s get to it. Here’s how you can get to your story memories in 3 easy steps.
Step 1: Go to Your Profile
Open the Instagram app and go to your profile by tapping the Profile icon at the bottom right.
Step 2: Tap the Hamburger
Once you’re on your profile, tap the three horizontal lines (called the hamburger menu) located in the upper right corner of the screen
Step 3: Instagram Archive
In the menu that pops up, you’ll see Archive. Tap on it. This is where all the stories, posts and live videos are stored.
Step 4: Look for Memories
Once you’re in Archive, you’ll be taken to your Stories Archive by default.
If you posted a story on this day in the past, Instagram will show it to you under the “On This Day” section.
Bonus Tip: Calendar and Map View
You can switch to Calendar view or Map view by tapping the icons at the top right of the Archive.
The calendar shows your Instagram stories by date, and the map will show all the stories that include location stickers.
This is useful if you want to quickly jump to specific memories without scrolling.
Pro Tip: If you can’t find a memory, try looking in the Posts Archive. Sometimes story memories from regular posts don’t show up in the archive.
How to Share Your Instagram Memories
What’s the point of seeing memories if you can’t share them, right? Instagram makes it super easy to repost old stories.
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Tap the Share button next to the memory.
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You can add stickers, GIFs or even text to your memory before sharing.
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Tap Your Story to post it, or Close Friends or Direct Message if you want to send it to specific people.
You can also remove the date sticker if you want to. Tap and drag it to the trash can.
Instagram Memories vs. Facebook’s “On This Day”
Both Instagram and Facebook have their own version of a memory feature, but they work a bit differently.
Here’s a comparison to help you understand the differences:
How to Use Instagram Memories Feature
Memories can be more than just a fun trip down memory lane. Here are some ways to get creative with them:
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Throwback Hashtags: Use #ThrowbackThursday (#TBT) or #MemoryMonday to get more eyes on your memory posts.
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Business Use: If you’re a business, memories can be a great way to remind followers of past campaigns, product launches or milestones.
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Create Story Highlights: Want to keep those memories around longer? Add them to your Story Highlights. This way followers can access them even after the 24 hour story has expired.
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Edit and Update: When re-sharing a memory, update the caption or add new content to make it feel current.
Fun Fact: Nostalgia Increases Engagement with Archived Stories
Did you know that social media posts that trigger nostalgia get more engagement?
According to Social insider, Instagram stories that resurface old content see a 40% increase in comments compared to regular posts.
People love to go back in time and when you share Instagram memories, it gives your Instagram followers a chance to reflect and engage with content they might have missed.
Sharing story memories from this Instagram archive helps users reconnect with past moments, which often leads to increased interaction and emotional connection with their followers.
Conclusion
How to see memories on Instagram is the best feature on the app if you ask me.
It’s more than just a reminder of the past; it’s a chance to see how far you’ve come and revisit the moments that mattered in your life.
Whether it’s a funny story or a meaningful post, this feature lets you interact with your past in a fun and reflective way.
I think this feature encourages more engagement and personal connection. We all like to go down memory lane sometimes.
So next time Instagram shows you a memory, don’t just swipe past it take a moment to enjoy it and maybe even share it with the people in it!
Now that you know how to see and share your memories, try it out! You might just love it and your followers will too.
Remember, your past moments are worth sharing!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you see your memories on Instagram?
To see your memories on Instagram:
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Open your Instagram app and go to your profile by tapping the icon in the bottom right corner.
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Tap the three horizontal lines (hamburger menu) in the top right corner.
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Select Instagram Archive from the menu that appears.
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You’ll land in your Stories Archive and see Instagram memories under the “On This Day” section if you posted something on that day last year.
Easy peasy!
How do I get “On This Day” on Instagram?
The “On This Day” feature appears automatically if you posted a story or post on the same date last year. You don’t have to do anything to turn it on.
Instagram will send you a notification or show the memory in your Instagram Stories Archive under the “On This Day” banner.
Here’s how to check for “On This Day” manually:
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Go to your profile.
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Tap the hamburger menu and select Archive.
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Your Stories Archive will show all your Instagram memories for that day.
How do I see Instagram Memories 2024?
The way to see Instagram Memories in 2024 is the same as previous years:
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Open your Instagram and go to your profile.
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Tap the hamburger menu (three lines at the top right).
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Select Archive and you’ll be taken to your Stories Archive.
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Look for the “On This Day” section to see memories on Instagram from previous years on that same day.
Even if Instagram adds new features in 2024, accessing your Instagram memories through the Archive is the same easy process.
How to see old Instagram stories?
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Go to your profile and tap the three horizontal lines at the top right.
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Select Archive.
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You’ll be in the Stories Archive by default where all your past stories are saved. You can swipe through or tap the calendar icon to switch to calendar view.
Just remember, Instagram Memories disappear if the story wasn’t saved before the 24-hour window or if you manually delete it from your archive, so make sure to check in regularly to save Instagram memories.