How to Tag Someone on Instagram Story After Posting

Instagram Stories are often used to share quick moments, give credit, or include friends. Sometimes, after posting a story, you realize you forgot to tag someone important. While Instagram does not allow full editing after a story is live, there is still a safe and official way to notify someone even after posting.

This article explains what you can and cannot do when tagging someone on an Instagram Story after it has already been shared.

Also read: How to Protect Your Instagram Account From Hackers (Simple & Complete Guide)

Is It Possible to Tag Someone After Posting a Story?

Yes, Instagram allows you to mention someone after your story is live, but only in a limited way. You cannot change the story’s appearance once it is posted. That means no edits to text, stickers, or layout.

However, Instagram lets you send the story as a mention through a direct message. This sends a notification to the person and gives them access to your story.

How to Tag Someone on an Instagram Story After Posting

Follow these steps using Instagram’s official method:

Step 1: Open Your Active Story

Open Instagram and tap your profile picture to view the story you already posted.

Step 2: Tap the Three Dots

While watching your story, tap the three-dot menu. It usually appears in one of the corners.

Step 3: Choose the Mention or Send Option

Instagram may show an option to add a mention or allow you to send the story directly to someone.

Step 4: Enter the Username

Type the exact username of the person you want to tag. Double-check the spelling.

Step 5: Send the Mention

Once sent, Instagram notifies the person. They can open your story directly from the message.

What Happens After You Tag Someone This Way?

When you tag someone after posting:

• They receive a notification in their messages
• They can view your story from that message
• They may be able to reshare it, depending on their settings
• The tag is not visible to other viewers

This method is mainly for informing the person, not for showing the tag publicly.

Things You Cannot Edit After Posting a Story

Instagram has strict limits once a story is live. You cannot:

• Add a visible username sticker
• Change text or captions
• Adjust stickers or elements
• Add music or effects later

If you need the tag to appear clearly on the story itself, editing is not possible.

Best Alternative: Repost the Story With the Tag

If public tagging is important, the only reliable option is to repost the story:

1. Delete the current story
2. Upload it again
3. Add the username using the mention sticker
4. Post it as a new story

This makes the tag visible to everyone.

Tips to Avoid Missing Tags Next Time

• Always preview your story before posting
• Use the mention sticker instead of typing usernames
• Check spelling carefully
• Add tags early when credit or collaboration matters

Also read: How to Remove Instagram Messages Before Someone Reads Them

Final Words

You can tag someone on an Instagram Story after posting, but only through Instagram’s built-in message or mention feature. While this does not display the tag publicly, it safely notifies the person.

If visibility is important, reposting the story with a proper mention is the best solution. Using official Instagram tools helps keep your account secure and your interactions smooth.