How to add a countdown to your Instagram story and announce events

Publish date: 2024-09-21

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Whether it's a birthday celebration, a friend's wedding, or an upcoming family vacation, you may want to make a countdown to tell your Instagram followers about your next big calendar event.

Unfortunately, you can only add countdowns to Instagram stories. However, you can customize them along with the rest of the post by changing the countdown color and giving your ticker a title. Once you create a countdown, Instagram will save it, making it available for reuse later on. 

Here's how to do it. 

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How to add a countdown on Instagram

1. Open the Instagram app. 

2. Swipe to the right to add a photo or video to your story. 

3. Use the capture button to take a photo or video.

You can also tap the small square in the lower left-hand corner to upload a photo or video you've already saved. Abbey White/Business Insider

4. Once your background for the countdown is set, tap the square smiley face icon in the top menu bar. 

This will open the story menu where you can add gifs, stickers, and more to your Instagram story. Abbey White/Business Insider

5. Scroll and tap the "Countdown" option. 

The countdown for Instagram stories appears almost like a white calendar icon with purple text. Abbey White/Business Insider

6. Tap "Countdown name" and enter the title of your Countdown.

There is no character minimum on your Instagram story Countdown title. Abbey White/Business Insider

7. If you've previously created countdowns, they will appear in a pop-up box. Select which one you want to use.

You can tap the three dots icon in the upper-right of any previously made Countdown to delete it. Abbey White/Business Insider

8. Toggle the "All Day" button to set a general date or exact date and time.

Your Countdown counter will update based on which option you choose. Abbey White/Business Insider

9. Tap the circular color palette at the top of your story screen to change the color of the countdown. 

Continuously tap to view all of the solid and gradient color options for the countdown. Abbey White/Business Insider

10. Tap "Done" in the upper right-hand corner.

11. Once back on the story draft, use two fingers to resize the countdown and reposition it on your story.

Add filters, text, or stickers to finalize your story. Abbey White/Business Insider

12. Tap "Your Story" or "Close Friends" to post the Instagram story featuring your countdown.

You can also send your story post to specific people using the "Send To" option on the bottom of the screen. Abbey White/Business Insider
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Marissa Perino Marissa Perino is a former editorial intern covering executive lifestyle. She previously worked at Cold Lips in London and Creative Nonfiction in Pittsburgh. She studied journalism and communications at the University of Pittsburgh, along with creative writing. Find her on Twitter: @mlperino. Read more Read less

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