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How to Tag/Mention Someone on Instagram Story Without It Showing

Instagram’s tagging system is great for public shoutouts, but what about when you want to send a secret message to your friend? Don’t worry. We’ve got your back. In this article, you’ll learn how to tag/mention someone on Instagram Story without it showing.

How to tag mention someone on Instagram Story without it showing

Whether you’re tired of those large tags or want to keep your Insta Story’s aesthetics clean, the methods below will help you. So, without further ado, let’s check out how you can do ghost tagging on Instagram.

Method 1: Off-Screen Swiping

Swiping the mention sticker off the screen is a quick and easy way to keep your Story clean, respect your friends’ privacy, and let them know they’ve been featured. Try it yourself with the steps mentioned below:

Step 1: Open the Instagram app. Launch the Story tab by swiping from left to right on the Home screen.

Open the Instagram app and launch the Story tab

Step 2: Tap the Gallery icon and pick an image or video for your Story.

Tap the Gallery icon and pick an image or video for your Story

Step 3: Choose the Stickers icon from the top of the screen and select the Mention Sticker.

Choose the Stickers icon from the top of the screen and select the Mention Sticker

Step 4: Type your friend’s username and choose their account. Press and hold the Mention Sticker, and drag it off the screen through the edge to remove it.

Mention your friend press and hold the Mention Sticker and drag it off the screen

Mastering this trick might take some practice. You might see that the end part of the username is showing if you move it slowly when you try it initially. The trick is swiftly and firmly swiping it to vanish it in a single motion.

Moreover, you can also use this method if you use a text feature to tag someone on Instagram Story.

Also Read: What does it mean when Instagram says user not found

Method 2: Shrinking the Tag

Another quick way to hide tags or mentions on Instagram Story is by resizing the tag. Doing so will make the tag hard to locate, and once you hide the tag in the story, it will become invisible. To do so, adhere to the simple steps below:

Step 1: Launch the Instagram app and swipe left on the Home screen.

Open the Instagram app and launch the Story tab

Step 2: Press the Gallery icon and choose the image or video you want to set as your Story.

Tap the Gallery icon and pick an image or video for your Story

Step 3: Tap on the Story, enter @[your friend’s username], and select their account. Pinch in the username to shrink it and make it invisible.

Note: We suggest using a basic color like black or white for the username so it doesn’t stand out in your Story.

Tap on the Story tag your friend and pinch in their username to shrink it and make it invisible

Also Read: How to use Instagram guides

Method 3: Using Stickers or Overlays

Using stickers or overlays is a clever workaround to tag/mention someone on Instagram Story without it Showing. This method adds an element of creativity and personalization to your Story while maintaining a subtle approach to tagging.

By incorporating stickers such as emojis, GIFs, or other decorative overlays, you can strategically conceal the mention within the visual content of your Story. This not only allows you to mention someone in the Story without tagging them but also adds an element of mystery or surprise for your audience. Here’s how you can do so:

Step 1: Open the Instagram app on your device.

Step 2: Click the + icon at the bottom bar and head to the Story tab.

Click the icon at the bottom bar and head to the Story tab

Step 3: Press the Gallery icon and choose a photo or video.

Tap the Gallery icon and pick an image or video for your Story

Step 4: Tap on the photo or video. Type @[your friend’s username] and select their profile to mention them. Press Done.

Tap on the photo or video type your friends username and select their profile

Step 5: Now, press the Stickers icon and choose a sticker. Hold and drag the sticker to move it above the mention.

Tip: Shrink the size of the tag so that it can hide behind the sticker.

Press the Stickers icon and choose a sticker

Method 4: Text Color Trick

The Text Color Trick is a clever method that involves selecting a text color that closely matches the background color of the Story, rendering the mention practically invisible to the naked eye. By strategically camouflaging the mention within the backdrop, you can invisibly mention someone in your Instagram Story.

This subtle approach can be particularly useful when you wish to maintain a more aesthetic or minimalist appearance to your Stories while still giving a nod to specific individuals. Follow the simple steps below to tag/mention someone on Instagram Story without it showing:

Step 1: Go to Instagram and click on the Your story icon.

Go to Instagram and click on the Your story icon

Step 2: Choose a video or picture for your Story. Tap on it, type @[your friends username], and select their account from below.

Choose a video or picture tap on it and mention your friend

Step 3: Press the Color option at the top of the screen and tap the color picker.

Press the Color option at the top of the screen and tap the color picker

Step 4: Select a color from the image by dragging it to the desired spot. Tap Done when you’re finished.

Tip: Make the username smaller to fit nicely within the color range.

Select a color from the image by dragging it to the desired spot and tap Done when youre finished

Also Read: How to share Instagram posts, reels, and stories with Close Friends only

Method 5: With the Shared Post

You can share not only your gallery pictures and videos but also reels and regular posts in your Instagram Stories. If you want to ghost-mention a friend in your Story, follow the simple steps outlined below. 

Step 1: Navigate to the Instagram app.

Step 2: Find a post or reel you want to share on your Story and tap the Share icon. Press the Add to story button.

Find a post or reel you want to share tap the Share icon and press the Add to story button

Step 3: Tap the screen and mention your friend. After that, press and hold the post, and move it to place it above the username to hide it.

Tap the screen and mention your friend press and hold the post and move it to hide the username

Also Read: How to create awesome Instagram Stories

Method 6: Using Add Mention Button

Add to mention is a relatively new feature that can help you tag someone on your Story once you’ve posted it. This method is especially handy when you want to share a Story with someone while hiding tags or mentions on an Instagram Story. Here’s how to do so:

Step 1: Open the Instagram app. Tap your Profile tab in the bottom navigation bar.

Launch the Instagram app and head to your Profile tab

Step 2: Press the ring around your Profile picture to open it and select the three-dots icon.

Open your Story and press the More button

Step 3: Choose Add Mentions. Enter your friend’s username in the search box, choose their account, and press the Add button.

Select Add Mentions look for your friend and tap the Add button

Friend Notified About the Tag

Now that you know how to tag/mention someone on Instagram Story without it showing, go forth and share your secret mentions! A well-placed hidden tag can add a touch of mystery and intrigue to your Story. Also, remember that the person you’ve tagged will still be notified about the Story.

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Last updated on 14 March, 2024

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