Ever wanted to see an Instagram story without those annoying stickers or emojis covering the best part of the photo? You can’t remove stickers directly inside Instagram, but you can use photo editing apps, online tools, or AI-based software to erase or “heal” stickers from downloaded stories. The result depends on the app, the sticker’s size, and the background. In this complete guide, you’ll learn all the methods, tools, and apps for removing stickers from Instagram stories—plus the pros, cons, and legal/ethical tips.
Note: Always respect privacy and copyright when editing someone else’s content.
For more on saving stories, check out How to download Instagram story without stickers?
Best Apps and Tools to Remove Stickers from Instagram Stories
Here are the most popular apps and tools for removing stickers, emojis, or unwanted objects from Instagram stories:
| App/Tool | Platform | Free/Paid | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| AirBrush | Android/iOS | Free (with in-app purchases) | Easy erasing, object removal |
| TouchRetouch | Android/iOS | Paid | Precise object removal |
| WebinPaint | Web | Paid (free trial) | Online, no install needed |
| GIMP | Windows/Mac/Linux | Free | Advanced editing |
| Photoshop (Stamp Tool) | Windows/Mac | Paid | Professional results |
| Snapseed | Android/iOS | Free | Mobile, quick fixes |
| Apowersoft Watermark Remover | Windows/Online | Free/Paid | Batch removal, easy UI |
| Jihosoft Photo Eraser | Windows/Mac | Paid | Simple, focused on erasing |
| Clip Studio Paint | Windows/Mac | Paid | Advanced drawing/editing |
| Lightroom | Windows/Mac/Mobile | Paid | High quality, pro editing |
Step-by-Step: Remove Stickers from Instagram Story Using Paint & Copilot (Windows 11)
- Download the Instagram Story Online
- Use an online tool like StorySaver.net or Toolzu.com to download the Instagram story image to your computer.
- Save the image in a folder you can easily find.
- Open the Image in Windows Paint
- Right-click the downloaded image and select Open with > Paint.
- Make sure you are using the latest version of Paint on Windows 11 (with Copilot integration).
- Select the Sticker Area
- In Paint, use the Selection Tool to draw a box around the sticker or emoji you want to remove.
- You can zoom in for more precise selection.
- Use Copilot to Remove the Sticker
- With the area selected, click the Copilot button in the Paint toolbar (usually at the top right).
- In the Copilot sidebar, choose the option like Remove Object or Remove Selection (the exact wording may vary depending on your Windows version).
- Copilot will use AI to fill in the selected area, removing the sticker and blending the background.
- Review and Fine-Tune
- Check the result. If the area looks unnatural, you can use the Brush or Clone tool in Paint to manually touch up the image.
- Repeat the process for any other stickers or unwanted objects.
- Save the Edited Image
- Click File > Save As and choose a new name for your edited image to keep the original file intact.
Tips:
- This method works best on simple backgrounds.
- For complex images, you may need to repeat the process or use additional editing tools.
Step-by-Step: How to Remove Stickers from Instagram Stories
Here’s a general process you can use with most apps:
- Download the Instagram story (using a story saver app or website)
- Open the photo in your chosen editing app (AirBrush, TouchRetouch, GIMP, etc.)
- Use the eraser, healing, or clone tool to select and remove the sticker
- Preview the result and save the edited image
Tip: The cleaner the background, the better the result. Complex backgrounds may look unnatural after sticker removal.
Detailed Guide: Top Apps for Sticker Removal
1. AirBrush
AirBrush is a user-friendly app for Android and iOS. Use the “Erase” tool to highlight the sticker and let the app remove it automatically. Great for quick fixes.
2. TouchRetouch
TouchRetouch is a paid app but offers precise object removal. Use the “Object Removal” tool to select the sticker and erase it with one tap.
3. WebinPaint
WebinPaint is an online tool—no install needed. Upload your photo, highlight the sticker, and let the AI fill in the background.
4. GIMP
GIMP is a free, open-source editor for advanced users. Use the “Clone” or “Heal” tool to manually paint over the sticker.
5. Photoshop (Stamp Tool)
Photoshop’s Clone Stamp tool is the gold standard for professional results. Select a clean area and paint over the sticker for a seamless finish.
6. Snapseed
Snapseed’s “Healing” tool is perfect for mobile users. Just tap and drag over the sticker to remove it.
7. Apowersoft Watermark Remover
Batch remove stickers or watermarks from multiple images at once. Great for power users.
8. Jihosoft Photo Eraser
Simple, focused app for erasing unwanted objects. Just select the sticker and erase.
9. Clip Studio Paint
Advanced drawing and editing features for artists and designers.
10. Lightroom
Professional photo management and editing, with powerful healing and clone tools.
Best Online Tools to Remove Stickers from Instagram Stories
- WebinPaint – Upload, highlight, erase, download
- Cleanup.pictures – AI-based, fast and simple
Note: Online tools are best for quick edits and don’t require installation.
How to remove music sticker from Instagram story?
How to Download Instagram Stories Without Stickers
If you want to save an Instagram story before stickers are added, you need to:
- Ask the creator to send you the original photo (best quality, most ethical)
- Use a story saver app or website (like StorySaver.net or Toolzu.com) to download the story as-is
- Use Telegram bots (like Inbo or Instagram Toolbox Bot) to download stories (works for public and some private accounts you follow)
Warning: You can’t download stories from private accounts unless you follow them.
Why Do People Use Stickers on Instagram Stories?
Have you ever wondered why people cover parts of their photos with stickers on Instagram stories? While sometimes it is just for fun, stickers often serve a practical purpose, from protecting privacy to enhancing the story’s message. Understanding these reasons is the first step in figuring out why you might want to see the original photo. Here are the most common motivations behind using stickers:
- To Hide Faces, Usernames, or Private Information: This is one of the most common uses. People often use stickers to protect the privacy of others, especially children or friends who have not consented to be in their story. They might also cover up their own or someone else’s username, a location tag, or any other personal information that they do not want to share publicly.
- To Cover Unwanted Objects or People in the Background: Not every photo is perfect. A sticker is a quick and easy way to cover up a messy background, an accidental photobomber, or a distracting object without having to use complex editing software. It is a simple fix to make the photo look cleaner and more focused.
- To Add Fun, Humor, or Branding to Their Stories: Stickers are a key part of what makes Instagram stories creative and engaging. Users add GIFs, emojis, polls, and custom stickers to express their personality, add a touch of humor, or reinforce their personal or business brand. A well-placed sticker can make a story more interactive and memorable.
- To Censor Sensitive or Personal Content: Sometimes, a user might want to share a screenshot of a conversation or a photo that contains sensitive information. They will use a sticker to censor or block out the parts that are not meant for a public audience, while still sharing the main context of the image.
While stickers are a versatile and creative tool for the person posting the story, it can be frustrating as a viewer when you want to see the full, original photo underneath. This curiosity is what leads many people to search for “sticker removal” apps and tools, hoping to uncover what has been hidden.
Is It Legal or Ethical to Remove Stickers from Someone’s Instagram Story?
Important: Downloading and editing someone else’s story without permission can violate Instagram’s terms and the creator’s privacy. Only use these methods for personal, educational, or fair use purposes. Never repost or misuse someone’s content.
Common Questions About Removing Stickers from Instagram Stories
- Can you remove stickers from someone else’s Instagram story?
Not directly in Instagram, but you can use editing apps or online tools after downloading the story. - Can you remove stickers from Instagram videos?
Use video editing apps or online tools like Media.io Emoji Trimmer to trim or blur stickers in videos. - Is it possible to remove an emoji from someone else’s picture?
Yes, with apps like AirBrush, Snapseed, or Photoshop, you can erase emojis from photos. - How do you remove stickers on Instagram story?
If it’s your own story, tap and hold the sticker, then drag it to the trash. For others’ stories, use editing apps after downloading. - Is it legal to remove stickers from someone’s story?
Only for personal use. Don’t repost or misuse someone else’s content without permission.
Tips for Best Results When Removing Stickers
- Choose photos with simple backgrounds for easier editing
- Use the “clone” or “heal” tool for natural-looking results
- Zoom in for precise editing
- Try multiple apps to see which gives the best result for your image
- Always save a copy of the original photo
Comparison: Free vs Paid Apps for Sticker Removal
| Feature | Free Apps (GIMP, Snapseed, Apowersoft) | Paid Apps (Photoshop, TouchRetouch, Lightroom) |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of Use | Beginner-friendly, simple UI | Advanced features, steeper learning curve |
| Quality | Good for simple edits | Best for complex backgrounds |
| Batch Editing | Limited | Available in some apps |
| Price | Free | Paid (varies by app) |
Conclusion
Removing stickers from someone’s Instagram story is possible with the right apps and tools, but results vary based on the image and method. For best quality, use advanced editors like Photoshop or GIMP. For quick fixes, try AirBrush, Snapseed, or online tools. Always respect privacy and copyright, and never misuse someone else’s content. Have you tried removing stickers from Instagram stories? Share your experience in the comments!
FAQs: Remove Stickers from Instagram Stories
- How do you remove stickers from someone else’s Instagram pictures?
Use a photo editor like Photoshop or GIMP. Open the photo, select the sticker, and delete it with the clone or heal tool. - Is there a way to remove stickers from Instagram videos?
Use video editing apps or online tools like Media.io Emoji Trimmer to trim or blur stickers in videos. - Can you remove an emoji from someone else’s picture?
Yes, with apps like AirBrush, Snapseed, or Photoshop, you can erase emojis from photos. - How do you remove stickers on Instagram story?
If it’s your own story, tap and hold the sticker, then drag it to the trash. For others’ stories, use editing apps after downloading. - Is it legal to remove stickers from someone’s story?
Only for personal use. Don’t repost or misuse someone else’s content without permission.
Related Articles
- How to make videos loop on Instagram story?
- How to ask for song suggestions on Instagram story (2023)
- What happens if you block someone after you view their story?
For more on this topic, see this Reddit discussion.
9 Responses
Wow, thanks StoryDL for this awesome article! It’s exactly what I was looking for. I haven’t been able to figure out how to remove stickers from Instagram stories without them messing up the whole picture, but your guide with Photoshop made it super clear.
Now, I have a quick question. Could you recommend any free or simple editing tools that achieve the same result without needing Photoshop? I’m not a pro at editing, so something user-friendly would be ideal.
Hey there! We’re so glad you found our article helpful! You’re absolutely right, removing stickers without Photoshop can be tricky, but there are definitely some user-friendly options out there.
For beginners, I’d recommend checking out:
Snapseed: It’s a free app with an “Object Eraser” tool that lets you easily brush away unwanted elements like stickers. 🪄
TouchRetouch: Another free app with a similar “Object Removal” feature that’s specifically designed for photos. You can simply mark the sticker and watch it disappear! ✨
PicsArt: This one has a free version with a “Cutout” tool that allows you to isolate the sticker and delete it without affecting the rest of the image.
Remember, these tools might not work perfectly on complex backgrounds or intricate stickers, but they’re a great starting point. ✨
If you’re willing to try something a little more advanced, apps like Canva or GIMP (free and open-source) offer more precise control and more powerful tools for sticker removal. But, the learning curve might be steeper.
Feel free to ask if you have any questions about using these tools, and happy story-editing!
I don’t have Photoshop or Lightroom. What’s the easiest way to remove stickers from Instagram stories?
The article says that there are many ways to remove stickers from Instagram stories, and that some of the easiest ways are to use free apps like Apowersoft Watermark Remover or GIMP. GIMP is a photo editor that is available for free, and it has a variety of features that can be used to edit photos, including removing stickers. Apowersoft Watermark Remover is another free app that can be used to remove stickers from photos. It is a good option if you want to remove stickers from multiple stories at once.
This is exactly what I was looking for! I’ve been trying to figure out how to remove stickers from instagram story for ages. Is it actually possible after it’s been posted?
Hi Chris! It’s a common question. Unfortunately, you can’t remove a sticker to see what’s underneath once it’s been posted by someone else, as it’s “baked into” the image. This guide explains the best workarounds using editing tools.
This article was a lifesaver! I needed to download instagram story without stickers for a project, and the tips here really helped. It’s all about unspooling the digital narrative to see what truly works today.
I have a question. So, can you remove stickers from instagram stories for real? I’ve seen some apps that claim they can do it.
Hi Tony! Great question. As of now, no app can truly “remove” a sticker to reveal what’s underneath. This guide explains why and shows what’s actually possible with editing tools like Photoshop or Snapseed’s healing brush.