How to Add a Countdown on Instagram
Two ways to do it: Instagram's countdown sticker, which lives in your story and vanishes with it — or a WatchIsUp countdown: a link that stays online until the event, fully customizable, and filmable live in your Reels.
Why use it
01
It doesn't vanish with the story
Instagram's sticker lives inside your story and disappears with it. A WatchIsUp countdown stays reachable until the event — and after it.
02
One link that works everywhere
Share the same countdown in a story, a DM, on WhatsApp or by email. The link preview shows the running clock, and a 9:16 Story Card with QR code is generated for static posts.
03
Your style, not the sticker's
7 templates (classic, flip cards, neon, minimalist, gauges, analog), free colors and your own background photo. The native sticker only offers a name, a date and one color.
04
Made to film in your Reels
Camera mode overlays the live countdown on your video: 8 photo filters, animated effects (confetti, hearts, fireworks, snow, stars) and vertical 9:16 export, with no editing software.
How it works
Step 1
Enter your event's title and target date.
Step 2
Pick your template, colors and background photo.
Step 3
Share the link in your story, or record a Reel with the countdown overlaid.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, Instagram Stories include a "countdown" sticker. It's handy, but it lives in the story, disappears with it and doesn't exist outside Instagram. A WatchIsUp countdown stays online and can be shared anywhere.
Two options: share your countdown link using the Stories link sticker, or post the 9:16 Story Card generated here. For a Reel, camera mode records a vertical video with the countdown overlaid.
Yes, 100% free, no sign-up and no watermark. You only need your Instagram account to publish.
In a video, the countdown is baked in at recording time. For one that keeps ticking, share the page link via the Stories link sticker.