An ArcGIS organization or public account is required to author and publish stories in ArcGIS StoryMaps. An account is not required to view stories that have been created in ArcGIS StoryMaps and shared with everyone.
Requirements for authoring and sharing stories
There are three user types that provide access to the storytelling capabilities of ArcGIS StoryMaps. Access to certain authoring and publishing options is determined by the user type assigned to the author's ArcGIS Online or ArcGIS Enterprise account.
Creator and GIS Professional (subscription)
The Creator and GIS Professional user types are ArcGIS subscription accounts. They are available for a fee and provide full capabilities in ArcGIS to create 2D and 3D maps, build apps, and publish layers of geographic data on the web. These user types also both include access to the full storytelling capabilities of ArcGIS StoryMaps. The GIS Professional user type also includes access to ArcGIS Pro. For more information about user types, see User types, roles, and privileges.
Public account (free)
This free account can be created by anyone and is intended for noncommercial, nongovernmental use. When using ArcGIS StoryMaps with a public account, some advanced storytelling and customization features are not available, such as the ability to embed web pages or create map actions, customize the story theme, and add a Google Analytics tracking ID. For more information about ArcGIS public accounts, see Create account in the ArcGIS Online help; this account is not applicable for ArcGIS Enterprise organizations.
ArcGIS StoryMaps on ArcGIS Online Feature Comparison
The following table compares functionality access for organization and public accounts.
| Feature | Public account | Creator and GIS Professional user types |
|---|---|---|
Media blocks | ||
Audio |  | |
Embed | | |
Image | | |
Image gallery | | |
Use ArcGIS web maps and web scenes | | |
Create express maps | | |
Swipe | | |
Timeline | | |
Video | | |
Immersive blocks | ||
Guided map tour | | |
Explorer map tour | | |
Sidecar | | |
Slideshow | | |
Map tours | ||
Create a map tour by uploading photos | | |
Create a map tour from an ArcGIS feature service | | |
3D map tour | | |
Themes | ||
Create and use custom themes | | |
Set approved themes for the organization | | |
Use Google Fonts in themes | | |
Collections | ||
Collection navigation options | | |
Collections support ArcGIS file items | | |
Collection layouts | | |
General | ||
Collaborate on a story, collection, or a theme | | |
Collect analytics | | |
Use a custom logo | | |
Tech support | | |
Storyteller (retiring)
In early 2023, the Storyteller user type will retire. Customers have been unable to purchase new Storyteller user type licenses since December 1, 2022. The Creator user type includes the necessary permissions for authoring and sharing stories that were included in the Storyteller user type. For more information about migrating existing Storyteller licenses, please contact Esri Customer Service.
Requirements for viewing published stories
Access to view stories depends on the audience that was selected when the story was published and whether the reader belongs to the story author's ArcGIS Online or ArcGIS Enterprise organization.
Organization accounts
Any member of an organization can view stories published to that organization as well as stories that have been shared with everyone. Viewers and other user types with access to the Essential Apps bundle can view stories shared with them that were created using the new ArcGIS StoryMaps or classic Esri Story Maps templates.
Public accounts
An ArcGIS Online account is not required to view stories that have been created in ArcGIS StoryMaps and shared with everyone.