How can I get a refund for InStories app charges on Apple Account?

The first step is to determine if the charges were being billed from Apple or InStories. Apple is required to allow links in apps for the developers to bill customers directly where those purchases are not managed by Apple. They also maintain a website where you can create an account directly with them that also offers a free trial and bypasses Apple's ability to manage that subscription. You would be billed directly from them whether you use or even download the app. To see if the subscription is managed by Apple, you would see that charge in your purchase history here:

View your purchase history for the App Store and other Apple media services - Apple Support

If you do see the subscription charge there, you can request a refund through Apple by following this link. Refunds are not guaranteed:

Request a refund for apps or content that you bought from Apple - Apple Support

In addition for any downloaded app, you can:

• Report the app to Apple as a fraud/scam by going to reportaproblem.apple.com and where it says "I'd Like to", choose the option to report as a fraud/scam.
• Write a review for the app in the App Store to alert other potential customers of your experience. You may also get a response from the Developer as they are also allowed to reply to your complaint.

If you find that the subscription is not being managed by Apple and does not show in your Purchase History, then you will need to contact InStories for a refund and if unsuccessful, dispute the charge with the payment method used.

Apple doesn't participate in the Apple Support Communities. -

No one here can help with this problem because we don't have access to your account details. To resolve the issue, speak to Apple Support. See #3 below regarding free trials.

World-wide Apple Support -

Contact Apple Support - Apple Support

Managing auto-renewing subscriptions -

If you want to cancel a subscription from Apple - Apple Support

You might need to scroll down to find the Cancel Subscription button.

Scroll further down the link for instructions for non-Apple devices.

Things about subscriptions;

1. Deleting an app does not cancel the subscription.

2. A trial subscription must be canceled more than 24 hours before the renewal date or it may be renewed.

3. If you have used a free trial subscription previously for an app, you will usually be charged immediately for a paid subscription if you download the free trial again.

4. Many subscriptions are set to renew automatically until you cancel them.

5. If you see multiple subscription offers, as long as you don’t select one, the subscription shouldn’t renew.

6. If you don’t see Cancel Subscription, the subscription is canceled and won't renew.

7. An expiration date means the current subscription has been canceled but is available to use until that date.

8. Use Resubscribe/Renew if you change your mind about canceling the subscription.

About canceling subscriptions in Germany, Israel, South Africa, or Türkiye - Apple Support

If all else fails, check out Apple Subscription Support for articles and contact options;

https://getsupport.apple.com/?PGF=PGF63006&category_id=SC0060&symptom_id=23208

M1 Mac mini, macOS 15.5;  Watch, series 10 GPS-only, watchOS 11.5; iPhone 16, iOS 18.5; TV 4th Gen, tvOS 18.5 HomePods, audioOS 18.5

For clarification: I had contacted my (Apple) credit card provider Goldman and Sachs - not Apple directly. As to my understanding, you should be able to put a dispute on any purchase with your credit card institute. They will investigate, contact the merchant and try to get a refund for you. Good luck!

Same thing happened to me on May 15.

I clicked on what was clearly advertised as a free trial by the InstaStories app, and within seconds, I was charged for the most expensive, non-cancellable annual subscription. No confirmation, no grace period—just an immediate charge.

I disputed the charge through Apple Card (Goldman Sachs).

And what has Goldman Sachs done?

I clicked on what was clearly advertised as a free trial by the InstaStories app

You saw this Free Trial AFTER you downloaded the app from the App Store?

When you chose to accept the free trial, were you taken away from the App Store to the developer's website?

Have you ever had a free trial for this app at any time in the past?

It got resolved and the merchant refunded the money.

It may be different with GS because they back the Apple Card, but filing dispute claims with most bank cards will get your Apple Account shut down.