diff --git a/instaloader/instaloader.py b/instaloader/instaloader.py
index 3909bfa..999663b 100644
--- a/instaloader/instaloader.py
+++ b/instaloader/instaloader.py
@@ -699,9 +699,12 @@ class Instaloader:
 
         # Download stories, if requested
         if download_stories or download_stories_only:
-            with self.context.error_catcher("Download stories of {}".format(profile_name)):
-                self.download_stories(userids=[profile.userid], filename_target=profile_name, fast_update=fast_update,
-                                      storyitem_filter=storyitem_filter)
+            if profile.has_highlight_reel:
+                with self.context.error_catcher("Download stories of {}".format(profile_name)):
+                    self.download_stories(userids=[profile.userid], filename_target=profile_name,
+                                          fast_update=fast_update, storyitem_filter=storyitem_filter)
+            else:
+                self.context.log("{} does not have any stories.".format(profile_name))
         if download_stories_only:
             return
 
diff --git a/instaloader/structures.py b/instaloader/structures.py
index 460090d..764a10b 100644
--- a/instaloader/structures.py
+++ b/instaloader/structures.py
@@ -481,6 +481,10 @@ class Profile:
     def has_blocked_viewer(self) -> bool:
         return self._metadata('has_blocked_viewer')
 
+    @property
+    def has_highlight_reel(self) -> bool:
+        return self._metadata('has_highlight_reel')
+
     @property
     def has_requested_viewer(self) -> bool:
         return self._metadata('has_requested_viewer')