Answer
No, it is not possible to filter data in Esri Story Maps. When a web map is shared as a story map, there is no interface in Esri Story Maps that enables users to filter data. However, it is possible to filter data by sharing the web map as a Web AppBuilder for ArcGIS app, configuring the Filter widget in the web app, and embedding the configured web app as a web page in a story map.
Use the workaround below to filter data in Esri Story Maps:
- From the ArcGIS Online web map, create a Web AppBuilder for ArcGIS app. For more information, refer to Web AppBuilder for ArcGIS: Create your first app.
Note:
Remove any filter in the web map before creating a web app or a story map. Configuring the Filter function in an ArcGIS Online web map before sharing it as a web app or a story map displays only the filtered data. There is no functionality to remove the configured filter.
- In the Web AppBuilder for ArcGIS app, add, and configure the Filter widget.
The example below shows a total of 28 attractions in New York City; 22 of which have the Review field filled while six others remain blank. The Filter widget is configured based on the availability of reviews of the selected tourist attractions.

- Insert the configured Web AppBuilder for ArcGIS app in the desired story map template.
Note:
Use the Web AppBuilder for ArcGIS web app viewer URL instead of the configuration page URL.
For Story Map Series
- Add a tab.
- In the ADD TAB dialog box, select Web page.
- In the Web page link section, insert the URL of the configured web app. Click Configure.

- Specify Position and click ADD.
The image below shows the web app configured with the Filter widget is embedded in Story Map Series.

For Story Map Cascade
- Add a section by clicking the add symbol.
- Select Media > Link to Content.

- In the Link to content on the web section, insert the URL of the configured web app. Click the checkmark.

- Click the Edit symbol
and select the Appearance tab. - In the Interaction section, select Interaction Enabled.

- Click the checkmark
.
The image below shows the web app configured with the Filter widget is embedded in Story Map Cascade.

For Story Map Journal
- Add a section.
- In the ADD HOME SECTION dialog box, select Web page.
- In the Web page link section, insert the URL of the configured web app. Click Configure.

- Specify Position and click NEXT.
- Configure the floating panel content and click ADD.
The image below shows the web app configured with the Filter widget is embedded in Story Map Journal.

Note:
It is not possible to embed a web app configured with the Filter widget in Story Map Basic, Shortlist, Swipe & Spyglass, and Tour.