Instagram Stories has all kinds of built-in tools and functionality. But they can be hard to find, and even more complicated to use. Instagram is a major social media platform, with an estimated 1.35 billion users as of 2023. This number is predicted to grow to 1.44 billion by 2025.
Learn the basics of how to use Instagram Stories, then jump into some Instagram Stories tips and tricks to help you stand out from the crowd.
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What is Instagram Stories?
Instagram Stories are vertical, full-screen photos and videos that disappear after 24 hours. They appear at the top of the Instagram app interface instead of the news feed.
Stories can include interactive tools like stickers, polls, and AR filters to make your content really pop. Here’s how to get started with formatting.
Businesses and brands use Instagram stories as a marketing strategy because they’re a quick and easy way to engage with customers. Posting too many Instagram reels or posts can overwhelm users and make your Instagram presence feel spammy. Stories are a great way to mix up your content. You can even repost others’ stories.
How to Make an Instagram Story
Open Instagram:
- Launch the Instagram app on your mobile device.
Navigate to Your Story:
- Tap on your profile picture at the top-left corner of the screen, or swipe right from your feed to access the camera.
Take a Photo or Record a Video:
- Tap the circle at the bottom of the screen to take a photo.
- Hold down the circle to record a video.
Add Stickers, Text, or Drawings:
- Use the icons on the top of the screen to add stickers, text, or drawings to your photo or video.
Adjust Settings:
- Use icons like the smiley face for stickers, “Aa” for text, or the pencil for drawing.
- Swipe left or right to access different filters.
Post Your Story:
- Once you’re satisfied, tap the “Your Story” button at the bottom of the screen to share it.
How Long Are Instagram Stories
The maximum duration of Instagram Stories is 15 seconds per clip. However, you can add multiple clips to create a longer story. By default, stories play in a sequence, which allows you to include several 15-second clips that viewers can swipe through to create a longer story.
How to View Instagram Stories
On the Instagram Feed:
- Stories from people you follow appear at the top of your Instagram feed.
- Tap on a profile picture with a colorful ring around it to view their story.
Directly on the Profile:
- Visit a user’s profile and tap on their profile picture if there’s a colorful ring, indicating an active story.
Swipe Up for More:
- While viewing a story, swipe up to see more information, and links, or swipe left or right to move between stories.
Viewing Highlights:
- Highlights are saved Stories that users can feature on their profile. These are accessible by tapping on the user’s profile picture.
How To Post An Instagram Story
- In the app, click the plus icon at the bottom of the screen.
- At the bottom of the screen, choose STORY from the menu.
- Tap the white circle at the bottom of the screen to take a picture, OR…
- Press and hold the white circle to record video, OR…
- Tap the switch-camera icon on the bottom right to switch to the selfie camera, OR…
- Swipe up (or select the square camera roll icon on the left) to use pre-existing photos or videos.
On the left of the screen, you can select a format to experiment with: Create, Boomerang, Layout, or Hands-Free.
Insta Stories Tips and Tricks
If you want to use Instagram Stories to boost your brand, there are a few best practices to keep in mind.
Of course, the first step is to set up an Instagram account. If you haven’t already, get started with this complete step-by-step guide. It covers everything from choosing a profile photo (no selfies, please) to uploading content from your camera roll.
1. Use High-Quality Visuals
The first rule of thumb for any captivating story is to grab attention with stunning visuals. Make sure your photos and videos are crisp, well-lit, and visually appealing. Clear and high-quality visuals not only make your content more aesthetically pleasing but also enhance the overall viewer experience.
2. Leverage Stickers, GIFs, and Interactive Features
Inject fun and interactivity into your Stories by using stickers, GIFs, polls, and questions. These features not only make your content visually interesting but also encourage audience engagement. From cute emojis to interactive polls, these tools can turn a passive viewer into an active participant.
3. Add Music and Sound Effects
Sound adds a new dimension to your Stories. Choose catchy tunes or add sound effects to make your content more immersive. Instagram provides a vast library of music to choose from, allowing you to set the mood and enhance the emotional impact of your Stories.
4. Incorporate Texts and Graphics
Enhance the narrative of your Stories by adding texts and graphics. Use text overlays to convey messages, share fun facts, or highlight key points. Experiment with different fonts and colors to match your brand or the overall vibe of your content. Graphics and illustrations can also add a creative touch.
5. Tell a Compelling Story
Every Instagram Story is an opportunity to tell a mini-story. Whether you’re sharing a behind-the-scenes moment, a day in the life, or a step-by-step tutorial, ensure there’s a narrative flow. Take your audience on a journey and keep them hooked from the beginning to the end.
6. Maintain a Consistent Brand Voice
Consistency is key on social media. Establish and maintain a consistent brand voice across all your Stories. Whether it’s the tone of your captions, the colors you use, or the overall style, a cohesive brand identity makes your content instantly recognizable to your audience.
Remember, Instagram Stories are not just a slideshow of images; they’re a canvas for your creativity. Experiment with these tips, find your unique style and watch as your Stories become a compelling and engaging part of your social media presence. Happy storytelling! 🚀✨
How to use Create Mode on Instagram Stories
Create Mode is an Instagram Stories feature that allows you to post an Instagram Story without any photos or video. Just like for other Story types, you can still use stickers to customize your Story.
To use Instagram Stories Create Mode:
- Start a new Story and tap the Aa Create Mode icon on the left of the screen
- Start typing, or swipe through the options at the bottom of the screen to create a memory, question, countdown, quiz, or other option.
- Tap the sticker icon at the top of the screen to add more effects.
- Tap the color icon at the bottom right of the screen to change the background color.
- Share your Story.
Conclusion
In the ever-evolving landscape of digital marketing, harnessing the power of Instagram Stories can be a game-changer for businesses aiming to connect with their audience in a dynamic and authentic way. As we conclude our ultimate guide on using Instagram Stories for business, it’s clear that this feature is not just a tool; it’s a canvas for storytelling and brand expression.
From the importance of high-quality visuals that capture attention to the interactive elements like stickers and polls that engage your audience, each facet plays a pivotal role in creating a compelling narrative. The infusion of music and sound effects adds an extra layer of emotion, turning a simple Story into a multisensory experience.