If you’re an avid Instagrammer, you’ve probably lost a few hours scrolling through stories. Unlike grid posts, Stories offer a chance to share the moments in between: behind-the-scenes glimpses, quick updates, polls, and pictures of daily life. And they’re big business: 70% of Instagram users check stories daily, while almost nine out of 10 post a story every day. Because they disappear after 24 hours (unless you save them as Highlights), Stories feel more spontaneous than grid posts – and you can also add to them throughout the day.
You want your stories to keep your followers engaged, so they’ll keep tapping along to see your next picture. Stuck for ideas? Here are some of the best ways to use Instagram’s Stories feature to reach as many people as possible.
1. Take followers behind the scenes.
People love seeing what happens before the finished product is made. If you’re a food influencer, for example, take your followers into the kitchen to see where the magic happens. If your account is theatre-focused, capture some of the buzz for your followers by recording pre- and post-show updates from your seat. “I sell online courses. That means doing a screenshare video and showing them exactly what the course area looks like, what all of the lessons are, what the bonuses are, and really getting them excited for what it’s going to be like once they purchase and gain access to that course,” influencer Louise Henry writes about taking her followers behind the scenes.
2. Make a poll.
Instagram’s built-in poll sticker is one of the easiest ways to encourage interaction. Ask your followers to choose between two outfit options, give their opinion on something light, or even vote on what type of content they want to see from you in the future. “There isn’t a more direct way to get feedback than by polling the people who watch your content daily,” according to chat marketing and automation platform ManyChat.
3. Do tutorials.
Tutorials literally teach your followers a new skill. Makeup artists could show off their daily routines, while chefs could demonstrate step-by-step recipes. “Regardless of how you design your mini-lesson, remember that it should be short,” recommends online education platform OutSchool.
4. Share a day in your life.
You don’t need a lifestyle that’s full of constant excitement for your followers to be interested in what you get up to. “Multipart day-in-the-life Instagram Stories (with at least five photos or videos included) are a great way to take people behind the scenes and to authentically show your supporters what your work is all about,” according to Nonprofit Marketing Guide.
5. Repost other people’s Stories.
If someone tags you in their Story or shares your work, repost it! Cross-pollinating with the original poster’s audience can be a great opportunity to gain new followers.
6. Use countdown stickers.
Countdowns – interactive stickers used in Stories that count down via a ticking timer – are great for launches or gearing up your followers for a big event. They also build excitement! “More than just a visual flourish, the Instagram countdown timer is a powerful mechanism for driving user intent, creating urgency, and generating measurable interest ahead of a product launch, webinar, or event,” writes social media management and analytics platform Metricool.
7. Join trending conversations.
If a trending challenge fits with your general Instagram niche, why not post it on your Stories? “Join in with friends through trending templates,” the Instagram blog suggests. “With the Add Yours feature, you can discover popular templates making waves locally and globally and add your own unique spin on them.”
8. Ask a question.
Need a new editing app? Looking for a London café to buy a great croissant and also work from? Wondering whether there’s a consensus on the best day of the week? Just ask your audience. Inviting followers to respond in a question box starts a conversation and promotes genuine interaction. “You can – and should – direct message the follower back. This leads to more engagement,” suggests a blog post on Adobe. “You can also share your question plus a follower’s anonymous response as a story.”
Be authentic
Stories are at their best when they feel genuine. You don’t need expensive equipment or perfect lighting for every Story. Just be yourself and tell people what you’re really doing or thinking about.
Make them interactive
Instagram is all about engagement. Post Polls and question boxes to get people talking. The interaction shows Instagram that people are interested in you, which, in turn, may encourage the platform to show your Stories to more people.
Add captions
When you’re out in public (and don’t want to upset the people around you), you’ll probably be watching Stories without sound. Assume your followers are doing the same, and make it easy for them by including captions or other onscreen text to make your content accessible. “Captions in your Instagram Stories are an important way to make sure no one is excluded from your content,” says social media editing and scheduling tool Storrito.
Make them visually appealing
“Stories move quickly and if the content is too cluttered or too busy, people will tap through or miss the message,” says social media consultant Jenn Herman. Think about the colours you write your captions in. Is the text clearly visible? And avoid overcrowded messaging to keep your audience looking.
Mix up your content
Alternate between video, photos, polls, and text-based Stories. Variety keeps followers engaged and stops your content from feeling repetitive.
Post regularly
This is the big one: Keep posting. Consistency matters on Instagram, so keep your followers up to date with what’s happening. Instagram CEO Adam Mosseri recommends posting two Stories a day.