IG Stories is a feature on Instagram that allows users to share photos and videos that disappear after 24 hours. Introduced in August 2016, Stories have become one of Instagram’s most popular features, widely used by individuals, influencers, and businesses. This allows users to share memories, daily updates and important news on the Instagram app.
How do IG Stories work?
- Stories disappear after 24 hours, creating a sense of spontaneity.
- Users can save Stories to their device or add them to Highlights on their profile for permanent viewing.
- Users can share photos or videos up to 15 seconds long.
- Multiple Stories can be posted in succession, creating a narrative or series of updates.
- There are multiple creative tools that can be added like GIFs, stickers, texts, polls, questions, quizzes, countdowns, swipe-up links and product tags.
- They have creative tools which allow users to add drawings, filters, texts, effects and stickers.
How can you leverage Instagram stories?
- you can share snippets of your daily life, including moments that may not make it to your main feed.
- Also, you can document and share travel experiences in real time, including sights, activities, and tips.
- it is possible to highlight significant events such as birthdays, anniversaries, and celebrations.
- Furthermore, you can showcase hobbies like cooking, fitness, art, or gardening through short videos and photos.
- Businesses can highlight new products, features, or collections with engaging visuals and descriptions.
- They can also share behind-the-scenes looks at your business operations, team members, or product creation process to build a more personal connection with your audience.
- Announcing sales, discounts, and special offers to drive immediate engagement and sales also becomes possible through IG stories.
- You can also promote upcoming events, webinars, or live sessions, and provide real-time coverage during the events.
- It can help influencers promote content, engage with their followers and creating a personal brand.
- Nonprofit organizations can create campaigns, raise funds, and impact their followers through their stories.
Best tips for IG stories –
- Post regularly to keep your audience engaged and maintain a presence in their Stories feed.
- Ensure your photos and videos are high-quality and visually appealing.
- Maintain consistent branding elements, such as colours, fonts, and logos, to create a cohesive look.
- Use interactive features to encourage audience participation and engagement.
- Save important Stories to your profile as Highlights so they can be viewed beyond the 24-hour limit.
- Monitor your Story insights to understand what content resonates with your audience and adjust your strategy accordingly.