Are you using Instagram Stories yet? If not, you’re missing out on a great way to engage your followers and increase brand awareness. In this blog post, we’ll go over the basics of Instagram Stories and show you how to create engaging videos. Keep reading to learn more!
What are Instagram Stories?
Instagram Stories are a way to share photos and videos with your followers that disappear after 24 hours. You can add filters, stickers, and text to your stories, and you can control who sees them by making them public or private.
Instagram Stories are separate from the newsfeed, so they won’t clutter up your feed with content that only lasts for a day. You can also use Instagram Stories to share live videos, create Boomerangs, and add music to your stories.
How do Instagram Stories function?
Instagram Stories is a feature within the Instagram app that allows users to share photos and videos that disappear after 24 hours. Instagram Stories can be accessed by tapping on the “Stories” icon in the top left corner of the Instagram home screen.
To create an Instagram Story, simply tap on the “+” icon and select the photo or video that you would like to share. You may add stickers, time stamps, doodles, and other embellishments to each Instagram Story you publish, as well as use specific filters, audio and effects.
If your account is private, only those who follow you may see your Story, however, if it is public, anybody can see it. Your Story offers viewers the chance to leave a direct message (DM), like it, or share it with their followers. In your app’s settings, you can choose to turn off replies. By opening your Story and swiping it up on your screen, you can also check who has seen it.
What makes Instagram Stories useful?
Instagram Stories are useful for a variety of reasons. For one, they give publishers the ability to share disappearing content that is entertaining and infuses brand voice and personality. This is especially valuable for brands looking to increase brand awareness or drive traffic to videos or newsletters outside of Instagram.
Additionally, Instagram Stories are brief and only appear for a limited amount of time on the platform, which makes them ideal for users with waning attention spans. As a result, Instagram Stories offer a unique and valuable opportunity for publishers to connect with their audience in a meaningful way.
Instagram Stories last for how long?
Instagram Stories are a great way to share moments with your friends and followers, but they only last for 24 hours. That means you only have a limited time to view and play each video. The total roll time for each of the individual videos you include in your Instagram Story is 15 seconds.
So, if you upload a one-minute video to your Instagram Story, it will be divided into 15-second chunks. That may not seem like a lot of time, but it’s enough to give your friends and followers a glimpse into your day. So make the most of it and enjoy your Instagram Story while it lasts!
How to View Stories on Instagram
To view Instagram Stories, simply launch the Instagram mobile app and select the home page. A sequence of circular icons representing the current Stories shared by the persons you follow will be found along the top of Instagram’s home screen. On the very left of the Stories you follow, you may find an icon of your profile picture; this indicates that you have a Story to share as well.
To watch someone’s Instagram Story, simply tap on their icon, and their Story will begin playing automatically. You can also swipe left or right to view other Stories. When you’re finished watching Instagram Stories, simply swipe down on the screen to exit them.
Making an Instagram Story
Instagram Stories are a great way to keep your followers updated on what’s going on in your life, but they can also be a great way to show off your creative side. Here’s how to make an Instagram Story:
First, open the Instagram app and tap your profile photo in the upper left-hand corner. You may also swipe right to activate the camera. Then, by swiping right and left at the bottom, you can select a filter. Each filter’s live preview will be available to you.
Next, take a picture or a movie with the camera. Or, if you want to bypass the first two steps, simply swipe up to access your gallery. Select an already-existing image or video
After that, you can embellish the story with stickers, dates, or GIFs. When you’re done editing, tap Your Story to share your photo or video with all of your followers. And that’s it! Making an Instagram Story is easy and fun.
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Instagram Stories: Business Use Cases
Instagram Stories is a feature of the popular photo-sharing app that allows users to share photos and videos that disappear after 24 hours. While originally designed for personal use, Instagram Stories has become increasingly popular for businesses as well. Here are some of the ways businesses can use Instagram Stories:
Publish a video of a workplace occasion
Employee birthdays, company anniversaries, and other special occasions make for great content on Instagram Stories. These videos help humanize your brand and show customers that your business is more than just a logo.
Publish breaking news about your sector
If there’s something big happening in your industry, Instagram Stories is a great way to share information with your followers. This could be anything from a new product launch to changes in regulations.
Show off your merchandise
If you’re selling physical products, Instagram Stories is a great way to give potential customers a closer look. You can use stories to show off features of your products, or even give behind-the-scenes glimpses of your manufacturing process.
Publicize a business event
Instagram Stories is a great way to generate interest in an upcoming event, such as a trade show or conference. You can use stories to share information about the event, or even give live updates from the event itself.
Preview a blog post from your firm
If your business has a blog, you can use Instagram Stories to give followers a preview of upcoming posts. This is a great way to generate interest in your content and drive traffic to your website.
Mention other businesses who support or collaborate with you
Collaborating with other businesses is a great way to broaden your reach and tap into new audiences. You can use Instagram Stories to mention other businesses you’re working with, or even give shoutouts to businesses who support you.
Tricks & Hacks for Instagram Stories
Instagram Stories are a great way to share “behind the scenes” content, give a sneak peek of new products or services, or just have some fun with your followers. If you’re looking to up your Instagram Story game, here are some tips and tricks:
Utilize stickers
Instagram Stories come with a variety of built-in stickers, from poll options to location indicators. Use them to make your Stories more interactive and engaging.
Make a hands-free video for Instagram
If you want to show your followers how to do something (like apply makeup or put together a Ikea bookshelf), consider recording a hands-free Instagram video. That way, they can watch and learn without having to hold their phone at the same time.
Encourage readers to share their Stories
Use Instagram Story “callouts” to encourage your followers to share their content with you. You can ask them to tag you in their photos or videos or use a specific hashtag. This is a great way to generate user-generated content that you can repost on your feed or save for future use.
Use the pen tool
The pen tool is often overlooked, but it can be used to create some fun and creative Instagram Stories. Use it to draw attention to specific parts of your photo or add embellishments like hearts or stars.
Include a backdrop shade
Backdrop shades add depth and dimension to your stories, making them more visually interesting. To add a backdrop shade, simply long press on the screen and choose from one of the options that appear.
Mention another account
Need help promoting your latest Instagram post? Mentioning another account in your story is a great way to get more eyes on your content. Simply type “@” followed by the account name (no spaces) and it will automatically pop up in your story as a link.
Have fun writing your message
Use creative fonts and experiment with text placement to make your Instagram Story stand out from the rest. Be sure to use relevant hashtags and keywords so that people who aren’t already following you can find your content easily.
Sold on Using Instagram Stories?
They’re a series of videos or photos that you post on your Instagram account and which disappear after 24 hours. The cool thing about them is that they’re engaging—people love to watch stories! And since they disappear after 24 hours, you don’t have to worry about over-posting.
Plus, they’re a great way to boost brand awareness and engagement with your followers. Have you tried using Instagram Stories yet? If not, now’s the time!
