What are Instagram Stories?
Instagram Stories provide users a new way to share photos and videos. They provide content that appears when you click on a user’s profile picture. When an Instagrammer publishes a new Story, a colorful border lights up around their profile picture (similar to when they launch Instagram live). Instagram Stories are only visible for 24 hours unless the publisher saves them to the Highlights section of their profile.
What are Instagram Reels?
An Instagram Reel is several short clips put together with unique effects and audio. Reels provide users with tools such as editing options, text overlay, filters, and stickers to create and watch short videos within the platform. A user can publish a Reels video on their feed and within Stories. Users with public accounts can share them in Instagram’s Explore tab where even non-followers can watch them (the Explore tab is where many creators and brands reach new audiences). You can also view an Instagrammer’s Reels content via the Reels tab on their profile.
Tips for Your Instagram Stories
Instagram Stories are a great way to connect with your audience and there are some basic tips you can master to get the most out of your efforts.
Shoot videos and take photos vertically
It may seem obvious, but make sure you’re planning to create vertically-oriented content. It’ll throw viewers off if they get to your brand’s Stories and the content displays in a different direction.
Pay attention to visual branding
Some users see Stories as more casual than feed posts or behind-the-scenes content, but they should still reflect your brand’s identity. Use colors, voice and specific brand elements to ensure the final product aligns with your company’s overall image.
Keep users attention
Instagram only shows still images on Stories for five seconds. It’s better to publish short videos to capture your viewers attention and prevent them from tapping through to someone else’s story.
Don’t forget a Call To Action (CTA)
Don’t forget to tell users what they should do next. Some good CTA’s on Stories are “swipe up” to visit a specific website, “leave a comment,” or “send a DM.”
Tips for your Instagram Reels
If you use Reels effectively, you can attract more viewers to your Instagram profile and drive leads. Here’s how to maximize your Reels strategy:
Show your brand’s personality
Use the editing tools, original audio, text overlay, and stickers to make your video clips unique but branded.
Teach viewers something
Reels are a great place to showcase tips, ways to use your product, hacks, etc. Using Reels to post useful and educational content is a smart way to grow your following.
Show off your products
Reels are shoppable which means that if a viewer is interested in something they see in a Reel, they can tap “View Products” to get more information, save it for later, or purchase.
Let Us Help
bBIG Communications offers an array of award-winning marketing and media services to optimize your social digital marketing strategy. Ask about our signature ALL CHANNELS ON® approach! If you are interested in our programs or would like additional information on our other custom services, please contact Dave Gibson at dgibson@bbigcommunications.com