How To Better Utilize Instagram Stories
Move aside, Snapchat! With more than 400 million daily users, Instagram Stories are dominating the social media scene. If you're not currently using Stories, or if you want to get better results, I’ve got some tips & tricks to help get you started!
The Breakdown
Instagram Stories allow users to post photos and videos that disappear after 24 hours (yes, similar to Snapchat). Not only can Stories be utilized on organic social, but they are also available as a placement option for paid ads.
Specifications
First things first, the specs:
The ideal story image size is 1080 x 1920 pixels with an aspect ratio is 9:16. (Think native mobile camera dimensions).
Although you can upload other dimensions, and other aspect ratios are possible, they will result in cropping.
If you’re uploading media from your camera roll, try and keep all image formats as either JPG or PNG.
Video length is limited to 14 seconds and can be recorded (or uploaded) with or without sound.
How Do I Use It?
Stories are quickly becoming one of my personal favorite places to share content both for personal purposes and on brand accounts I work with. Not only are the in-app creative options endless, but the platform remains simple and effective.
Simply tap the “+” icon at the top left-hand corner of the screen, or swipe left while having Instagram open.
From here, you can upload new media with the Instagram camera (this includes additional features like “Type”, “Live”, “Boomerang”, “Superzoom”, “Focus”, “Rewind” and “Hands-Free”).
Or, you can upload media that’s already on your phone. After you capture or select your media, you’re set to build your Story.
Elements of a Successful Story
With placement options on both organic and paid, it’s important to break down the elements you need to be successful on each.
Organic
You need creative that feels native
Utilize location stickers, poll features, and other in-app options in order to have a story that pops.
Stories are meant to feel less polished than feed images
Don’t worry so much about the “aesthetic” but instead, make this an opportunity to share behind-the-scenes content and quick, limited-time updates.
Paid
Have the brand name or logo visible in the first few seconds
Since this is an ad, you do want to be sure to have your logo or brand name visible within the first few seconds of the content. Due to the placement of ads within stories, prospective customers can easily miss the tiny sponsored text in the top left-hand corner.
Place the message or CTA after the initial brand introduction
Similar to having your brand name/logo present within the first few seconds of the ad, you also want to be sure your call-to-action is presented early on.
You need creative that feels native (utilize gifs, stickers and other in-app options)
Similar to organic, you want to ensure the creative you choose for the ad has some native elements to Instagram. More often than not, overproduced creative can feel out of place and might turn your audience off to what you’re selling.
Instagram Stories have a huge potential for content creators and advertisers alike. Regardless of your design chops, I highly recommend taking some time to play with different editing features to make your Stories stand out.