THIS is how you should be using your Instagram Stories + SECRET new updates

Summary

In this video, the speaker shares common mistakes people make with Instagram stories and how to improve them. They emphasize that stories should humanize your brand, show behind-the-scenes content, and engage your audience. Mistakes like posting random content without context, overusing one type of media, and sharing for the sake of it are addressed. The video also highlights exciting new Instagram story features, including comment sharing, secret stickers, and the ability to link to other apps. Finally, the speaker gives their opinion on new features like nearby content discovery and story-based recommendations, offering both positive and critical insights.

Takeaways

• 😀 Instagram stories are meant to humanize your brand and provide a behind-the-scenes look into your life or business.
• 😀 Stories don’t need to be as polished as feed posts or reels, they should be more authentic and casual.
• 😀 One common mistake is posting content without context, which can confuse your audience. Add explanations or captions to make your story clear.
• 😀 A good mixture of media (photos, videos, text) keeps your stories interesting and engaging for your audience.
• 😀 Avoid uploading too many stories at once. Keeping it concise will help maintain engagement and prevent overwhelming your viewers.
• 😀 Don’t post for the sake of posting. Share content when you have something valuable or meaningful to share.
• 😀 People enjoy mundane moments. Your ‘boring’ day might be interesting to others, so don’t hesitate to share it.
• 😀 Use Instagram's new features like comment highlights and the secret sticker to drive engagement and create interesting story content.
• 😀 Avoid overloading your stories with reposted content. Consistency in original content is key to keeping your audience engaged.
• 😀 If you want to increase story engagement, let your stories ‘die out’ occasionally, then refresh with new content.
• 😀 Instagram is testing new features like content discovery from nearby users and linking to external apps from stories—stay updated with these changes.

Q & A

What is the primary purpose of Instagram Stories?

The primary purpose of Instagram Stories is to humanize your brand, provide behind-the-scenes content, and allow your audience to connect with you or your business on a deeper level.

How should content on Instagram Stories differ from feed posts and reels?

Content on Instagram Stories should be more casual and less polished than feed posts or reels. It’s a space to be authentic and share more personal, behind-the-scenes content.

Why is it important to add context to your Instagram Stories?

Adding context to your Stories helps your audience understand what’s happening, where you are, and why it matters. Without context, viewers may find the content less engaging and difficult to relate to.

What’s a common mistake when using Instagram Stories that could hurt engagement?

A common mistake is posting stories without any context, making it difficult for viewers to understand what’s happening. This can lead to lower engagement and fewer people interacting with your content.

What are some benefits of using a mixture of media (photos and videos) on Instagram Stories?

Using a mixture of photos and videos keeps your audience’s experience more interesting and engaging. It prevents the content from becoming monotonous and provides a varied viewing experience.

Why should you avoid uploading too many stories in a single day?

Uploading too many stories in one day can overwhelm viewers, leading them to skip your stories entirely. Keeping the number of stories manageable ensures your audience stays engaged without feeling overloaded.

What should you do if you don’t have fresh content to post on Instagram Stories every day?

It’s okay not to post every day. Share content when you have something worth sharing. Posting just for the sake of it can lead to repetitive content, which may cause viewers to stop watching your stories.

What’s the concept behind letting your Instagram Stories ‘die out’?

Letting your Instagram Stories ‘die out’ means allowing your current stories to expire before posting new ones. This refreshes your content, making it more likely for your audience to view it when it’s reposted.

How does the Instagram algorithm potentially reward users who try new story features?

Instagram’s algorithm may favor users who experiment with new features, such as highlighting comments or using stickers. Engaging with new tools can potentially boost your story visibility.

What is the new 'Secret Sticker' feature, and how can it benefit engagement?

The 'Secret Sticker' is a feature that lets you share hidden messages with users who engage with the sticker. This is useful for launching products or sparking conversations, driving more engagement through exclusive content.

Why might the 'Nearby Content' feature on Instagram be uncomfortable for some users?

The 'Nearby Content' feature could make some users feel uncomfortable because it exposes their stories to people nearby, potentially violating privacy. Not everyone wants their content to be shared with local users they don’t know.