Remember when social media was all about sharing what you were doing and thinking at the moment? Well, with Instagram Stories, that time is back!
The blogosphere experienced a significant change since Pinterest opened up to the public. It was the first social media platform that pushed us into creating images for our posts independent from our niche.
Yes, it may be hard for someone to believe it nowadays, but before, it was all about your text.
Visuals, unless you were posting a tutorial, weren’t part of the basics of an excellent blog.
And even when you had a picture, its quality wasn’t that important either.
Things changed A LOT. We all suddenly became photographers, movie makers, and graphic designers.
Besides Pinterest, another visual social media platform that changed the way we promote our brands is Instagram.
In its evolution, Instagram went from being a place to share blurry and out of focus images to be THE place to sell products and services.
One may complain about the algorithm changes since it has been overtaken by Facebook. But at the same time, it’s impossible to deny its growth.
And the most recent addition to Instagram is already a success: Instagram Stories.
Getting started with Instagram Stories
If you’d ask me to briefly describe Instagram Stories, I’d say it’s like Snapchat, but more accessible.
I don’t know about you, but no matter how hard I’ve tried, I never managed to figure out Snapchat.
In fact, I found it more cumbersome than interesting.
Needless to say, I followed only a handful people and never tried to post a thing myself, ever.
With Instagram Stories the story is entirely different!
[clickToTweet tweet=”. @instagram Stories is an #easy, flexible and #fun way to #chat with your followers.” quote=”Instagram Stories is an easy, flexible and fun way to chat with your followers.”]
Instagram Stories is For Everyone!
If you’re already overwhelmed by all the social media platforms out there and can’t afford to spend hours trying to figure out another one, let me tell you one thing: it’s all about pressing one button.
Posting with Instagram Stories is as simple as pressing a button!
Why Instagram Stories is For You
If you already have an Instagram handle, you should start using Instagram Stories right now.
If you were still in doubt whether Instagram was the social media platform for you, Stories is the reason you’ve waiting for.
In short, you can describe Instagram Stories in 3 ways:
- It’s easy
- It’s flexible
- It’s fun
It’s Easy to Create Your Own Instagram Story
As I mentioned before, you only have to press one button to create a post with Instagram Stories.
You don’t need to worry about filters, lights, or even your make-up.
Is there too much noise around you? Just turn off the sound!
With Instagram Stories your goal is to get as close as possible to your followers.
Bring them to where you are, share what you’re doing, on the spot.
Just like in the early days of Instagram!
Instagram Story is Flexible
If making a video isn’t for you, no problem. A picture works just fine. And it doesn’t have to be a selfie, either.
When 15 seconds isn’t enough to express everything, just create another Story.
There’s no limit to how many entries you can do throughout the day. And since they’re gone after 24 hours, you can keep the updates coming.
Should you like what you shared, you can also save it (option only available before sharing the Story) and share it on your feed later on.
You can even interact with viewers through direct messaging if you want (more about it below).
[clickToTweet tweet=”Get closer to your followers with @instagram Stories. Here’s how!” quote=”Get closer to your followers with Instagram Stories. Here’s how!”]
Instagram Story is Fun
You can play around with Instagram Stories to your heart’s content:
- Add texts
- Use emoticons
- Be creative with your image and video as much as you want.
Share your adventures, recipes, and anything else you can think of.
And for those Snapchat fans who cannot live without their filters, there’s no reason to give up on Instagram Stories.
You can share your beloved Snaps on Instagram as well.
Getting Started with Instagram Stories
If you can’t see Instagram Stories yet, make sure you have the latest version of Instagram installed on your mobile device.
It appears on the top of your feed.
Each circle corresponds to one of your followers.
The circle with a plus sign at the beginning is where you click to create your content.
On the next screen, hold the circle to record your Instagram Story. The progression bar shows you how much time you have left.
Then it’s time to channel your creativity and make your Instagram Stories awesome.
Don’t hesitate to check the Instagram blog for more tips.
[clickToTweet tweet=”Exercise your #creative output with @instagram Stories. Here’re some #tips to get started.” quote=”Exercise your creative output with Instagram Stories. Here’re some tips to get started.”]
Other Instagram Story Features
Instagram Stories isn’t only an awesome way to share your content with your followers, but it makes it easier to keep up with everyone.
Instead of scrolling your feed, you can play your Instagram Story queue.
Start with the first user, and it goes from one post to the next, from one user to the following one.
Another great feature is its privacy settings.
If you don’t want your posts to be public, you can hide them from certain users.
You can also choose whether or not you would like to interact with your viewers through messages.
While your Instagram Stories aren’t shared on your Instagram feed, you can still share them if you want.
For that, you’ll have to save your entries and repost them manually on Instagram.
Have I convinced you to start using Instagram Stories?
Come on! Give it a try!
Remember, posts stay up for only 24 hours (if not shared on your feed, of course).
There’s no reason why you shouldn’t try Instagram Stories today and start getting the most out of it.
Have you used Instagram Story already? Or maybe you’ve been watching the Instagram Stories of others you follow but haven’t taken the plunge yourself, just yet? Share your thoughts with me in the comments section below.