How Instagram stories work
In the modern world, social media is being used for more than just documenting important events, it has become a lifestyle choice or a form of self-expression.
More than just 500 million people are currently on the application Instagram watching videos, posting images, and uploading stories.
These Instagram users have a sharp eye for new trends and even new products that often come across the app.
We all have come across the dilemma of whether or not to upload images of small events like having a beautifully brewed cup of coffee or enjoying a scrumptious meal in a fancy restaurant.
For instances like these, Instagram stories often come to one’s rescue as they last for 24 hours.
We all can unanimously agree on the fact that Instagram stories help you connect as well as engage with your targeted audiences.
In fact, most individuals prefer purchasing products from stores that they often view on Instagram stories.
In simpler terms, you can consider these 24-hour-lasting Instagram stories to be a quick way of increasing engagement.
Whether you are someone who wants to become an Instagram Influencer or you are an entrepreneur who wants to publicize their skillfully designed products, the best way to get your message across in no time is by posting a short Instagram story.
To help you understand the magic and mystery behind Instagram stories below is everything you know about how Instagram stories work and how you can use them to your benefit.
What are Stories on Instagram Exactly?
Instagram Stories are an Instagram Application feature that allows the application user to upload or share short-lived content that lasts up to 24 hours.
To identify an Instagram Story you can search for a pink and orange gradient ring around the user’s profile picture.
How Do Instagram Stories Work?
Instagram stories astutely described are versatile, short-lived, and definitely engaging for users and viewers alike.
They are a perfect option for the small moments that are worthwhile posting and sharing with friends.
Stories on Instagram can be customized and personalized by using catchy captions with different fonts, adding stickers and vibrant filters, or making them more entertaining by doodling around.
As these Instagram Stories only last for 24 hours, the videos and photos in the stories are often casual and personal.
These stories can be used for experimenting with new ideas, posting whatever is on your mind, and sharing whatever is happening at the moment.
Instagram Stories are published separately from your common Instagram posts that show up on your Instagram feed.
Unlike your common uploaded posts that often show up on the feed, Instagram Stories are often displayed on top of the app; the user can tap any story to view it.
Contrary to common Instagram posts, Instagram Stories also provide a diverse range of engagement tools like stickers, GIFs, question polls, music, and much more.
Instagram Stories can be used to upload images and to upload videos, which also makes the user interface easier as the user can send direct messages.
You can also disable the replies by going to the Instagram Story settings to disallow people to direct message you.
If your account is public your Instagram Story will be visible to everyone and if your account is private, the people who follow you on Instagram have access to your Instagram story.
If you want to customize how many followers can view your story, you can filter your followers and upload a story meant for “Close Friends”.
The Close Friends Instagram story allows you to share your stories with a selected amount of people.
In order to check how many people have viewed your Instagram story all, you have to swipe up on the screen!
What are the Highlights on Instagram?
Sometimes your short-lived moments are worth capturing forever, this is made possible with the help of Instagram highlights.
Instagram story highlights allow users to categorize and save stories on their profiles for more than 24 hours.
These highlights are often visible on top of the user’s profile feed and right under their user bio.
Brands and Instagram creators often use this feature to give their stories a second life which also acts as another element of categorizing their feed.
Why should you post Instagram stories?
If you are someone who wants to develop a bigger audience, an Instagram story might work for you!
Instagram Stories although short and concise are a great source of driving engagement to one’s post whether you have a personal account or a brand.
Instagram stories are a fun way of publicizing your products or drawing engagement to your brand other than posting images on the feed or uploading reels!
In fact, there are several engagement tools Instagram Stories incorporates that allow you to gain engagement.
These tools include stickers, GIFs, question polls, rating sliders, collaboration tags, music,
and much more.
How Long Are Instagram Stories?
Instagram Stories often last up to 24 hours that can be identified as gradient rings around one’s profile picture.
These Instagram stories are often 15 seconds at max before they move on to the next Instagram story.
How to View an Instagram Story?
Unlike your common uploaded posts that often show up on the feed, Instagram Stories are often displayed on top of the Instagram mobile app where the user can tap any story to view it.
To open Instagram stories on your Instagram Mobile app follow the steps mentioned below:
- Open the Instagram Application and Navigate to your Instagram home screen
- Tap on the circular gradient ring around the user’s Instagram profile photo you want to view
- You can also tap left or tap right to explore more Instagram stories
How to post your very own Instagram story?
While viewing Instagram can be fun and exciting, you should not limit your experience to just watching them.
Posting and creating your very Instagram stories is equally fun if not more, but it requires more hacks.
To upload your very first Instagram story, follow the steps mentioned below:
- Open your Instagram Mobile application and either tap on your profile picture on the homepage
- You can also tap on the plus sign near direct messages to and select the story option
- Click a picture or capture a video you can surf through filters or you can also utilize the options given on the left hand corner
- You can also upload an image or video from your gallery by tapping on the tiny box on the left bottom corner
- Once you have captured your image you are now ready to edit your instagram story
- You can use different filters by swiping left or right or navigate for texts, doodles, and even stickers on the top right corner
- After your story has been edited, captioned, and doodled to your liking you can now post it by simply tapping on “Your story” to share your creation with your followers