Instagram stories are not just random bits of vanishing content. They are a powerhouse of engagement waiting to happen that can keep you in the minds (and feeds!) of your followers. They play a crucial role in becoming successful Instagram influencers.
As more and more Instagram influencers and brands use stories, it is undoubtedly becoming harder to stand out.
But don’t you lose heart; we’re here to help.
Why Are My Instagram Story Views So Low?
Have you noticed that lately, your Instagram story views seem to have dropped more than usual?
You are not alone! Everyone on Instagram has reportedly suffered a significant view drop on their IG stories. Why? Probably because Instagram has lived up to its policy of being a “Real Engagement” social media platform by performing a deep cleanse of bot-led fake views and engagement. But the good news is, it can only get better from here!
Your Instagram Story views might be low because:
- Instagram is not pushing it out to your audience because of fake followers in your list.
- Your posts are not giving valuable content for your audience to engage with.
- You don’t realize the mega power of IG stories yet. Hence, you are missing out on capitalizing on them to your advantage.
- Your content is not active when your audience is on the platform.
But all this is fixable. Stay tuned till the end for tips to keep your audience engaged through Instagram Story.
Why Should You Care About Instagram Story?
Just because Instagram Story views went down doesn’t mean its value has depreciated too. They still play a key role in building your brand value on Instagram.
Instagram stories are a great way to make real, candid connections with your audience beyond just meeting your social media goals as an Instagram influencer. Sharing snippets of your life, behind-the-scenes, and sometimes just what’s in your heart can help your audience see you as a person just like them. The best part is stories don’t stick around for more than 24 hours, which means it’s a blank canvas again the next day!
Figure 1: High Instagram story views turn your stories into a powerful platform for marketing, according to statistics. Source: aischedul
How To Use Algorithms To Get More Views On Your Instagram Stories?
Before you send prayers to the Instagram Gods, let’s first understand how the algorithms play a role in your stories getting more views and what you can do to boost views.
So, Instagram prioritizes stories based on four factors:
- Personal relationships between users
- Timeliness
- Interests
- Experience
Let’s dive into each individually to understand how you can use them in your favor:
Personal Relationships Between Users
Have you ever wondered why you see updates from your friends and family in your feed first? That is because Instagram connects links between users based on their interactions, DMs, mutual followers, etc.
According to statistics, 61% of Instagram users view stories of their friends to see what they are doing.
So don’t hesitate to call up your mom or BFF and get them to check out your story.
Timeliness
Instagram also pushes stories in chronological order, and this is why stories are shown from the newest to the oldest. Posting stories multiple times in a day improves the chances of your story being at the top of the list. But who has the time to post every other hour, right? In this case, scheduling apps can be your ally.
Interests
Instagram gauges the interests of accounts based on the hashtags they follow and the content they most engage with. Hence, using relevant hashtags in your story tells Instagram to show it to those whose interests match your brand. Instagram allows up to 10 hashtags per story, so make use of them smartly.
Experience
Similar to interest, user experience also plays a role in Instagram prioritizing your story. When a follower clicks on your story, it signals to Instagram that that person loves your content and starts to show them even more. The better the content of your IG story, the more views your story will get.
How Do You Create Captivating Instagram Stories?
So now that you know the significant role IG Stories play in your success as an Instagram Influencer, the next step is to create stories your audience can’t resist.
While Instagram itself offers many in-app options to customize your stories, you can also use some other apps to create stories that reflect your creativity and brand.
Top 5 apps that will make your IG stories explode with life!
- Mojo
Mojo can help you create polished animated Instagram stories that look like professional ads. It gives you access to a range of quality templates in various categories: Fashion, Travel, Photography, News, Pop, Marketing, and Classic. It works smoothly from design to publishing on Instagram without having to save or export any files.
- Canva Stories
Canva has come a long way from being on our computers to a dedicated Canva Stories app for mobile. It supports video content and ready-to-use templates. You can even design your templates from scratch. The icing on the cake is all the animation options that add dynamic movement to make it even more engaging. Super, right?
- VSCO
Call it the veteran of photo editing apps, but VSCO is the gold standard for photo editing with professional-looking presets and tools for adjusting color, texture, light, etc. HD RAW photos from your professional camera can be easily imported and tweaked on the go with this app, so you can have picture-perfect images even if your photography skills aren’t perfect.
- Over
Over is a design app. It is a one-stop shop to create posts for various social media outlets. But when it comes to planning and creating Instagram Stories, it has an abundance of new layouts and designs. You can create unique posts for lead-gens back to your blog, email list, or your Instagram page for your latest post. It is a fun way to direct what you want your audience to do next.
- Microsoft Hyperlapse
Microsoft Hyperlapse is an Instagram Stories app that helps you create smooth and stable hyper-lapse videos. It’s not something they see every day, so it grabs their attention and prevents them from swiping next.
Tips to Keep Your Audience Engaged Through Instagram Stories
TIP #1: Creative story content wins
With so many apps that can help you create content that stands out, you have no more excuses to stick with the old way of doing things.
Whether it is exploring new templates, experimenting with content strategies, or just adding videos to post, you can always do something new to make your posts more engaging for your audience.
TIP #2: Post IG stories consistently
When it comes to posting IG stories, more is more. Since Instagram only shows the most recent four posts on a user’s homepage, it is important to keep continuously posting stories throughout the day.
The trick is to schedule them through an app like Hootsuite or Buffer.
Also, research on peak posting times based on your location so that your content is available when your audience is on the platform.
TIP #3: Create Interactive Story Posts
Who likes a one-sided conversation, anyway?
Give your audience a way to respond to your content by using polls, Q&A, quizzes, etc.
By regularly introducing new and fun stickers, Instagram has made it even easier to create engaging content. This is also a great strategy to let your audience lead content ideas by telling you what they would like to see more from you. Win-win!
TIP #4: Use Tags in your Story
Out and about? Then use location tags to reach out to even those who aren’t your followers yet but are at the same location as you. Similarly, you can use other tags that Instagram provides to customize your reach based solely on tags. The only caution here is never to tag private places such as the home.
TIP #5: Engage with Other Instagram Accounts
Being greedy is not good, even on Instagram. So go ahead, be friendly by interacting with other accounts, viewing their stories, and leaving genuine comments. Use @mentiones to give shout-outs to subscribers, followers, champions, and other influencers. They are sure to repost your content, boosting your views in the process and perhaps opening it to a whole new audience base.
After all, it is better to give than to receive.
TIP #6: Use Instagram hashtags
Without hashtags, your posts are like a tourist without a map. They will have no destination and will drown at the bottom of the content sea. IG Story can have up to 10 hashtags. Also, now IG algorithms allow users to follow hashtags too. Some of the more common hashtags have a following of millions. Keep it a mix of general hashtags and more curated ones to target as far and wide as you can.
TIP #7: Go live
Live videos are all the rage these days! Instagram Live allows your followers to ask questions, comment on your live video, and provide real-time engagement. Most followers will even be notified with a push notification when you start broadcasting live.
Once you end the broadcast, your Live video will appear directly on your Instagram Story, so those who might have missed it live can check it out later.
TIP #8: Take Advantage of Trending Widgets & Stickers
Even Instagram uses Instagram Stories to test out new features! Jump on the wagon with trending Instagram story widgets & stickers to boost your overall reach.
Instagram regularly comes up with Story Stickers & Widgets based on the current trends, such as the Stay Home sticker during lockdowns. Instagram published these widgets to connect more people. The goal of these tags is to introduce your content & profile to your old and potential followers.
Use these widgets to bring new Instagram story viewers to your feed. Make sure to look for future widgets or stickers that might help boost Instagram story views.
TIP #9: Create a Compelling Instagram Profile
Any new user who views your IG story might look through your profile to see the niche content you usually post. Make it worth their while, and keep your bio updated.
This is where viewers can become followers, so make sure stories are also part of your feed so they can catch up with your creative content.
TIP #10: Includes Reels in your Instagram Stories
According to statistics, reels are now becoming the most-watched content on Instagram. Repost the reels that you created on your IG stories as well. You can post your reel and also cross-promote your friend’s reel content.
Interesting reels can keep your followers hooked for more. Your views will increase because users will be waiting for more entertaining posts from you. Check out Instagram Business Toolkit For Success for more tips and tricks.
While Instagram is a thriving creative community, it can sometimes be hard to get the results you are hoping for as an influencer. These tips will give that much-needed boost to your Instagram Story.
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