Instagram is one of today’s most popular social networks. More than 500 million users from all over the world, including mainly professionals, are active on it every day. The number of subscribers continues to grow, particularly after the August 2016 release of “Instagram Stories”. What are Stories? This guide explains everything you need to know about this popular new feature on this social network.

What are Instagram stories?

You may be used to seeing stories on Facebook, but Instagram also offers you this privilege. A story defines a photo or video, or a collection of content, that scrolls across the top of the platform’s screen and will remain online for just 24 hours. In addition to being ephemeral, it doesn’t invade followers’ News Feed.

Stories can then be personalized with text, emojis, stickers or even filters to give them more life. This feature is a great way to generate engagement with your followers and attract potential new customers. It also strengthens ties with existing customers.

How does it work?

Instagram stories are a great way of communicating without the usual news feed. You’ll need to be creative and use your imagination when choosing content to boost your profile.

If you want to publish stories, click on the small camera icon or simply your profile photo. Take advantage of all the social network has to offer to make your collection as striking as possible. It will appear at the top of your News Feed. To view and scroll it, simply click on the photo or video.

How can you make the most of your Instagram stories?

Aware of the role that small, spontaneous photos or videos can play on Instagram, many marketers are currently taking the plunge. Despite their ephemeral nature, this content is the perfect accompaniment to your communication and enhances your company’s image.

They can be used to promote a particular product or service, announce an event or share posts from other Instagram accounts in your field of activity. The instantaneity and naturalness of this tool are conducive to greater visibility. What’s more, this concept allows you to communicate with customers in an iterative way that underscores your presence on the platform. You can renew your content as often as possible. In return, your followers will react or send you a message directly.