Platform features
Stories
What is Stories?
Stories are short-lived posts on platforms like Instagram and Snapchat that disappear after 24 hours and display in a vertical, full-screen format separate from a creator's main profile or feed. They support images, short video clips, text, stickers, music, and interactive elements like polls, making them a common format for casual, time-sensitive content.
When you'd use it
- 1When the content is time-sensitive, such as a 24-hour sale, a same-day event, or a limited offer.
- 2When the goal is to stay visible to existing followers without adding content to the permanent profile grid.
- 3When using interactive elements like polls or questions to gather feedback from a current audience.
- 4When sharing behind-the-scenes or casual content that does not need to live on the main profile.
Example
A fashion brand uses Reels to reach new audiences with campaign content and Stories exclusively for follower engagement: morning poll stickers asking followers to vote on outfit choices, behind-the-scenes production clips, and 24-hour discount codes that drive urgency without cluttering the permanent feed.
Use cases
- 1Posting a countdown sticker to a product launch so followers get a daily reminder before the release date.
- 2Sharing a behind-the-scenes clip from a shoot day that complements a polished Reel going live the same day.
- 3Running a poll in Stories to let followers choose between two product options before the final version is announced.
FAQ
How are Stories different from Reels on Instagram?
Stories disappear after 24 hours and are served primarily to existing followers. Reels are permanent posts distributed across the Reels tab and Explore page, where they can reach audiences who do not follow the account. Stories are for depth with existing audiences; Reels are for reach.
Make on-brand short-form video from the footage you already have.