Disclosure: This site may contain affiliate links. Your clicks or use come to no extra expense for you. Though, I may receive a commission if you purchase from them.
Just like the posts in your feed you want views, engagement, and Instagram rewards longer views and fewer skips. 2021 Instagram has brought some changes, so here are the Top 11 ways to Boost those Story Views!
1) Use All the Features
Questions/Polls/Gifs/Quizzes/Music/Etc. Use different media as well, Video/Photo/Etc. Use them all!
*It’s possible that the “This or That” trend may have increased this, but using multiple stories with multiple polls have seemed to increase views and engagement.
*Business Account - You will run into a limited Music Library, just Royalty-Free options. Creator accounts do not have that issue, but Business Accounts allow access to external apps for analytics and planning, so it’s up to you what is more important.
2) Show Your Face
Kind of a consistent theme, but create trust by showing up. Talk, not just a photo of you. It can feel scary but I promise it gets easier!
3) Make Sure You Are using Closed Captions
As explained here on “15 MUST HAVE APPS FOR INSTAGRAM,” but it’s super important and there are apps to help you. Or you can just type out your speech word for word.
4) Utilize Your Close Friends List
It won’t bring you more outsiders views, but it will do is bump your story to the front of the list for those in that “Close Friend” list. This will also change the circle color to a more standout Green. It could increase engagement knowing that it’s a more private share. Great idea for those of you with like “V.I.P. Programs” and whatnot.
6) Create Templates
Jump on the “This or That” Trend. Make your own blank template to be shared around and it’s super easy to do on Canva, they even provide premade ones.
7) Extend View Time
Photos on their own are 7 seconds. It used to be the case that adding a Gif extended it to 15 seconds, but it appears to no longer be the case. BUT, you can still add music for 15 second longer share time, along with sharing videos.
8) Don’t Waste Your Time With Tags (Hashtags & Location Tags)
*Currently,* hashtags and location tags are no longer working with stories. They may come back, but they don’t appear to be. The old way in stories you could tag up to 10 hashtags per story post. Right now, it can’t hurt, but it probably won’t be helping you.
9) TAG Other Accounts
Though hashtags may not work, tagging to other IG accounts is helpful! Up to 10 other accounts. It makes it easier for those accounts to engage and reshare the story to their account. Though the view counts won’t count for you, it’s always a good idea for cross-feed attention. Tag Relevant Businesses and People.
10) Use Polls to DM Clients
Just as it sounds, use those “Yes/No” polls as a ice breaking invitation to slide into their direct messages. Some countries have laws prevent the cold call dm’s so this is your way to get invited to have that interaction.
Extra Tip - Place your poll towards the center area. It’s easier to interact with and looks better.
11) Go LIVE!
Ok, you may be nervous, but this is a great way to build trust with your audience. They will feel like they know you because this allows more access to you. You may not always have a topic at hand so open it up to a “Q&A” session.
Have any other tips I missed? Did story hashtags come back where you are? Ready to go live? If I catch you on I’ll totally try to pop in and say HI!
