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10 Unique Instagram Stories Ideas to Make Your Brand Stand Out

Summary

Discover 10 creative Instagram Stories ideas that will help you stand out from the crowd, boost engagement, and impress your followers. Learn how to leverage behind-the-scenes content, user-generated content, interactive elements, and more.

Instagram Stories Ideas For Business

Instagram stories have become an essential tool for businesses and brands to connect with their audience, showcase their products or services, and boost engagement.

With over 500 million daily active users engaging with Instagram stories, it's crucial to stay ahead of the curve with fresh and creative Instagram stories ideas.

Here are ten Instagram stories concepts that will help you stand out from the crowd and captivate your followers.

1. Behind-the-Scenes Content: A Glimpse into the Inner Workings of Your Business

The charm of authenticity can never be overstated. By showing what goes on behind the glitz and glamour of your business, you invite your followers into your world, strengthening the bond between you and your audience.

Why It Works

Sharing behind-the-scenes content allows your audience to see the human side of your business and helps build a more personal connection.

It gives your followers a unique insight into your company culture, processes, and team members.

Ideas for Implementation

Showcase your office space, giving a virtual tour of your work environment.
Introduce your team members with a brief bio and fun facts about each person.
Document the creation process of a product or project, from concept to completion.

2. User-Generated Content: Featuring Your Followers and Customers

User-generated content is like receiving a testimonial from your customers, without the formalities. It's a raw, authentic endorsement of your products or services, which can significantly boost your credibility.

Why It Works

User-generated content (UGC) is a powerful way to build trust and credibility with your audience. By showcasing the experiences and opinions of real people, you can demonstrate the value of your products or services more authentically.

Ideas for Implementation

Share customer reviews, testimonials, or case studies.
Encourage your followers to submit their own content using a branded hashtag.
Create a "Fan of the Week" feature, highlighting a loyal customer or follower.

3. Polls and Surveys: Encouraging Interaction and Gathering Feedback

Social media is not just about broadcasting; it's a two-way street. Polls and surveys are a simple, effective way to engage your audience while also gaining valuable insights about their preferences.

Why It Works

Polls and surveys offer a simple yet effective way to engage with your audience while gathering valuable insights. They encourage interaction and can provide useful feedback on your products, services, or content.

Ideas for Implementation

Utilize Instagram's poll sticker to ask your followers a question related to your industry or niche.
Conduct a survey to gather opinions on new ideas for Instagram stories, products or upcoming content.
Host a "Would You Rather" game, presenting two options and asking your audience to choose their preference.

4. Tutorials and How-To's: Providing Value through Educational Content

Sharing knowledge is a powerful way to establish authority and build trust. Tutorials and how-to's enable you to provide value to your audience while showcasing your expertise.

Why It Works

Tutorials and how-to's are an excellent way to showcase your expertise, provide value to your audience, and establish your brand as an authority in your niche.

They also offer an opportunity to demonstrate the practical applications of your products or services.

Ideas for Implementation

Create a step-by-step tutorial demonstrating how to use one of your products.
Offer tips and tricks for navigating common challenges in your industry.
Share a "hack" or shortcut for solving a problem your audience may face.

5. Contests and Giveaways: Rewarding Your Followers and Boosting Engagement

Who doesn't love a good contest or giveaway? This is a fun, exciting way to stimulate engagement and generate buzz around your brand.

If you want to learn one of the most fun Instagram engagement ideas, read on.

Why It Works

Contests and giveaways are a tried-and-true method for increasing engagement and generating excitement around your brand. They incentivize participation, encourage sharing, and can lead to a surge in new followers.

Ideas for Implementation

Host a giveaway, asking participants to follow your account, like a post, or tag a friend in the comments.
Organize a photo contest, inviting your followers to submit their best shots using your products or services.
Collaborate with another brand or influencer for a joint giveaway, expanding your reach and exposure.

6. Takeovers and Collaborations: Leveraging the Power of Partnerships

Partnerships can be a game-changer, allowing you to tap into new audiences and bring fresh content to your followers. Collaborations can add a new dimension to your brand and diversify your content.

Why It Works

Takeovers and collaborations offer an opportunity to tap into new audiences, gain fresh perspectives, and showcase the expertise of other industry professionals. They can add diversity to your content and provide your followers with a fresh take on your niche. This is a fantastic way of monetizing your Instagram.

Ideas for Implementation

Invite an industry expert, influencer, or partner brand to take over your Instagram stories for a day.
Collaborate with a complementary business or influencer on a joint project or event, documenting the process on Stories.
Share an interview or Q&A session with a thought leader in your field, offering valuable insights and advice to your audience.

7. Countdowns and Teasers: Building Anticipation for Upcoming Events or Launches

The element of suspense can be incredibly engaging. Teasers and countdowns create a sense of anticipation, keeping your audience hooked and eager for more.

Why It Works

Countdowns and teasers create a sense of anticipation and excitement around upcoming events, product launches, or promotions. They encourage your followers to stay engaged and tuned in for more information.

Ideas for Implementation

Utilize Instagram's countdown sticker to promote an upcoming event, sale, or product launch.
Share sneak peeks or teasers of new products, content, or collaborations.
Create a series of Stories leading up to a big announcement, revealing small details or hints to keep your audience guessing.

8. Inspirational Quotes and Stories: Motivating and Uplifting Your Audience

In a world full of promotional content, sometimes a dose of inspiration can be a breath of fresh air. Inspirational content can uplift your audience and create a positive association with your brand.

Why It Works

Inspirational quotes and stories can provide motivation, encouragement, and a sense of connection for your audience. They can also help establish your brand's values and create a positive association with your business.

Ideas for Implementation

Share a quote or mantra that reflects your brand's values or mission.
Post a success story or testimonial from a customer or team member.
Feature a "Monday Motivation" or "Wisdom Wednesday" series, sharing uplifting content on a regular basis.

9. Interactive Content: Entertaining Your Audience with Fun and Engaging Elements

Interaction leads to engagement, and engagement is key in the world of social media. By incorporating interactive elements in your Instagram engagement ideas, you can create a memorable experience for your followers.

Why It Works

Interactive content offers a unique way to engage your audience while providing entertainment and value. These types of Instagram stories ideas for business can encourage participation, generate conversation, and create a memorable experience for your followers.

Ideas for Implementation

Design a quiz or trivia game related to your niche, challenging your followers to test their knowledge.
Create a puzzle or riddle for your audience to solve, offering a prize for the first correct answer.
Utilize Instagram's question sticker to host a "Q&A" session, inviting your followers to submit their questions or topics of interest.

10. Highlights and Roundups: Curating the Best of Your Content and Industry News

In an information-overloaded world, curation is a valuable service. By providing your audience with highlights and roundups, you help them stay informed and save them the time of sifting through loads of content.

Why It Works

Highlights and roundups allow you to showcase the best of your content, as well as relevant industry news and updates. They help your audience stay informed and up-to-date while demonstrating your brand's commitment to providing value.

Ideas for Implementation

Share a monthly or weekly roundup of your most popular content, giving your audience an opportunity to catch up on anything they may have missed.
Curate a selection of industry news, trends, or updates, providing a one-stop-shop for your followers to stay informed.
Offer a "Top 5" or "Top 10" list of resources, tools, or tips related to your niche, showcasing your expertise and providing value to your audience.

In Conclusion

Instagram stories have proven to be a powerful tool for businesses to connect with their audience in a creative and engaging way. As we've explored, there are numerous strategies to make your Instagram stories stand out.

However, to truly master these techniques and create effective stories, consider enrolling in Maven's online classes. These classes provide comprehensive guidance on leveraging Instagram stories ideas for your business, helping you to connect, engage, and ultimately grow your audience.

With Maven, you'll be well-equipped to generate and implement ideas for stories on Instagram that captivate your followers and elevate your brand.