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Instagram already pulled away a lot of Vine users and now it looks like they're trying to steal away some Snapchat users as well!
The mobile photo/video-sharing app has rolled out a new sharing feature for us bloggers to learn, utilize and master! - Instagram Stories - which pretty much mimics the entire Snapchat theme.
Instagram posted to its blog on Tuesday:
"Today, we’re introducing Instagram Stories, a new feature that lets you share all the moments of your day, not just the ones you want to keep on your profile. As you share multiple photos and videos, they appear together in a slideshow format: your story.
With Instagram Stories, you don’t have to worry about overposting. Instead, you can share as much as you want throughout the day — with as much creativity as you want. You can bring your story to life in new ways with text and drawing tools. The photos and videos will disappear after 24 hours and won’t appear on your profile grid or in feed."
So, how can the new Instagram Stories benefit our brands, blogs and websites?
Many of the benefits I'm about to list below will be similar to why bloggers need Snapchat, which I published last week. (Read here if you missed it)
Top Placement For Your Blog
If someone follows your Instagram page, your account will show up at the top of their Instagram feed with a colorful ring around it (as shown above) whenever you release new story content. This will give your followers a chance to see your page first. Post interesting pictures/videos on your story often!
Introduce A New Segment
The Instagram Stories seems like a fun way to introduce a new segment to your blog. If you're into posting videos of yourself, why not engage with your followers even more by using this new feature!
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| My first Instagram Stories post last night where I'm showing my followers what upcoming content they can expect on my blog |
Try creating a new Stories contest, behind-the-scene moments, sneak peeks, photo of the day-type of posts, something unique to draw your audience in and give them a reason to keep watching your story.
New Ad Opportunities?
The disappearing content may be a good new way to advertise on social networking app. For me, I don't charge by the hour, I charge one price and the post stays up for good on Instagram.
Now, with Instagram Stories, I'm already planning to update my advertising rates and use this new feature to my advantage and for my potential customers.
I'm thinking of posting picture ads (more like screenshots shouting out someone else's page/product) on my story for a much lower price. Instead of the post staying on my feed forever, it will disappear after 24 hours. You'll be able to share these ads and not have them crowd your profile.
Create Organic Content
Your post will disappear after 24 hours and, like Snapchat, you know your followers are engaging with your posts because you'll see exactly who is watching your story.
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| Instagram Stories stats from my entertainment blog |
RELATED: Check Out The New Instagram Analytics! Use This To Reel In Potential Customers
This new feature means more opportunities! Use Instagram Stories to post often and post your best content so followers keep coming back for more.
Gain More Insight About Your Target Audience
Test out what your audience may or may not like by posting it to your Instagram story first and see how they respond. Like Snapchat, this feature won't have any "likes" or comments (which I really like). Only you can see the names of who viewed your story. Followers will only be able to respond to your story by tapping and sending a private message to your account.
Change is good and great to experiment with, so let's embrace this new feature!
Instagram Stories will be rolling out globally over the next few weeks on iOS and Android.
Also, make sure your Instagram page is public so your content reaches more people.
How will your brand and blog use Instagram stories?
Do you think this will be better than Snapchat stories?
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