What are stories? 

Stories are bite-sized, temporary posts you can share on social media like Instagram, Snapchat, and Facebook. They disappear after 24 hours, creating a sense of urgency. 

You can add photos, videos, and text to your stories. Or make them even more interactive by adding stickers, filters, and polls.

The feature can be used to show off your day, promote products, or engage with followers. Brands love them for quick updates and behind-the-scenes peeks. 

They’re fun, casual, and perfect for sharing moments as they happen, especially because they are so easy to create and view. 

Stories are a great way to stay connected with friends and customers in real-time. 

Why are stories important in social media marketing? 

Stories have become a key tool for brands on social media. They offer unique ways to connect with audiences: 

  • High engagement: Stories grab attention with full-screen content
  • Interactive elements: Polls, quizzes, and stickers boost participation
  • Authentic connections: Behind-the-scenes glimpses feel more personal
  •  Limited-time content: Creates urgency and FOMO

You can use stories to: 

  • Showcase products 
  • Share user-generated content 
  • Tease upcoming launches 
  • Give followers a peek behind the curtain 

Instagram Stories vs Feed can help you decide where to focus your efforts. With Brandwatch, you can track story metrics to refine your strategy and boost engagement. 

Key platforms for stories 

Stories have become a popular feature across social media. Instagram Stories let you add music, filters, and swipe-up links to engage followers, which can also be shared to your Facebook. 

While Snapchat pioneered the stories format with disappearing content, most social media apps have the feature now, including TikTok and WhatsApp. 

When choosing a platform, think about where your audience spends time. Instagram and Facebook reach a wide range of users, while Snapchat appeals to younger demographics. 

On the other hand, WhatsApp’s huge user base makes it great for global brands. 

Each platform has unique strengths. Instagram’s creative tools help you stand out. Facebook’s integration is handy for cross-posting. Snapchat’s fun filters boost engagement. WhatsApp’s simplicity works well for quick updates. 

How to create engaging stories for your brand 

Want to make your brand stories pop on social media? Here are some tips to help you create content that grabs attention and boosts engagement: 

Use eye-catching visuals. High-quality photos, videos, and animations can stop scrollers in their tracks. 

Add interactive elements to get people involved. Try polls, quizzes, or clickable links to encourage participation. 

Give a peek behind the curtain. Sharing behind-the-scenes moments builds trust and authenticity with your audience. 

Track your story performance to see what’s working. You can use tools like Brandwatch Analytics to gain insights on audience behavior and engagement rates. 

Keep your stories short, fun, and on-brand. Focus on telling a compelling narrative that resonates with your followers. 

Tracking the performance of stories 

Want to know how your stories are doing? It’s all about tracking key metrics. 

Views are a great starting point. They show you how many people are watching your content. 

But don’t stop there. Look at engagement too. 

This includes taps, swipes, and sticker responses. These actions tell you if your audience is truly connecting with your stories. 

Conversions are crucial for brands. Keep an eye on how many users click on your calls-to-action or embedded links. This shows if your stories are driving real action. 

Tools like those offered by Brandwatch can help you measure these metrics. 

With real-time data, you can fine-tune your content strategy and create more impactful stories.