Top Instagram Story Hacks In 2024

Instagram has taken social media usage to the next level. Thanks to Instagram stories, users are seeing the information quite differently. According to a report by Gitnux, 70% of Gen Z and 59% of millennial users watch Instagram stories daily.

If you also want to boost engagement and increase brand awareness, create amazing Instagram stories. We are here to share a list of Instagram story hacks and tricks to make your stories more interactive.

The best part is this: you can do it without spending too much time editing your pictures and stories. So, let’s get started and learn some Instagram new story tricks in this article.

5 Instagram Story Hacks To Use

Whether you are an influencer or a business, you must have a strong social media presence. Here are some Instagram story tricks to make your stories more memorable.

Hack #1 - Instagram Story Photo Hacks

Let’s look at the Instagram story photo hacks in the below section.

#1. Turn Live Photo Into Boomerang

Are you aware that Instagram allows you to turn your live photos into boomerangs? It's one of the less well-known tricks for Instagram reels, but it works wonders for drawing viewers in and highlighting your creativity and narrative skills.

However, there is a catch: you must take the live photo you want to use within 24 hours. How to do it?

Step 1: Open IG stories
Step 2: Choose a live picture for your camera roll
Step 3: After selecting the picture, firmly tap the screen to make the word "boomerang" appear.

That’s it, and you just unblocked one of the many hidden Instagram tricks.

#2. Add Multiple Photos

Your Instagram profile has many hidden secrets, like adding multiple pictures in one story. You can use the built-in Instagram story layout option to share multiple images in a neatly organized grid formatted according to your story requirements.

Why do you need to share more than one picture? It is the best way to show your creative side and tell your audiences that you can take the same shot in different ways. How to do it?

Step 1: A layout tool can be located on the screen's left side.
Step 2: When you click on it, it will split the screen into four halves.
Step 3: Add pictures on the first square by choosing from the gallery or taking a live picture.
Step 4: Repeat for each square.

ProTip: You can also change the layout by clicking on the change grid option.

#3. Include Song Lyrics with Photos

Do you want your viewers to know how you express yourself and your music choice? When uploading your next IG story, you should add song lyrics. This will add aesthetic appeal, engage your viewers, and create a special connection with music lovers.

To add lyrics and be creative, use the following actions:

Step 1: Open IG stories and use a video, picture, or any content you want to share.
Step 2: Tap on music on the edit screen.
Step 3: Select the song.
Step 4: For lyrics, click on the bottom to show the album lyrics.

ProTip: You can also choose the duration and the portion of the song you want to add to create a compelling story.

Hack #2 - Instagram Story Text and Caption Hacks

Let’s look at some top Instagram design hacks to make your text look more attractive in 2024.

#1. Experiment with Text

You can do a lot with the text option on your IG stories. So why go with the same old and simple font? Adding different fonts is one creative Instagram story idea that makes them stand out.

If you're getting your desired result with the Comic Sans-inspired writing or the in-app typewriter, try finding something more interesting to paste.

Step 1: Open the Instagram Fonts Generator website on mobile or desktop.
Step 2: Type the text and enter to see different font options.
Step 3: Paste it into your Instagram stories after copying it.

ProTip: Using Photoshop, Over, or any other image editing software, add your text directly on a picture if your font is branded, and then post the result to Stories.

#2. Use Hashtags and Mentions

If you want genuine engagement, it's time to move over from ultra-popular hashtags like #love, #photooftheday, etc. You may get some extra likes, but not a good level of engagement. Better go with hashtags specific to your niche or industry.

You can also include mentions and add usernames after your hashtags. This is one of the great Instagram username tricks, especially if you collaborate with someone and want to mention them with catchy hashtags to promote your brand and product.

#3. Use Rainbow Text

Another cool way to enhance your text and make it stand out is by adding a rainbow text. Using rainbow text will give your viewers something new to see besides the regular text offered by Instagram.

Instagram doesn’t offer an ombre or rainbow option. However, there is a trick that can help you access the color spectrum to give a rainbow effect. Follow the steps to make your story attractive:

Step 1: Create your story and tap Aa on the top right for the text editor.
Step 2: Type your text, hold until you see a pop-up, and click Select All.
Step 3: Click on the color wheel to select text color.
Step 4: Press and hold anywhere toward the bottom of the color circles, and your text will instantly change to that color.
Step 5: Move the text selector while still holding down on the colors. Move your finger around the color spectrum, and whenever the selection is positioned, you'll notice that the text changes to that color.
Step 6: Once you've selected the color, stop dragging and select "Done."

#4. Color Picker

If you want tips for your story highlights, try the color picker tool. This tool can help you create a story background that represents your brand color. Your viewers will relate more to your brand and remember it when they look at your stories.

However, you must do it carefully, as IG has a limited color palette. How to do it:

Step 1: Create your story and add the image you want.
Step 2: Use - Add from the camera roll sticker and pick an image with your brand color.
Step 3: Select the Color Palette option from the menu on the left.
Step 4: Use the color picker to extract a sample from the uploaded sticker picture.
Step 5: Add this special color to your story.

Hack #3 - Instagram Sticker Hacks

Instagram has many stickers, but not everyone knows the different hacks you can try with it. Let’s see the Instagram story sticker hacks below:

#1. Gather User Data with Polls and Q&A Stickers

IG stories are a perfect place to know more about your users. What do they like or prefer to see? If knowing your customers is your content strategy, use interactive stickers, like quizzes and polls, and get answers to your questions.

These interactive stickers will get you honest replies and help you generate engaging content in the future. Besides, your followers will also see your intent to communicate and connect with them, thus increasing your bond and strengthening your relationship.

#2. Schedule Content or Event & Use Time Stickers

The countdown timer is one of the best Instagram sticker hacks for generating engagement. All you need to draw in your audience is the time sticker. Creating excitement for live events, product releases, etc, is best.

Your viewers can use this sticker as a reminder or share it as a news item in their stories. So, it will work in two ways - creating excitement and providing a great Instagram feed trick. The second will help you get more followers to your page.

#3. Add Product Stickers to Promote Shopping

Instagram ad tricks are among the finest methods for marketing your items and boosting sales. Ads or adding the shopping sticker can help you get organic product traffic. Doing so while sharing a story will not even look sales.

You can use this product sticker on your Instagram stories without being verified or having 10,000 followers. You can add these stickers to your product tutorial, making it easy for your followers to buy. These are great for small businesses and e-commerce brands.

Hack #4 - Instagram Story Video Hacks

If you want to find new Instagram story hacks, try experimenting with the videos you use as stories. Don’t believe us? Check out the Instagram story video hacks below.

#1. Go Live and Communicate

This is yet another great Instagram story hack to connect with your followers. The narrative parts have live sessions that viewers may watch and participate in real-time, leaving comments and replies. You can even increase anticipation by posting a question in advance.

It will work wonders for responding to questions as well. Even though it can be done by just posting a video, live sessions keep your users engaged and more enjoyable. How to carry it out:

Step 1: Click the question mark button after going live.
Step 2: The question mark will appear on the screen when you click.
Step 3: After you select, the question will change to gray to keep you from making the same choice twice.

#2. Use Videos in the Background

This feature is great for showing creativity and generating personalized content. It is a very simple and great Instagram strategy for grabbing your follower’s attention. You can make an animated Instagram story's background.

Any photograph, product shots, and selfies benefit greatly from a moving background. Here is how you can do it:

Step 1: Record a video on IG or select it from your photo album.
Step 2: Click on the sticker menu.
Step 3: Choose the photo sticker.
Step 4: Choose the picture from the photo library.
Step 5: Resize or move the picture to use it on top of the video background.

Hack #5 - Most-Used Instagram Story Hacks

Now that you have seen the specific hacks, it is time to check some general Instagram story hacks that you can use anytime to enhance your stories.

#1. Add Progressive Stories

Have you noticed stories with the same image but different content? They are called progressive stories and are great for increasing interest and drama while delaying the important information for the end. This trick ensures your viewers watch the story till the end.

You can try the below for progressive stories:

Step 1: Create a story and add texts or elements in the first post.
Step 2: Click the three dots in the top-right corner to download it.
Step 3: Repeat the above using the previous video or image and add the next element.
Step 4: Repeat the second step until you want to add more text and elements.

#2. Use Filters and Story Frames

Most people are unaware of the hidden Instagram features for videos and images. Here are many filters and frames that you can use to make your story look more refined and user-focused. What’s even interesting is that you can even create your own filters.

You can access the Instagram available features using the below steps:

Step 1: Activate IG’s camera for Instagram camera tricks.
Step 2: Swipe till the end for the browse effects option.
Step 3: Search among the 100s of effects and choose the one you like the most.

#3. Use Readymade Templates

Not everyone can design their templates, but that doesn’t mean giving up on creativity. You can always build visually stunning stories by using the pre-built Instagram layouts. These templates have pre-designed layouts where you can change text, animations, or graphics.

Why use the pre-built templates:

It will give your stories a structured look.
It is absolutely free to use.
It will showcase your creativity and give something new to your followers to see.

#4. Add Link

You need to follow at least 10,000 people to use this technique. This hack will get unlocked after reaching this number, and you could add a link to your stories. It is a great way of diverting traffic to your business page while promoting your products or services.

How to do it:

Step 1: Click the link icon when creating a story and choose Done.
Step 2: Click the link to visit a website or an IGTV video.
Step 3: Click the link icon again to remove or change the link and upload your story.

Why Do You Need To Know Instagram Stories Hacks?

Instagram is the leading player on social media. Looking at its user base, it is true to say it's more than just a platform. To become a champion in this platform and increase followers, you need to follow the latest Instagram stories Hacks using the below strategies:

#1. To Craft Up-to Date Stories

You must use the latest features to stay up-to-date with your stories and content strategies. Instagram always comes up with the latest tools that can help you enhance engagement if you do it properly.

#2. To Outshine Competition

You would not want your competition to outshine you by using the latest hacks and tricks. Usually, it's a good idea to use it first and outperform them. It will show how active you are in adapting to the latest tools.

#3. To Enhance User Experience

Instagram is a great platform for enhancing user experience. By accepting updates, you can give your followers an optimal experience and increase their likelihood of staying and interacting.

#4. To Seize Trending Moments

The latest trends do not stay for long. What is latest may not be there tomorrow. Staying up to date lets you quickly capitalize on these occasions and attract prospective new Instagram followers and your current following.

How To Increase Instagram Stories Views?

People post stories, make reels, or add posts to get more likes and views on IG. But the trickiest part is how to get them. Let's investigate several approaches.

#1. Incorporate Stickers to Promote Engagement

With stickers, you can interact with your audience directly. You can use questions to understand more about your viewers and their likings using stickers. You can even use stickers to create a fun quiz game for engagement.

#2. Convert Stories to Highlights

The best thing to do with your Instagram story is to highlight it once you've hit "post." Highlights are your self-categorized tales that appear beneath your profile bio. Your users can watch for the next 24 hours.

#3. Post Consistently

This is the essential part of increasing views and likes on your stories. When you start to add regularly, it builds trust with your viewers, who believe it comes from a reliable source.

#4. Share Exclusive Content

Besides regular posting, sharing exclusive content is also of great importance. You can post a tutorial behind the scenes or anything that is not shared normally. It will make your viewers more curious about what may come up next.

#5. Conclude with an Additional Story

When you think you are done with the day, it is time to share one last story. This results in getting more IG views. If someone has not seen your previous story, adding a new one will push you to the top of their story feed.

Conclusion

We have covered the top hacks for creating and posting outstanding IG stories. Instagram is full of hidden hacks and tricks; you must explore them to stay current. The best part of the stories is they disappear after 24 hours.

So, the next time, you can add a new element and surprise your viewers. For your fans, it will be entertaining, engaging, and participatory. Whether it is about promoting your product by adding stickers or creating excitement with progressive stories, there are many things to try in 2024. So, choose the first one from the above list and try it on your next Instagram story.

FAQs

#1. Why are Instagram Stories hacks important?

Instagram story hacks improve your stories' visual appeal and interaction. They're crucial because they make stories stand out, be more visible, and maximize outcomes.

#2. What are some creative ways to design IG stories?

There are many options for creatively designing Instagram stories. You can use stickers, polls, questions, and answers to be creative. You can also experiment with fonts and colors to make it look more attractive.

#3. Can I schedule Instagram stories for engagement?

You can use social media management platforms that let you schedule IG stories. To optimize exposure and interaction, schedule your stories according to your audience's peak engagement hours and plan your material ahead of time.

#4. Are there any tips for increasing IG story engagement?

User engagement is very important, so you can use excellent quizzes and polls to increase engagement. You can even add hashtags and mentions, especially if you are collaborating with someone.

#5. Can Instagram stories’ performance be analyzed?

If you want to monitor data like views, reach, impressions, and engagement rates, use Instagram Insights or other third-party analytics solutions. Examine patterns, try various tactics to maximize outcomes, and modify your plan using performance data.