13 Creative Instagram Story Ideas For Brands To Boost Engagement

Instagram Stories are a big deal for brands wanting more engagement. Since they disappear quickly, Stories make people pay attention fast. Did you know half of all companies post at least one Story each month? This is because Stories are great for connecting with audiences. In fact, Instagram Stories are the third most popular marketing tool in the U.S.

Young people, like millennials and Gen Z, enjoy Stories a lot. They often make and interact with this type of content. This makes Stories a great chance for brands to connect. By using fun Instagram Story ideas, you can bond with your followers. You can share behind-the-scenes moments or ask questions with polls. There are so many things you can do! Ready to learn Instagram Story ideas to get more engagement? Let’s get started!

1. Host a Poll or Quiz

Want to chat with your followers? Try a poll or quiz! These are easy ways to get people talking. Everyone likes sharing their thoughts, and polls or quizzes make it fun. They’re quick, simple, and grab attention fast.

Here are some tips to make them better:

• Ask questions your followers care about. For example, if you sell coffee, ask, “Do you like hot or iced coffee?”

• Keep your questions short and easy to understand. Complicated ones might confuse people.

• Use your brand’s colors, fonts, or emojis to make it look cool.

Post your polls when most people are online. This helps more people see them. You can also add hints in your Stories for quiz answers. This makes people curious and brings more viewers.

Want a fun idea? Use an emoji slider poll! It’s a playful way for followers to show how much they like something. For example, if you’re showing a new product, ask, “How excited are you?” and let them slide the emoji.

Another idea is to let followers pick between two choices. If you’re a clothing brand, show two outfits and ask, “Which one should we feature next?” This gets people involved and helps you learn what they like.

Quizzes are fun too! Make a small quiz about your topic. If you’re in travel, ask, “Guess this famous place!” or “Which trip fits your personality?” These ideas keep followers entertained and promote your brand at the same time.

Polls and quizzes aren’t just fun—they’re smart! They help you learn about your audience, connect with them, and get more engagement. Next time you need Instagram Story ideas, try a poll or quiz. It’s great for you and your followers!

2. Share Behind-the-Scenes Content

Ever wondered what makes your favorite brands feel more relatable? Sharing behind-the-scenes content is one of the best ways to connect with your audience on a personal level. People love seeing the human side of a brand. It makes them feel like they’re part of your journey. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to boost engagement and build trust.

Here are some creative ways to show what happens behind the curtain:

• A Day in the Life : Take your followers along for a day in your life or your team’s life. For example, Sani, a clothing brand, shared their fabric shopping process. It gave their audience a peek into their thought process and made them feel involved.

• Progress Videos or Before-and-After Photos : Show how your products come to life. Krispy Kreme nailed this by sharing how they transformed their classic glazed doughnuts into seasonal treats. It’s a simple yet effective way to keep your audience hooked.

• Employee Spotlights : Highlight your team members and their skills. This not only showcases your brand’s expertise but also adds a personal touch. People love seeing the faces behind the brand.

• Event Coverage : If you’re attending or hosting an event, share the excitement! Sprout Social did this brilliantly by posting Instagram Reels from SXSW 2023. They shared insights and fun moments, making their audience feel like they were part of the action.

• Product Creation Process : Be transparent about how your products are made. Even mundane tasks can turn into engaging content when presented creatively.

Behind-the-scenes content works because it feels authentic. It shows your audience that there’s more to your brand than just polished marketing campaigns. You can use Instagram Story ideas for photos or videos to make this content even more engaging. For example, try using time-lapse videos to show a product being made or add captions to explain what’s happening in each clip.

When you share these moments, you’re not just posting content—you’re building a connection. Your followers get to see the effort and passion behind your work. This makes them more likely to trust your brand and engage with your posts.

So, the next time you’re brainstorming creative Instagram story ideas , think about what happens behind the scenes. It’s a simple yet powerful way to bring your audience closer to your brand.

3. Use Countdown Stickers for Events

Countdown stickers are a fun way to get people excited. They work great for events, product launches, or quick sales. Using them smartly can make your Stories more engaging.

Here’s how to use countdown stickers well:

• Build Excitement for Events : Hosting a live chat, webinar, or store event? Add a countdown sticker to remind followers. It helps more people join and stay informed.

• Highlight Product Launches : Releasing a new or special product? Use a countdown sticker to share the launch time. Add a short video to make it even more exciting.

• Push Limited-Time Offers : Doing a flash sale or contest? Countdown stickers create urgency, making followers act quickly.

These stickers aren’t just cool—they’re super useful. They make people curious and eager as the timer runs out. This keeps your audience interested and boosts your Story’s reach.

Want to make it better? Use phrases like “Hurry up!” or “Time’s almost out!” This motivates viewers to join events or grab deals fast.

Countdown stickers also let followers set reminders by tapping them. This keeps them connected and increases chances they’ll join or buy.

If you need easy Instagram Story ideas, try countdown stickers. They’re simple, eye-catching, and great for grabbing attention. Whether it’s for a product, event, or sale, these stickers help you connect and get results.

4. Share Content Made by Your Followers

Want your followers to feel special? Share their posts! Showing content made by your followers (UGC) is a great idea. People love seeing their work shared by brands they like. It builds trust, gets more likes, and creates a friendly vibe. Plus, it’s an easy way to add real and fun content to your Stories.

Here’s how to get your followers to share their content:

• Make a hashtag for your brand. Create a unique hashtag and ask followers to use it. For example, if you’re a fitness brand, try #WorkoutWith[YourBrandName]. This helps you find and share their posts.

• Run a contest or challenge. Offer a prize for the best post. For example, a travel brand could ask for vacation photos with a special hashtag.

• Use question stickers on Instagram. Ask followers to share tips or stories. For example, a skincare brand might ask, “What’s your favorite face mask?” Then, share their answers in your Stories.

• Ask followers to tag you. Tell them to tag your brand in their posts. This makes it easy to find and share their content.

Once you have their posts, share them in your Stories. Add fun things like stickers, text, or GIFs to make it lively. Tag the person who made the post to give them credit. This also encourages others to join in.

Sharing follower content isn’t just about filling your Stories. It’s about making connections. When you share their posts, it shows you care about them. This builds stronger bonds and inspires others to interact with your brand.

Next time you need Instagram Story ideas, think about involving your followers. Whether it’s hashtags, contests, or questions, sharing their content is a smart way to grow your community and get more engagement.

5. Customer Testimonials and Reviews

Sharing customer testimonials in your Instagram Stories can really help build trust. When potential customers see genuine feedback from others, they feel more confident in making a purchase. Use high-quality screenshots or stylized graphics to showcase these testimonials.

Encourage your customers to leave reviews and share their experiences. You can even create a highlight reel on your profile dedicated to customer feedback. This way, new visitors can easily access positive experiences whenever they check your profile.

Engage your audience further by asking them to tag your brand in their stories. Reposting these mentions not only shows appreciation but also introduces your products to new followers. Remember, sharing real stories from real customers can be a simple yet effective way to boost your brand's credibility.

Why Reviews Matter

Reviews are proof that people trust your brand. When you share them on Instagram, they feel real and relatable. This makes followers more likely to check out your products or services and interact with your posts.

Fun Ways to Share Reviews

Here are some cool ways to make customer reviews stand out:

Way to Share	What It Does
Story Highlights	Save and group reviews to show happy customers.
Fun Instagram Stories	Post reviews that disappear after 24 hours but keep updating them to stay fresh.
Short Instagram Reels	Make quick videos of customers sharing their thoughts with creative edits to grab attention.

Tips to Make Reviews Interesting

• Add polls or questions after sharing a review. For example, ask, “Would you try this product? Vote now!”

• Use clear instructions to guide viewers. Tell them to message you or visit your website for more info.

• Pin your best reviews to your profile so new visitors can see them easily.

Keep your reviews exciting by updating them often. Add new ones to your Story Highlights to keep things fresh. This not only shows real customer feedback but also keeps your Stories fun and engaging.

Pro Tip: Use the Results

Make sure your business is legit and is not harmful to people,this way you will have lots of positive reviews from users, Hence earning you a lot of content for your story.

Tag the customers who shared their reviews to make it feel more real. This gives them credit and encourages others to share their stories too. Pair reviews with photos, like before-and-after shots or pictures of the product being used. These images make the reviews more relatable and interesting.

Sharing customer reviews is an easy and smart way to get more engagement. It builds trust, shows your brand is reliable, and keeps followers coming back. Next time you’re thinking of Instagram Story ideas, don’t forget to include a review!

6. Fun Challenges or Contests

Engaging your audience through fun challenges or contests can be a fantastic way to boost interaction on Instagram. This approach not only encourages participation but also creates a sense of community among your followers. For instance, consider launching a themed challenge like the "Great Cookie Challenge." Invite your audience to bake their own cookie creations and share photos or videos of their masterpieces.

You can set up specific hashtags for participants to use, making it easy to track entries and build excitement around the event. Offering prizes can further entice followers to join in.

Think about gift cards, product giveaways, or even featuring the winners on your page! This not only acknowledges their efforts but also encourages others to participate in future challenges. Another idea is to create a daily or weekly themed challenge, where followers post content related to a specific topic. This keeps your feed lively and encourages creativity.

Why Quick Tips Work

When you join a fun challenge or contest on Instagram Stories, you become part of an exciting game that makes scrolling feel more like playtime. You get the chance to show off your creativity and skills, which makes you feel proud and unique. When you see others participating too, it creates a sense of community—you’re all in on the fun together.

By taking part, you also get to experience friendly competition. You might win a prize or just enjoy the thrill of trying something new, and that makes your day a little brighter. Plus, sharing your challenge results or contest entries with friends can spark conversations and even inspire them to join in. It’s a win-win situation: you enjoy the fun and encourage others to do the same.

7. Run a Limited-Time Offer

Limited-time offers are a great way to grab attention fast . Instagram Stories disappear quickly, making them perfect for urgent deals. Pairing a short promotion with Stories can boost engagement and sales quickly.

Why Limited-Time Offers Work

People don’t like missing out. This fear, called FOMO, makes them act fast. Limited-time deals also feel special, making followers excited to join in.

Here’s how to make your offers stand out:

• Set a Clear Time Frame : Tell followers how long the deal lasts. For example, “Hurry! Only 24 hours left!”

• Use Countdown Timers : Add a countdown sticker to show time running out.

• Design Eye-Catching Stories : Use bright colors, fun animations, or stickers to grab attention.

Strategy	Description
Clear Time Frame	Tell followers how long the deal is available.
Countdown Timer	Show time left to create urgency.
Eye-Catching Design	Use bold designs to make the offer stand out.

Tips to Maximize Engagement

1. Keep deals short, like 24-72 hours, for best results.

2. Match offers with holidays or events, like a Valentine’s Day sale.

3. Use polls or quizzes before the deal starts to build excitement.

Real-Life Examples

Some brands use limited-time offers well:

• M.Gemi : This shoe brand shares their crafting process in Stories. They add exclusive, short-time deals to connect with followers.

• Postmates : They offered a seven-day delivery credit in Stories. The urgency made users act fast before the deal ended.

Pro Tip : Share discounts or giveaways as part of your limited-time offers. These ideas boost sales and help you bond with followers.

Limited-time offers are one of the easiest Instagram story ideas to try. They’re fun, quick, and effective. Next time you plan Stories, think about using urgency to get results.

8. Virtual Events or Live Q&A

Hosting virtual events or live Q&A sessions is a fantastic way to connect with your audience. It creates a sense of community and encourages interaction. You can invite industry experts or influencers to share their insights, making the event more engaging.

Promote your virtual event on Instagram Stories to build excitement. Use countdown stickers to remind followers of the date and time. This creates anticipation and encourages them to mark their calendars.

During the live session, encourage viewers to ask questions. This interaction makes the audience feel involved and valued. You can respond in real-time, fostering a deeper connection.

After the event, share highlights on your Instagram Stories. This helps keep the conversation going and allows those who missed it to catch up. Engaging visuals and short clips can capture key moments, making it easy for your audience to feel part of the experience.

Incorporating polls or quizzes during the Q&A can also enhance engagement. It keeps the audience on their toes and makes the session more interactive. Think of it as a fun way to learn together!

Here’s how to make your Q&A session awesome:

• Use the Questions Sticker : Add the questions sticker to your Story. Ask followers to send their questions. For example, a beauty brand might say, “Got skincare questions? Ask us now!”

• Go Live for Real-Time Chat : Make it more fun by doing a live Q&A. Answer questions as they pop up and talk directly to your audience. It feels personal and keeps things interesting.

• Add Cool Visuals : Use pictures, videos, or behind-the-scenes clips in your answers. If someone asks about a product, show it being used. This makes your Stories more fun to watch.

• Announce Ahead of Time : Let your followers know about the Q&A before it happens. Post a Story saying, “We’re answering your questions tomorrow—don’t miss it!” This gets more people involved.

• Use Fun Features : Add polls, filters, or GIFs to make it lively. For example, ask, “What should we answer first—tips or fun facts?”

Tips for a Great Q&A

1. Plan Ahead : Think about what questions people might ask. Have answers ready to keep it smooth.

2. Stay Focused : Answer questions that match your brand and audience. A travel brand could talk about trips or packing tips.

3. Make It Personal : Talk to each person like you’re chatting with them directly. This makes followers feel special.

4. Check Your Results : After the session, look at Instagram Insights. See how many people watched and interacted to improve next time.

Q&A sessions are more than just answering questions. They let you show your knowledge, build trust, and get closer to your followers. Whether you’re sharing fun ideas or explaining products, Q&As are a great way to connect.

Next time you need Instagram Story ideas , try hosting a Q&A session. It’s simple, fun, and helps your followers stay excited about your brand.

9. Seasonal or Holiday Celebrations

Utilizing seasonal or holiday celebrations in your Instagram stories is a fun way to connect with your audience. It creates a festive atmosphere that can engage your followers and encourage interaction.

For instance, during the winter holidays, you can share behind-the-scenes footage of your team decorating the office. This not only showcases your brand's personality but also fosters a sense of community.

Consider hosting a themed contest where followers submit photos of their holiday decorations. This encourages user-generated content and increases your brand's visibility on social media.

Highlight special promotions or limited-edition products related to the season. Sharing a countdown to a holiday sale can build anticipation and drive traffic to your website.

Additionally, share festive recipes or DIY projects that resonate with your audience. A quick tutorial on how to make holiday treats or decorations can be visually appealing and highly shareable.

10. Story Takeovers by Influencers

One fun way to boost your brand's engagement on Instagram is through story takeovers by influencers. This involves letting an influencer manage your brand's Instagram stories for a day. It’s a great way to tap into their audience and bring fresh content to your followers.

During the takeover, the influencer can share their favorite products, offer behind-the-scenes looks, or even host a Q&A session. This not only showcases your brand in a new light but also creates a connection between the influencer and your audience.

Make sure to choose influencers whose values align with your brand. This helps in attracting the right audience and ensures that the content feels authentic. When followers see someone they trust sharing your products, they are more likely to engage and even make a purchase.

After the takeover, encourage followers to share their thoughts or experiences with your brand. This creates a conversation and keeps the engagement going even after the influencer has left. It’s a fun and effective way to connect with your audience!

Why Influencer Collaborations Work

People see influencers as friends they can trust. Their followers value their advice and often try what they recommend. By teaming up with influencers, you can connect with more people. Influencers also know how to make content that grabs attention, making your Stories more fun and engaging.

How to Work with Influencers

Follow these tips to make your influencer partnerships successful:

1. Pick the Right Influencers : Choose influencers who match your brand’s style. For example, a fitness brand could work with someone who shares workout tips.

2. Set Clear Goals : Decide what you want, like more followers or higher sales. Share these goals with the influencer so they can create the right content.

3. Let Them Be Creative : Allow influencers to use their own style to promote your brand. They know what their followers like, so trust them to make great Stories.

4. Use Instagram Tools : Ask influencers to add polls, stickers, or countdowns to their Stories. These tools make the content more interactive and fun.

Real-Life Examples

Many brands succeed by working with influencers. For example, Miro partnered with influencers to show off its templates in videos. This increased engagement and sales, proving how helpful these partnerships can be.

Another example is Fiji Water’s campaign with Danielle Bernstein. She shared workout videos that focused on staying hydrated. This led to over 2,000 user-generated posts and boosted the brand’s visibility on Instagram.

Why You Should Try It

Partnering with influencers isn’t just about selling products. It’s about building trust and creating content your audience loves. Influencers bring fresh ideas and help your brand stand out. Whether you’re a small business or a big company, working with influencers can improve your Instagram marketing.

So, if you need Instagram Story ideas, think about teaming up with influencers. It’s a great way to connect with your audience and grow your brand.

11. Spotlighting Team Members

Spotlighting team members is a fun and effective way to humanize your brand. By featuring your staff, you create a connection with your audience. This not only builds trust but also makes your followers feel like they are part of your team's journey.

Start with a series of short video clips where each person introduces themselves. Ask them to share their role, a fun fact, or their favorite thing about working at your company. This adds a personal touch and makes your brand relatable.

Another idea is to showcase a day in the life of a team member. Use Instagram Stories to follow them around during their workday. Highlight their tasks, meetings, and even coffee breaks! This gives your audience an inside look at your company culture.

Consider hosting Q&A sessions featuring different team members. Let your followers submit questions, and have your staff respond in real-time. This is a great way to engage with your audience and provide insights into your team's dynamics.

Lastly, celebrate achievements. Share milestones, birthdays, or work anniversaries. Recognizing individual contributions not only boosts morale but also shows your audience that you value your team. It makes them feel appreciated and strengthens community ties.

12. Flash Sales and Exclusive Offers

Flash sales are a fun way to create urgency and excitement among your followers. When you announce a limited-time offer, it encourages immediate action. People love the thrill of a good deal, especially if it's just around the corner.

Consider using Instagram Stories to share these offers. A countdown sticker can build anticipation, letting your audience know exactly when the sale starts. By showcasing selected items on sale, you can keep your followers engaged and eager to check back for updates.

Don’t forget to promote exclusivity. Let your audience know they’re getting a special deal that’s not available elsewhere. This can make them feel valued and more likely to make a purchase. Highlighting specific products in your Stories can also help grab attention and spark interest.

Another tip is to use engaging visuals. Use bright colors and bold text to highlight the sale. This makes the offer stand out in their feed. You can also include customer testimonials or photos of the products to boost credibility and interest.

Lastly, encourage your followers to share the sale with their friends. This can widen your reach and potentially bring new customers. When people see their friends excited about a deal, they are more likely to take action.

Why It Works

When you use flash sales and exclusive offers in your Instagram Story, you grab your followers' attention fast. You see that a flash sale is like a secret deal that only lasts for a short time, so you feel excited to check it out before it’s gone. This quick rush makes you act immediately, which is perfect if you love finding cool deals.

When you spot an exclusive offer on a Story, you feel special because it seems like it was made just for you. You know that not everyone gets the chance to see these offers, and that makes you more likely to share it with your friends. Plus, you feel like you’re part of a group that knows the secret deals first, which is really cool.

By using flash sales and exclusive offers in your Instagram Story, you make shopping fun and fast. You get the thrill of a bargain and the excitement of being in the know, all while enjoying the quick and engaging style of Instagram Stories.

So, if you’re looking for Instagram story ideas for engagement, try these strategies. They’ll help you connect with your audience, boost excitement, and make your launch a success.

13. Product Demos and Tutorials

When it comes to showcasing your products, nothing beats a good demo or tutorial. This is your chance to show exactly how your product works and why your audience needs it. You can create quick and engaging tutorials that highlight features in a fun way, making potential customers more likely to make a purchase.

Consider using Instagram Stories to share step-by-step guides. For example, if you’re promoting a hairdryer, you could record a short clip showing how to style hair using the product. This not only demonstrates the product's functionality but also provides value to your audience by teaching them something new.

Another effective idea is to incorporate customer testimonials into your demos. Share clips where users explain how they achieved their desired look or result using your product. This builds trust and encourages others to try it out for themselves.

Additionally, don’t forget to add a fun twist! Use polls or quizzes throughout the tutorial to engage viewers actively. Ask them about their styling preferences or what features they love most. This interaction keeps your audience invested and makes them more likely to share your content.

Overall, product demos and tutorials are an excellent way to connect with your audience, show off your product, and boost engagement. Make sure to keep it light-hearted and informative, and watch your follower count grow!

Creative Instagram story ideas can transform how you connect with your audience. They make your content fun, engaging, and memorable. By trying out different approaches, like polls, tutorials, or countdowns, you can discover what resonates most with your followers. Don’t be afraid to experiment! Track your results to see what works best for your brand.

Now it’s your turn. Which idea will you try first? Share your experiences or tag us in your Instagram Stories. We’d love to see how you bring these ideas to life!