8 Things You’re Doing Wrong on Insta Stories
From the time I kicked off my Instagram Stories experience about six months ago, I've been totally hooked.
For the longest time, I fought the idea of letting people know my every move, but once I got into it, it took me no time to realize what Stories I wanted to keep watching from other people, and how I could continue creating content that my followers tell me they enjoy.
You don't have to be some on-camera personality in order to create intriguing Insta Stories, but there are some easily fixable things that many of you are guilty (IMHO) of doing wrong. Keep reading to find out what they are!
1. You're Not Telling an Actual Story
They call it Instagram Stories for a reason—tell a story, people! Seeing a quick little flash of your dog jumping up to greet you a couple times a week doesn't keep me begging for more. But seeing the process of you trying to cook your first casserole from start to finish definitely has my attention.
2. You're Posting Too Much of the Same Thing at Once
I'm all for people working on their fitness, but that doesn't mean you need to post 10 monotonous clips of your Saturday morning hike. Going back to No. 1, do tell a story, but there needs to be some variety. Ten posts of your feet venturing around that bend does not constitute as a story. Unless something noteworthy happens or you run into a familiar face on your hike, post the beginning, middle and end of your journey and that should be plenty.
3. Your Concert Coverage Has No Originality
It's great that you're at The Weeknd concert, and you have every right to let everyone know you're a big fan. But no one wants to watch your clips of every single song he performs (especially when your seats are from far away). Mix things up by doing a video of you getting ready for the show, talking about your excitement, heading to the merch stand and then dancing or lip-syncing to (a few) songs in the crowd. Yes, you should definitely post your favorite song to let everyone know that's your jam, but again, you do not need to post the entire concert. That's what YouTube is for.
(via Shutterstock)
4. You're Not Making the Viewer's Experience an Interactive One
Instead of taking a still of your Iced Caramel Macchiato, do a fun video of the barista handing you the beverage. Instead of taking a still of the inside of the trendy new eatery, do a video of you walking up to the entrance, opening the door and getting a quick view of the inside. Try to keep things three-dimensional.
5. You're Posting Too Much of Your Pets
I get it, I get it—your pets are your babies, your beloved pride and joys. And there's nothing wrong with letting the world know how much you love them. But remember, you're posting these videos for everyone else, not for you. While an occasional shot of your pooch all dolled up in a little sweater is super post-worthy, it's really unnecessary to post every time you take them for a walk.
(via Shutterstock)
6. Your Face Is in Every. Single. Story.
I strongly advise talking in your Insta stories. It's a great way for people to get to know you and learn about your interests and opinions, but straight-up keeping the camera focused entirely on your head in all of them can seem monotonous. Shake things up. Do a few talking directly to the camera, then do a few showing you doing an activity or focusing on a pal. Don't put the camera solely on you 24/7.
(via Shutterstock)
7. Your Stories Are Too Dark
Okay, I am guilty of this one on occasion. We all want to let everyone know who we're with and where we're having the best time, but when it's in a very dim-lit setting, try to hold off. No one wants to sit through 15 seconds of squinting. That said, pick your battles. If you're in a one-of-a-kind setting and it's of utmost importance, don't hold back. But try to avoid posting too much in that setting. It's simply not easy on the eyes.
8. You're Not Posting Enough of Yourself in Uncomfortable Situations
As YouTube and social media have shown, being relatable is very "in" right now. People want to get to know the folks they are watching on a personal level, even if they've never met you. Post videos of you not wearing makeup or trying something for the first time. Avoid being too polished and "on" at all times. It could seem awkward at first to put yourself out there like that, but it will only make people more fascinated in your no-holds-barred persona.
Ever been on the receiving end of a pal not including you in their Insta Story? Click HERE to read five times our writer Chelsea felt excluded from social media.