---
platform: instagram
format: stories
constraints:
  max_chars: null
  image_ratio: "9:16"
  max_hashtags: 10
  max_duration_seconds: 15
---

# Best Practices: Instagram — Stories

## Format Rules

- Duration: up to 15 seconds per story card; video auto-continues across multiple cards
- Aspect ratio: 9:16 (1080x1920px)
- Safe zones: keep critical content within the center 1080x1420px area (avoid top and bottom 250px used by UI chrome)
- Stories disappear after 24 hours unless saved to Highlights
- Stickers (polls, questions, sliders, countdowns) dramatically increase engagement
- Hashtag sticker: up to 10 tags; only 1 location sticker allowed

## Structure

```
Card 1: [HOOK / ATTENTION]
- Bold text or image that establishes the topic in under 2 seconds
- Works as a standalone even if viewer swipes past

Card 2–4: [CONTENT / VALUE]
- One idea per card
- Use text overlays on images or solid-color backgrounds with large text
- Keep sentences under 7 words per card

Card 5 (optional): [INTERACTION]
- Poll sticker: "Agree or disagree?"
- Question sticker: "Ask me anything"
- Quiz sticker: trivia related to your brand

Final Card: [CTA]
- "Swipe up" / "Link in bio" / "DM me the word [X]"
- Use countdown sticker for launches or deadlines
```

## Guidelines

- Design for tap-through speed — viewers tap quickly. Each card must communicate in under 2 seconds.
- Use brand colors, fonts, and consistent visual templates for recognition.
- Behind-the-scenes and "day in the life" content outperforms polished ads in Stories.
- Polls are the single highest-engagement sticker — use them to gather data AND boost algorithm reach.
- Respond to every poll reply and question reply — it drives DM relationships.
- Add your best story sets to Highlights with clear cover icons and descriptive titles.
- Stories are where you build intimacy; feed is where you build credibility.

## Examples

**Story sequence for a product drop:**
- Card 1: "Something big is coming tomorrow 👀" [countdown sticker]
- Card 2: Teaser image (blurred or cropped product)
- Card 3: Poll — "Are you ready? Yes / Not yet"
- Card 4: "Link drops at 9 AM. Set a reminder 👆"

**Engagement story sequence:**
- Card 1: "Real question for you..."
- Card 2: Question sticker — "What's your biggest struggle with [topic]?"
- Card 3: "I'll answer every single one in tomorrow's post"

**Highlight categories:**
- About, Services, Testimonials, FAQ, Behind the Scenes, Tutorials
