Instagram marketing used to characteristic picture-perfect, highly stylized content. But these days, social media users steer obvious of anything that looks like an ad. Instead of glossy filters, they’re attracted to authenticity and relatability.

Instagram Stories offers a distinctive chance to capture their interests. Because of its ephemeral nature, brands can receive bigger risks sharing Stories that are less refined than what they post on their grids, a proven way for appearing more authentic.

Here, you’ll discover Instagram narrative ideas and tips to assist you reach your target spectators and boost sales.

31 creative Instagram narrative ideas for 2025

Effective Instagram Stories will assist your brand promote products and content, inspire engagement, and strengthen relationships with your followers. 

Product promotion narrative ideas

1. Showcase your products

Unlike Instagram posts, Stories allow links, so you can drive traffic to product pages. Highlight seasonal and upcoming items to drum up thrill or showcase a collection. For lasting impact, consider making Highlights so viewers can browse your offerings. 

Here’s an example from Dynasty Plant Shop:

💡 Tip: While Instagram Stories is an excellent sales channel, avoid coming off as salesy. Instead, focus on building relationships and depend with your followers.

2. distribute discounts and sales

Use Instagram Stories to advertise upcoming promotions, sales, or discounts. Use hashtags to reach a wider spectators or propose exclusive deals to your faithful Instagram following.

Here’s how Next and Ryobi used this tactic:

3. Make your Stories shoppable

Shopping on Instagram has been a game-changer. According to the platform, nearly half of its energetic users declare they shop on Instagram weekly. Once you set up your Instagram store, simply add a product sticker to your narrative, and interested viewers can purchase without leaving the platform. 

Check out these shoppable Stories from Allbirds and King Ice:

commence selling your products on Instagram

4. Promote your loyalty program

Your followers already demonstrate brand loyalty just by following you. Use Stories to strengthen those bonds and promote your loyalty program. 

Check out this narrative Highlight by Pepper explaining its perks program:

5. Announce restocks to your followers first

When bestselling products arrive back in stake, reward your faithful followers by telling them first. This tactic encourages customers to engage with your page if they desire to be the first to recognize about restocks. 

This example from Swedish Stockings announces a restock of one of its top-selling tights:

6. Tease product launches

Launching a recent product or collection? inform your followers first. Use Instagram Stories to make buzz around launches. distribute exclusive early access to a gated page or promote upcoming launches with Instagram’s countdown sticker.

For example, Paperwrld uses countdowns and mysterious graphics to tease its product launches:

7. make Instagram narrative Ads

To boost your reach and construct your following, boost Stories paid promotion. narrative Ads appear seamlessly between organic Stories, helping you capture recent viewers. Bonus: You can run narrative ads as long as you desire. 

Here’s how Numi and Brooklinen use Instagram narrative Ads to promote their products:

8. Promote your Instagram posts

Just as you can promote Instagram Reels in your Stories, you can also promote recent posts to reach users who are tapping through Stories and inspire them to pursue or engage with your account. This can be an especially helpful tactic when you’re announcing sales or large information.

Here are two examples from Xiao Chie Jie and Blossom and Rhyme:

Engagement and interaction narrative ideas

9. respond questions with an AMA

Instagram Stories’ built-in creator tools and features assist craft engaging moments. Use the sticker characteristic to source questions from your spectators and inspire engagement, especially before product launches, founder introductions, or when building FAQ content.

Here’s how The Nue Co and Hexclad used this way to engage customers and educate them about their offerings: 

When to use this

10. Run a poll

Using the poll sticker in Instagram narrative tools, you can survey followers for their opinions on anything from fun, topical subjects to product ideas you’re considering. This tactic can assist you crowdsource product advancement ideas and solicit customer feedback.

Here’s how Verstolo and The Pulp Girls used this technique to engage their followers: 

11. Quiz your spectators

The quiz sticker is another Instagram Stories characteristic that can assist boost engagement. Test your spectators’s industry knowledge with multiple-selection quizzes. Quizzes now a fun way to navigator followers through engaging FAQs and instruct them about your products or business; the tactic is especially useful in industries rife with misinformation, including wellness, skin worry, and act beverages.

Here’s how Paula’s selection uses quizzes to bust myths about sunscreen:

worth-added content narrative ideas

12. Provide worth with bonus content

It is essential to shatter up promotional content with photos and videos that provide worth. Examples include educational videos, shareable graphics, recipes, checklists, how-tos, and Instagram narrative templates.

Here’s how REI and Vegan Bowls distribute helpful content with their followers:

13. distribute educational tips

Stories are ideal for sharing short, visually appealing tips, life hacks, and educational tidbits. Use educational Stories to distribute industry facts or explain your brand values.

Here’s how two skin worry brands—Bushbalm and Paula’s selection—use Instagram Stories to educate customers: 

14. Provide how-tos and tutorials

Sharing educational content to Instagram Stories is a excellent concept if your products arrive with a learning curve. Illustrated graphics with step-by-step instructions or video demonstrations can assist customers. Consider asking Instagram influencers to demo your products to boost your reach. 

Here’s how Behr features its products in Instagram Stories:

Behind-the-scenes narrative ideas

15. receive users behind the scenes

Instagram Stories provide you the chance to be candid. Behind-the-scenes content like factory tours, studio sneak peeks, and “how it’s made” videos humanize your brand and construct depend, especially for sustainable brands showcasing their production methods. 

Here’s how Macguire went behind the scenes with Stories:

16. distribute your daily menu or specials

If your brick-and-mortar restaurant or bakery offers rotating menus or seasonal items, Instagram Stories are perfect for featuring limited-period items and daily menus. 

Here’s how Via Gelato and Juke’s Cuisine & Grille characteristic special flavors and menu items:

17. Highlight your latest photoshoot

 Maximize your efforts at product photo shoots by sharing the polished results and behind-the-scenes footage to Instagram Stories. 

💡Tip: Many of these Instagram narrative ideas can also work for Reels. Consider creating a mix of Stories and Reels to meet different business objectives. For example, you can use Instagram Stories for exclusive deals for followers and Reels to construct your following. 

throng and user engagement narrative ideas

18. Repost user-generated content (UGC)

If you view customers sharing photos of your business, products, or services on Instagram, you can re-distribute their posts on your Stories. This lets customers recognize you appreciate them and builds social proof by highlighting the real customer experiences and their “mini reviews.”

💡 How to repost UGC: 

1. discover the post you desire to distribute.
2. Click the distribute icon (it looks like a document airplane).
3. Click “Add post/video to your narrative.”
4. Add a caption, sticker, doodle, etc.
5. Click “Your stories” to post.

Here’s how Somos and Pepper shared UGC to their Instagram Stories:

19. distribute customer testimonials and reviews

Sharing video testimonials and reviews from history customers is a form of social proof that can assist prospective customers feel more confident about their purchases. You can use user-generated content (UGC) or make graphics with quotes from real customer reviews. characteristic reviews that assist customers comprehend the user encounter and display off your bestsellers and most-loved items.

Here are two examples from Terra20 and K9 Ballistics:

20. Highlight a collab 

Collaborating with an influencer or another brand? Highlight your collaboration on Instagram Stories and inspire them to do the same so you can introduce yourselves to each other’s followers. recall to tag the collaborator and use the link sticker or “swipe up” characteristic to drive viewers to the collab collection or another page. 

Here are some collab examples from David’s Tea:

Promotions narrative ideas

21. Promote your Instagram Reels

boost views on your Instagram Reels by sharing them to your Stories. Because Stories appear at the top of the Instagram feed, they can capture the attention of Instagram users who might not view your Reels while scrolling their feeds. 

When you distribute a Reel to Stories, you can shift it around the screen, adjust the size, and even transformation its orientation. Add a caption, GIF, sticker, or other visual elements to the narrative to tease your Reels and inspire viewers to navigate to them.

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22. Advertise an upcoming livestream

If you schedule to leave live as part of your brand’s social media marketing way, use Instagram Stories to promote the occurrence so your followers can schedule accordingly.

Here’s how Zen Art Supplies used Instagram Stories to announce upcoming live artist interviews:

23. Promote IRL and virtual events

Stories can assist boost awareness and boost registration for in-person or virtual events. Tag speakers or special guests, include relevant info, and link your Stories to a signup or ticket sales page.

Here are two examples from Trixie Motel and Thrillist:

24. Promote career opportunities

Are you hiring? Use Instagram Stories to promote career opportunities within your network of faithful fans. Add a link sticker or use the “swipe up” characteristic to direct candidates to your careers page.

Here are two examples of career Stories from Melsys Illustrations and Mid-Day Squares:

Content sharing narrative ideas

25. make shareable branded graphics

Sharing branded graphics on Stories can enhance your brand’s reach. Shareable graphics include facts and stats, memes, infographics, and topical thoughts on current events or trends. 

Here’s how Edward Bulmer Paints does it:

💡Tip: Use your brand fonts, colors, branded hashtag, and logo to inspire brand awareness and ensure content is attributed to your business, even if users don’t tag you.

26. Link to your website or landing page

Organic Instagram posts don’t allow links, but you can use the URL sticker characteristic on Stories to send followers to an occurrence page, email signup, or contest. 

Here, food influencer and chef John Kanell uses many parts of his Instagram page—including Stories—to push followers to purchase his book on his website:

27. Link to blog post or podcast content

As part of your content marketing way, you can use Instagram Stories to push followers to high-converting content on other platforms, including your website’s blog or podcast. More than a third of Instagram users prefer short, narrative Stories with photos, videos, and text to other types.

Repurpose your blog posts or podcast into multiple narrative graphics, offering viewers the alternative to swipe up for the original content.

Here’s how Lane & Grey Fare used Instagram Stories to assist followers discover their recipe content:

28. Promote affiliate content

If you’re using affiliate links to generate inactive profits, you can promote affiliate products and services on your Instagram Stories. Add worth by creating content that educates customers. Demos, unboxings, and reviews are perfect.

Here are two examples from Wirecutter and Thrillist: 

29. distribute press features

Getting press is exciting. It provides street cred and can provide your followers the confidence to purchase. Amplify your press mentions on your Instagram Stories. 

Here are two examples from Kulfi Beauty and TULA:

30. Use memes and other trends

Social media is powered by trends, memes, humor, and current events. Tap into the cultural zeitgeist by putting your brand’s spin on memes or trending topics. recall, Instagram narrative achievement requires authenticity; this concept works best for playful brands. You don’t have to hop on every meme or pattern—pick the ones that feel natural.

Here are two examples from BarkBox, using the dog rating structure popularized by WeRateDogs, and The Apartment, which built on Barbie fever in the wake of the movie release:

Giveaway and content narrative ideas

31. Host giveaways

Giveaways can assist you construct followers on Instagram, and promoting them on your Instagram Stories can generate extra attention and entries. You can make multiple Stories, including a branded graphic with rules and entry guidelines. And, when you’re choosing a winner, be sure to record the announcement on your Stories for added engagement.

Here are two examples from Pinsy Shapewear and NoochPOP to inspire Instagram narrative ideas for your account:

💡 Tip: To boost reach, make tagging friends or reposting the narrative a requirement for entering the giveaway.

9 more ideas to level up your Instagram Stories

Here are some creative Instagram narrative ideas for adding visual gain to your content. Many of these tactics also boost engagement, conversion, and reach.

1. Organize Stories into narrative Highlights

Unlike Reels, Stories disappear after 24 hours. However, you can save evergreen Stories into Instagram narrative Highlights, which appear as bubbles underneath your Instagram bio. This is a great way to organize Instagram Stories by product, content type, collection, or content category (press, how-tos, reward program info, etc.).

2. boost engagement with the emoji slider

Instagram has several stickers that make your Stories more engaging. Like the poll sticker, the emoji slider helps solicit supporter feedback. Cute Instagram narrative ideas like this engage your spectators and showcase your brand personality.

Spacegoods and Huel frequently incorporate emoji sliders into their stories to inspire engagement:

3. Jump on popular hashtags to boost reach

Occasionally, using the hashtag sticker can make your narrative discoverable to users browsing that hashtag feed—especially if your account is community. Use hashtags that fit your brand; for example, if you’re a Halloween retailer, you might use the hashtag sticker for #halloweencostumeideas in October to attract seasonal traffic.

4. Play with text effects

There are several ways to add gain to your Stories with text effects.:

Use Instagram features

After typing your text, you’ll have access to type design tools to transformation the color and font, as well as various effects and animations.

Use handwriting

Use the drawing tool to write words or phrases with your finger instead of using the text tool. You can mix handwriting with typed text to highlight sure aspects of your narrative.

Add drop shadow

1. Add text to your narrative.
2. Copy the text and paste it to get an identical copy.
3. Select a different color for the newly pasted text.
4. Adjust one instance of the text slightly off-center on top of the other to make a drop-shadow result.

Here’s an example of using Instagram narrative tools to adjust text (left) and a DIY drop shadow result (correct):

5. transformation the background color 

Some formats, like posts and horizontal or square photos, don’t fit the Stories facet ratio, creating negative space. To fill it, Instagram will choose a background color for you based on property colors, or you can pursue these steps to use brand colors :

1. Add content to your Instagram Stories using the distribute icon under the post.
2. Click on the drawing tool.
3. Choose the desired color from the color selection tool at the bottom (hold down on a color to select from a larger spectrum).
4. Now tap and hold on any part of the screen. Your background color will be updated.

6. Use the eraser tool to reveal parts of a photo

Add a bit of mystique or unveil an exciting shock for your followers by using the eraser tool to showcase the most thumb-stopping part of your Instagram narrative.

1. Upload a photo from your album.
2. Use the drawing tool to select a color.
3. Hold down on the screen to cover up your photo.
4. Switch to the eraser tool.
5. Erase part of the color to reveal part of the photo.
6. Add text to complete the Instagram narrative.

view how Farm Rio and Olend use the eraser tool to reveal parts of a product and make a sense of mystery around launches and restocks:

7. Use GIFs and effects

discover effects in the top correct menu of the content creation window in Instagram Stories. Scroll the options to add filters, color effects, and animations.

GIFs are in the Instagram stickers menu. Tap GIF and use the search bar to discover the kinds you desire.

Here are screenshots showing how to use Instagram narrative effects (left) and the GIF search tool (correct):

8. Add location tags

Location tags assist users discover content from local creators and brands and can be helpful for brands trying to construct a local following or throng. discover location tags in the stickers menu, then type your location in the search bar.

Tap the location sticker, then search for a verified location like this:

9. Post often and consistently

Consistency is key to engaging your spectators and keeping your Stories at the top of their feeds. Aim to post one to two Stories a day to maintain visibility and remain top-of-mind.

recall, Stories are designed for spontaneity and meant to be temporary, so don’t overthink them. Experiment, distribute candid moments, and test recent ideas. Since Stories disappear after 24 hours, each one is a chance for connection without the pressure of perfection.

Photography tips for Instagram Stories 

Photographer Sarah Pflug recommends understanding the following photography fundamentals to assist you get the most out of the Instagram narrative ideas above. In general, aim for well-lit and properly cropped videos and pictures. 

Use the rule of thirds

This classic hypothesis suggests dividing photos into nine equal quadrants and placing the subject in the correct, left, top, or bottom third, not the center. To apply this rule, shoot photos on your phone with the “grid lines” setting on. 

Consider lighting

Before you buy lighting equipment, test out natural lighting by placing your subject in front of, beside, and behind your light source. view how lighting placement affects your photos and experiment with shadows, glare, and additional light sources. straightforward lighting kits can assist you make well-lit Instagram Stories.

Crop before uploading

Uploading a photo to Instagram Stories decreases its sharpness and resizes it to fit a 9:16 facet ratio. To combat this, edit photos to the appropriate Instagram narrative size before uploading them.

Apply these chilly Instagram narrative ideas today

The best Instagram narrative ideas advance your brand goals. recall your spectators preferences and brand values whenever you make an Instagram narrative. 

Instagram marketing is all about innovation and play, so try recent designs, monitor your Instagram Insights, and post consistently to keep your spectators engaged.

Additional reporting by Shuang Esther Shan