Difference Between Post and Story on Instagram: Which Works Best?

There are multiple ways you can post your content on Instagram. You can share a post, reel, or an Instagram story. Even though you get all of these options in one platform, they are very different.

Instagram is a handy tool for marketers who want to reach out to their target audience through social media. It is a powerful platform to reach out to the target audience, and you can do that creatively and uniquely.

But how are these options different from one another? What is the difference between post and story on Instagram? Before you use the platform for your business, you must know these basic differences and use them properly to your advantage.

For example, the stories businesses and brands share on Instagram drive a lot of views. However, Instagram posts are more effective for establishing a deeper connection with the audience. Let’s dive deep and know the difference between post and story on Instagram.

What is an Instagram Post?

A post is a short video or square photo you share on your Instagram. This stays on your profile forever or as long as you have the account. You can add text and music to the image.

These are square photos and appear on the user’s main feed. The image an Instagram profile holds is the total of everything they have shared, which makes the image a brand wishes to convert or create their desired identity.

What is an Instagram Story?

Instagram stories are vertical videos or photos. However, how long can Instagram stories be? Instagram stories are a maximum of 150 seconds long. Stories are of 9:16 ratio. It can also be like a slideshow, in case you post several photos and videos one after the other.

Also, how long do Instagram stories last? They can be viewed for only 24 hours. Instagram stories are one of the best tools for a business to get its target audience involved. Contrary to posts, they are only visible for a limited period of time and have a more casual approach. Also, take care of the Instagram story dimensions when you post it.

You have to understand that a story can only be viewed for a few seconds, so you must convey the message straightforwardly, so the viewer doesn’t have to rewind it or pause it somewhere. Do not overcrowd the story with text or photos and make the story easy to understand at a glance.

How to Add Highlights on Instagram?

A highlight or a highlight cover is a story or a set of stories that can be permanently seen on an Instagram profile and not just for 24 hours. You can also add different stories together to highlight, and then it will be shown like a slideshow, one after another, like stories.

Highlights are an important tool for brands because, this way, you can share the message in a particular order. It is like watching a movie trailer. They emphasize the main points of the brand.

To add highlights to your Instagram profile, you must share regular stories and then tap on save to keep the image or the video in your library. Tap on the profile’s thumbnail, then click the “New” button to add a new highlight to the story.

From the library, select the images that you want to highlight. You can drag and zoom the highlight to the place where you find fit and then confirm to add the highlight.

Difference Between Post and Story on Instagram

There are different kinds of uploads, like reels, stories, and posts. it is important to know when to use and which one to make the most of it. However, before we get to know when to post reels on Instagram, we also need to know the difference between posts and stories on Instagram.

• Instagram posts appear on the follower’s feed, whereas Instagram stories appear at the top of the Instagram app the moment you open it.
• The videos and photos you share on the Instagram stories are temporary, and they only last for 24 hours. Whereas Instagram posts are permanent and stay in your profile. However, it is now possible to preserve stories by adding them to their highlights and making them permanent.
• Instagram posts stay in your profile forever until and unless you delete them. Evergreen posts have the potential to get more likes and views over time, as people can check those photos out anytime they want. They also contribute a lot to the web traffic.
• Instagram stories have many features, like sharing questions, quizzes, and polls. Posts do not have those features yet.
• Instagram posts can have long captions going up to 2,200 characters. Well, that doesn’t mean that you always have to write a long essay with your images, but if you wish, you can. Also, you get to use a lot of hashtags in your posts.
• Stories can have small captions because of their outlook. You cannot add a lot here.

Understanding Instagram Posts

Now that you know the difference between post and story on Instagram, let’s look deeper at both and how they can be used. As posts last forever, their reach is more extensive than stories. They also start up interactions and better conversations with followers over time.

Even if they do not have interactive features like quizzes, polls, and questions, they still offer different content options. These include single images, videos, and carousels. You also have the option to add filters and music to the images and videos.

When should you use Instagram posts?

How would you know when to use a story and when to post content? Here are a few instances where you should post.

Brand awareness

Post those videos and images that mark business milestones. It could be some core brand information or significant company events that are worth sharing.

Team photos

Users who visit your profile will love to see how you perform as a team. They make the company’s presence authentic and add a few faces to the brand as well. However, ensure you get permission from those whose face you post on your company posts.

Product information

Product guides and product information, as well as tutorials, should always be included in your posts. It will be helpful for users to find these even after years of posting them. They are evergreen.

Sharing memorable messages

As mentioned earlier, you can write up to 2,200 characters as a caption for your post. If you write lengthy captions, make sure that they grab attention or have some sort of lead about the main point so the reader keeps reading.

Understanding Instagram Stories

Every Instagram area has a different algorithm that finds and presents the content differently. The algorithm prioritizes content from the account from which you interact most. It depends on the number of times you see the story of an account, whether you comment, share, or just like the post.

Because of their short lifespan, they are more about instant sales, engagement, and views rather than brand awareness.

When should you use Instagram stories?

When you are thinking about posting Instagram stories, you should know the features and effects they provide. You can try layered videos and photos, change the text and match it with your brand colors, and add a filter or a GIF to the story. You can use stories for various purposes like:

Timely and breaking news

As stories only last for 24 hours, they are best for timely updates and breaking news. If you know that something interesting is coming up that users would take an interest in, those are the things that you should post on Instagram stories. Give a bite and just mention, “tap to read the whole story.”

“Hot and happening” updates

TV personalities and celebrities often use Instagram stories to reveal some dirt, give a statement, or make a confession. They can be used live from any event to give recent updates to the crowd who are waiting for the updates.

Flash sales

If you wish to get your followers excited about a special offer or a special sale, your Instagram story is the way to do it. Also, fear of missing out or FOMO is a powerful marketing tool. You can add links to the stories with stickers and emphasize the link.

Instagram Story or Post? Which One Should You Use?

Now that you know the difference between post and story on instagram, it is time to choose. Stories and posts allow you to share complementary but distinctive content pieces. So, there is no question of choosing one over the other. You have to understand the purpose of sharing the content and then decide the type.

Your Instagram marketing strategy should have a balance of both types, depending on what you want to convey to the audience. You can turn Instagram into a profit-making machine only if you know how to use it.

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