Best Instagram Story Ideas: 161 Ways to Increase Engagement

Instagram stories help your followers stay connected to your business or daily updates. These 24-hour posts invite quick replies and boost real conversations. Use Instagram stories to showcase products, share everyday moments, repost creative content, highlight your brand, and feature your passions.

This blog is packed with Instagram story ideas, tips for your marketing plan, and ways to keep your story lineup fresh every day. Bloggers and influencers post between 10 and 20 stories each day, mixing routine moments, challenges, personal wins, and humor. Sharing 4 or more engaging Instagram stories daily keeps your account visible in the feed and avoids being skipped.

How can you schedule Instagram posts with Instagram scheduler? You’ll find 161 Instagram story ideas below. Each tip is designed to boost views and help you grow Instagram followers in a real, lasting way. Also, if you’re wondering how to grow Instagram organically, these Instagram story ideas are a great place to start.

Here are smart ways to use Instagram stories, grow engagement, and reach new followers.

Tips To Get More Followers on Instagram:

1. Update your Instagram bio

Your Instagram bio shapes first impressions. Share your interests, what followers can expect, and why they should connect. Add your job, contact details, and a call-to-action. Need help? Check out these 301 Instagram bio ideas for inspiration.

2. Use Instagram Reels

The Reels tab now sits front and center, replacing Explore on Instagram. Reels let your videos reach more people, beyond just your current followers.

3. Schedule Instagram posts for top results

Share your stories and posts when your audience is most active. Hitting the optimal times helps more people see, engage with, and share your content.

4. Try trending Instagram filters

There are endless Instagram filters offered for every mood: funny, creative, or aesthetic. Filters boost story and reel views. Popular trends, like the Runaway Aurora effect, attract new eyes and spark viral posts.

Instagram stories can also help you earn money. Use features like Stories, Reels, and product tags to connect with brands and start monetizing your content.

Why Instagram stories matter

Instagram stories help small businesses boost profile reach fast. Story ads cost less and deliver strong results. These full-screen posts fill Instagram with organic content and connect brands with followers every day. Here’s why every business should use Instagram stories:

• Story ads cost less and often perform better than feed ads.
• Instagram story ads don’t repeat back-to-back, so users rarely notice when multiple ads appear together.
• Stories fill the entire screen for a fully immersive experience, with no distractions around your content.
• Well-designed story ads look just like organic posts and don’t interrupt the user experience.

Here are 161 Instagram story ideas you can use to grow your reach and stand out.

161 Instagram story ideas to get more views and engage with followers

Instagram story ideas for business

1. Share your brand story and what you sell. Show your products or services so followers know exactly what your business offers. 

2. Introduce your team in Instagram stories. Show the faces behind your brand to add personality and build trust with followers.

3. Post behind-the-scenes Instagram stories. Show your daily work, workspace, product creation, or team celebrations. People enjoy the real story behind your business.

4. Promote blog posts in stories. Use the Swipe Up link (for 10k+ followers) or direct people to the link in your bio.

5. Make Instagram stories shoppable. Use product stickers to tag and sell items right in your story. Set up a shop profile for this feature.

6. Use Instagram story polls. Ask followers to pick between two options and let them help make choices. Polls boost engagement and keep your audience involved.

7. Share quick tips in Instagram stories. Teach your followers something useful about your field. Invite questions and answer them in your next stories.

8. Try the Instagram story question sticker. Ask followers for questions or let them quiz you. Share answers for more story content and fun interactions.

9. Use Instagram stories for FAQs. Answer common questions like shipping time or product details. Make answers easy to find by saving them to story highlights.

10. Share “This or That” Instagram stories. Use ready-made templates or design branded quizzes and invite your followers to join in and post their choices.

11. Post customer testimonials in Instagram stories. Use screenshots, email quotes, or video reviews as social proof. Good feedback builds trust and boosts sales.

12. Post before-and-after stories. Show product results, workspace changes, new packaging, or team growth to highlight your progress.

13. Use the Instagram story countdown sticker. Announce events, sales, launches, or openings. Countdowns create excitement and help your followers remember key dates.

14. Share throwback Instagram stories using #TBT. Show old photos to highlight how your brand has grown and changed.

15. Host a staff takeover on your Instagram stories. Give team members a day to post and add personality to your brand.

Creative Instagram story ideas

16. Post your morning routine in your stories. Give followers a look at how you start each day.

17. Add an inspirational quote to your Instagram story for a quick boost of positivity.

18. Share your wake-up time in stories and ask your audience to reply with theirs.

19. Post your daily plans in stories so followers can see what’s on your schedule.

20. Snap a photo of your breakfast and talk about your usual morning meal in stories.

21. Post a story singing or humming a song, and invite followers to guess the tune.

22. Share a funny meme in your stories and ask followers to send it to friends.

23. Post a series of funny photos in stories and encourage followers to share their own.

24. Share your OOTD (outfit of the day) in stories and tag relevant brands.

25. Post pet photos or funny pet videos in your stories to entertain your audience.

Interactive Instagram story ideas

26. Post a side-by-side photo comparison, original vs. preset, and use the Instagram poll sticker so followers can pick their favorite.

27. Share before-and-after stories with the emoji slider. Let your audience rate the transformation.

28. Run a contest or giveaway using Instagram stories. Break the steps into separate story posts and explain how followers can join and win.

29. Add a countdown sticker for your next Instagram Live. Remind your followers when it’s time to join.

30. Hold a Q&A session with the question sticker. Organize responses by topic in your stories for easier reading.

31. Post “This or That” polls focused on your niche. Invite followers to share why they picked their answer.

32. Use the emoji slider to gather feedback on new products, Instagram story ideas, or your latest designs.

33. Test your followers’ knowledge with interactive Instagram quizzes. Use multiple story slides and the quiz sticker for more engagement.

34. Post a “Spot the difference” challenge in your Instagram stories. Show two images and ask followers to DM their guesses.

Read More: How to Create an Instagram Story?

Birthday Instagram story ideas

35. Make a birthday collage using photos with your friend and share it in your stories.

36. Share a short birthday video packed with your favorite memories together.

37. Tell your friendship story in a series of Instagram birthday stories. Highlight the best memories.

38. Design a happy birthday Instagram story using a personalized card and a special message.

39. Ask mutual friends to post birthday wishes in their Instagram stories for a surprise shout-out.

40. Use the Instagram story countdown sticker to build excitement for your friend’s birthday.

Travel Instagram story ideas

41. Post your packed suitcase in stories and let followers guess your travel destination.

42. Share sky photos from your plane window for those perfect travel vibes.

43. Post a time-lapse video of your plane or train ride to show the journey.

44. Snap sunset photos and feature them in your Instagram stories.

45. Share photos and quick reviews of the places you visit and top viewpoints.

46. Share a photo from the front seat for an authentic “road trip” Instagram story.

47. Post food photos and stories about the best places to eat during your trip.

48. Add a fun or rare travel fact about your destination to spark interest.

49. Record a quick room tour of your hotel or Airbnb and post it in your stories.

50. Share your travel itinerary in Instagram stories so your followers can plan a similar trip.

Food Instagram story ideas

51. Tease your next recipe in stories with a preview photo or short video.

52. Share a behind-the-scenes shot of your kitchen setup for real-life cooking moments.

53. Show the messy side of cooking. Post kitchen fails or spills, followers relate to real-life moments.

54. Post a restaurant meal and tag the place to support local spots and connect with foodies.

55. Show off a home-cooked dish with a step-by-step recipe in your story.

56. Repost followers’ photos when they make your recipes. Thank them in your stories for sharing.

57. Use Instagram story polls to let your followers pick your next recipe.

58. Reveal a favorite secret ingredient that adds flavor to all your meals.

59. Highlight a special family recipe and talk about its story or tradition.

60. Film a quick kitchen tour and post it as a story for a personal touch.

Questions for Instagram story ideas

61. Ask: “What would you do for $1000?” Share the most creative answers and add your take.

62. Post a question you got in DMs and invite followers to reply with their own answers.

63. Run a guessing game in stories: “Guess my favorite place!” Show the answer in the next story.

64. Play “Truth or Lie” in stories, let followers send questions, and you reveal the truth.

65. Post a story asking followers: “How long does it take you to [task]?” Share fun responses.

66. Quiz followers with personal questions like your age, job, or favorite color. Reveal answers after.

Cute Instagram story ideas

67. Show off your favorite outfit with close-up shots and styling tips.

68. Edit photos into polaroid frames and share the cute results in stories.

69. Use AR filters for fun, quirky selfies that show off your personality.

70. Add an emoji slider to your story with a playful caption for instant reactions.

71. Post cute pet photos or funny pet videos in your stories to make followers smile.

72. Record a short dance to your favorite song and challenge followers to join in.

73. Share a story describing yourself with emojis. Invite followers to reply with their own emoji list.

New year Instagram story ideas

74. Start a New Year countdown in your stories, share your excitement with followers each day.

75. Post your New Year’s Eve plans and invite followers to share theirs too.

76. Share a group photo in stories with your New Year’s Eve crew.

77. Host a live stream to wish everyone a happy New Year in real time.

78. Post story updates showing how you’re celebrating New Year’s Eve.

79. Share your New Year’s resolutions in your stories and encourage others to join in.

80. Use the question sticker to ask followers about their New Year’s goals, share the most inspiring replies.

81. Post a yearly throwback in stories, highlight big events, memories, and milestones.

Instagram highlights ideas

82. Make a highlight for family moments, selfies, and your favorite memories.

83. Create a customer reviews highlight, save your best testimonials for new visitors to see.

84. Add a “Books” highlight to share what you’re reading and recommend to followers.

85. Start a “Music” highlight with songs you play at work, in the gym, or while cooking.

86. Make a “Fun” highlight, add stories from the beach, parties, or any moment that shows your personality.

87. Store your best travel stories in a “Travel” highlight for easy access.

88. Create a highlight just for important links, shop, signups, events, and more.

89. Use a “New” highlight for product launches, blog updates, and business news.

90. Add a “YouTube” highlight for video clips, previews, and channel links.

Instagram story caption ideas

91. “More love and sunshine.”

92. “Hanging out on the Internet.”

93. “There are so many beautiful reasons to be happy.”

94. “Squeeze the day, people!”

95. “Be proud of how far you’ve come.”

96. “Today is pretty magical.”

97. “Be the energy you want to attract.”

98. “Big things are coming.”

99. “Good things come to those who wait, but better things come to those who rush.”

100. “You’re never fully dressed without a smile.”

101. “Your vibe attracts your tribe.”

Cool Instagram story ideas

102. Share a step-by-step Instagram story. Use multiple slides to show your full process in action.

103. Try out AR filters and post a goofy selfie in your stories.

104. Host an Instagram AMA (Ask Me Anything) to answer follower questions live.

105. Run a quiz in stories to test your followers’ knowledge of your niche.

106. Share Instagram questionnaires for feedback, engagement, and to learn about your audience.

107. Use stories to give a shout-out to your top creators or brands, tag them for more reach.

108. Post a trending meme in your story for instant reactions and shares.

109. Share your favorites, songs, books, places, in a fun Instagram story.

110. Walk through your daily routine in stories and highlight your favorite moment.

111. Run an icebreaker game in stories, try “Two truths and a lie” or “Would you rather?” to boost engagement.

Instagram story ideas for Photographers

112. Share behind-the-scenes stories from photo shoots. Show prepping mood boards, setting up gear, and real-time shooting.

113. Post your photography kit in stories. Highlight your camera, lenses, and favorite gear.

114. Upload a timelapse story of you working, from setup to final shot.

115. Post a before-and-after edit in stories to show your editing skills.

116. Share your shoot locations or studio setups to give followers a peek at your creative spaces.

117. Post stories about travel for shoots, including new places, people, and experiences.

118. Let followers see your hobbies and off-duty life with candid story updates.

119. Share editing tutorials in stories, talk about your software, apps, and tips.

120. Take followers through your location scouting process for photo shoots.

121. Post stories featuring your go-to props and how you use them in your work.

Instagram story design ideas

122. Design a storyboard in stories, break your best tips into slides to keep followers clicking through.

123. Keep story designs clean, don’t place text or images outside Instagram’s safe zone.

124. Build a story style guide with your signature colors, fonts, and layouts.

125. Stick to your brand colors and fonts in all your Instagram stories.

126. Record and post boomerangs for lively, quick story content.

127. Use text shadows in stories to make your captions pop.

128. Add interactive symbols, arrows, circles, or icons, to draw attention in stories.

129. Make story text eye-catching with rainbow or ombré color effects.

130. Use backgrounds and overlays to make your story slides stand out and match your brand.

Instagram story game ideas

131. Create a “This or That” template. Let followers circle their choices and repost the story with their answers.

132. Design an Instagram story bingo game, fill the squares with themed options and invite followers to play and share.

133. Host a GIF challenge. Share a template with blank spaces for followers to add a GIF for each topic or prompt.

134. Share a “Favorites” story template, add prompts like “favorite book” and let followers fill in their answers when they repost.

135. Post a “Truths and a Lie” challenge. List three facts and one lie about yourself and ask followers to guess the lie.

Instagram story edit ideas

136. Add text one letter at a time for a custom, aesthetic Instagram story style.

137. Make a story collage by pasting photos from your camera roll right onto your slide.

138. Place quotes or song lyrics along the edges of your Instagram stories for a fresh look.

139. Add wide spacing between letters to create your own unique text tracking.

140. Draw a spiral or zigzag around people or objects to highlight them in your story.

141. Mix different fonts in one Instagram story for bold, creative typography.

142. Add a text drop shadow in stories for extra pop, duplicate and layer your words.

143. Use the eraser to carve out parts of a solid color overlay and reveal your photo below.

144. Decorate stories with doodles using Instagram GIFs and fun stickers.

Instagram story ideas for friends and close friends

145. Use the “Close Friends” list for private Instagram stories and posts just for your circle.

146. Post exclusive stories, special offers, or limited sales just for close friends.

147. Share behind-the-scenes moments, bloopers, or inside jokes only your friends see.

148. Turn your close friends into a focus group. Get real feedback on products or ideas.

150. Run polls just for your close friends and gather honest opinions.

151. Use Instagram stories to ask for personal insights and real talk from your inner circle.

152. Ask your close friends to help you choose outfits, products, or even your next big move in stories.

Instagram story layouts and decoration ideas

153. Play with typography, mix fonts, sizes, and colors to add style and hierarchy to your Instagram stories.

154. Add handwritten text using your finger or stylus for a personal, stand-out look in stories.

155. Make a multi-panel layout, split one photo into several consecutive Instagram story slides for a swipe effect.

156. Use the eraser tool to cut custom shapes for your images and frame content in creative ways.

157. Layer text and stickers with soft shadows for depth and a polished Instagram story design.

158. Build a grid layout, combine four to six images in one story frame with Canva, Unfold, or similar apps.

159. Make a brand template with set spots for your logo, text, and calls-to-action in every story.

160. Try color blocking, use bold color sections to separate story content and guide viewers’ attention.

161. Craft panoramic stories, break wide photos into a series of Instagram story slides for a seamless view.

Aesthetic Instagram story ideas

Here are aesthetic Instagram story ideas for creators and brands to boost your visual style:

• Use the GIF feature to add moving clouds as a backdrop for a dreamy Instagram story.
• Make a Pantone-inspired story, pick trending palette colors for a modern, curated look.
• Post an Instagram story with a video background for extra motion and energy.
• Create a story with a sunset color scheme or use a sunset photo for that warm, aesthetic mood.
• Design a story sequence with repeating ad slides to announce something big or launch a product.
• Add block text in bold colors for a strong visual focus in your story.
• Decorate stories with wavy or sparkly lines for playful, aesthetic highlights.

Instagram story ideas for personal account

Here are some Instagram story ideas tailored specifically for personal accounts:

1. Share everyday moments: morning routines, meals, and fun activities from your personal life.
2. Highlight your hobbies in stories: painting, cooking, fitness, or anything you love doing.
3. Post throwback photos or videos. Use nostalgic captions and share how to add a video to your Instagram story.
4. Boost engagement with polls or questions: ask for opinions, advice, or fun facts.
5. Share a “day in the life” story: capture your day from morning to night, step by step.
6. Show your fashion choices in stories: post your favorite outfits and daily looks.
7. Recommend books, movies, music, or local restaurants in story shout-outs.
8. Talk about self-care, wellness tips, and mental health in personal story updates.
9. Share gratitude stories: reflect on life lessons and experiences with your followers.

New reel Instagram story ideas

Here is a list of Instagram story ideas for new reels:

1. Share behind-the-scenes reels, show real moments and how you make your content.
2. Make a reel to introduce yourself or your brand. Tell your story in a creative way.
3. Post a before-and-after reel to highlight progress, transformation, or results.
4. Create a reel with helpful tips and tricks for your audience.
5. Use reels for sneak peeks, tease an upcoming event or new project in stories.
6. Jump on a trending audio or challenge and make a reel that fits your brand.
7. Repurpose evergreen content, refresh your top posts as new reels for more reach.

Instagram story ideas for Photos

Here is a list of Instagram story ideas:

1. Add ombré or rainbow text to your photo stories for eye-catching color effects.
2. Decorate your Instagram photos with oversized or artistic letters as graphic accents.
3. Mix fonts and handwriting styles in one story for a bold, creative look.
4. Add a drop shadow to your story text to make words pop against your image.
5. Layer bold text behind your main photo to create a custom backdrop effect.
6. Make a photo collage in your Instagram story by arranging several pictures in one slide.
7. Turn a live photo into a boomerang for fun, looped movement in your story.

Instagram story GIF ideas

Here is a list of keywords that you can add in search for finding the GIFs for your Instagram story:

1. Izzyink
2. Handmade
3. Saramaese
4. Norafikse
5. Melanfrose
6. Emmadarvick
7. Happpyal
8. Boho
9. Latte
10. Plantethics
11. Bossbabe
12. Vipapier
13. Rizzy
14. Lidiaontheroad
15. Wildflowerbar
16. Gladdest
17. megmeg
18. Kapbeans

Instagram story ideas for multiple photos

Here is a list of Instagram story ideas that you can use when you have multiple photos in your Instagram story:

1. Use the drawing tool to doodle on your photo story slides.
2. Add a fun GIF sticker to bring your multi-photo story to life.
3. Create a poll sticker, let your followers vote on their favorite photo or moment.
4. Tag friends, brands, or accounts in your photo stories to boost reach and engagement.
5. Add a hashtag that matches your story’s theme for better discoverability.
6. Use the location sticker to show where your photos were taken.
7. Add the question sticker, invite followers to share thoughts or ask questions about your story.

Dog Instagram story ideas

Here is a list of Instagram story ideas for your dog:

1. Add Instagram stickers to your dog’s stories for extra fun and flair.
2. Use pet story templates to highlight your dog’s personality or cutest moments.
3. Introduce your dog, share their name, breed, and a few fun facts in your story.
4. Use the question sticker for a Q&A, let followers ask about your dog or pet care tips.
5. Share a “day in the life” story featuring your dog’s favorite activities and routines.
6. Ask your followers for dog care tips or tricks, invite them to reply or send advice.

Simple short bio quotes

Here is a list of bio ideas for Instagram (sourced from One Week In)

1. I survived because the fire inside me burned brighter than the fire around me.
2. You is kind, you is smart, you is important.
3. Die having memories, don’t die with just dreams.
4. Take care of your body, it’s the only place you have to live.
5. Stay humble. Be kind. Work hard.
6. Making every day magical.
7. Loving fiercely. Stopping along the way to take photos.
8. Captivated from life, showing it here.
9. Trying to become the best. That’s why I’m okay being the worst first.
10. Creating a life I love.

How to use hashtags for Instagram stories

Instagram hashtags are very powerful to get more views and followers and they are a definite way to put your business on the search maps. Here are tips that you need to keep in mind when you use hashtags for Instagram stories:

• Check for banned hashtags and avoid them so your story always stays visible.
• Use location hashtags in stories to reach people nearby and rank higher in searches.
• Pick hashtags that fit your content and audience interests for better engagement.
• Mix in Top instagram Hashtags related to your niche for more reach.
• Hide extra hashtags behind stickers, GIFs, or off-screen so your story looks clean.

5 Easy Tips To Level up your Instagram Story engagements

Want more engagement and time spent on your Instagram stories? Use these five tips to boost interactions and keep followers coming back:

1. Add a “Tap for more” CTA. Use arrows and text to guide followers to swipe for the next story or extra info.
2. Post save-worthy content. Share branded wallpapers or helpful lists that followers want to screenshot and keep.
3. Motivate followers to DM you. Run surveys or offer free downloads to start private conversations and build loyalty.
4. Use “Hold to read” text. Post longer captions or info that followers have to press and hold to read fully.
5. Start two-way conversations. Use AMA questions so followers can ask you anything and you answer in your stories.

Instagram story engagement strategies that drive results

Want higher engagement on your Instagram stories? Try these proven strategies to boost replies, shares, and profile visits:

• Use sequential storytelling: share stories in a series to keep viewers watching each slide.
• Try the 3-2-1 method: three valuable tips, two engagement polls or questions, one strong call to action.
• Track your story analytics, make more of the stories that drive replies, shares, and profile visits.
• Share exclusive stories with your Close Friends list to reward loyal followers and create a VIP feel.
• Start a weekly story series, like “Monday Motivation”, so followers know when to check in.
• Tag brands, creators, or locations so your stories can be reshared to reach new followers.
• Organize your top stories into highlights, sort by topic so new profile visitors see your best work.
• Share exclusive deals or offers in your stories to keep followers coming back for more.
• Use the story sandwich: put your most important update between two high-engagement stories.
• Add geotags and location stickers to stories so you show up in location searches and reach more locals.

The bottom line

That’s it! Now you have 161 amazing Instagram ads story ideas and tips to optimize your account. Use this creative Instagram story ideas list to create your content calendar, schedule posts using a social media scheduler, and see your engagement rate boost up like crazy by uploading content with social media bulk scheduling. 

P.S. Sign up for RecurPost’s 14-day trial and post your content for the best time to gain more engagement with your content.  

FAQs for Instagram Story Ideas

Debbie Moran

Debbie Moran is a Digital marketing strategist with 5+ years of experience producing advertising for brands and helping leaders showcase their brand to the correct audience. She has been a part of RecurPost since 2019 and handles all the activities required to grow our brand’s online presence.