What’S the difference between Instagram Reels and Stories?
At first glance, Instagram Reels and Instagram Stories may appear very similar, however there are a few key differences between these Instagram placement options.
How Instagram Reels Differ From Instagram stories
Length: Reels are up to 90 seconds long – allowing users to share a “snippet” or quick idea. While each story is 15 seconds in length, accounts can share multiple 15 second clips throughout the day – to tell a longer, more detailed “Story” (hence the name)
Format: Instagram Reels are video only whereas Stories can include still images and posts from the Instagram feed
Captions and Hashtags: On Instagram Reels you can add a full caption - just as you would on an Instagram feed post - and up to 30 hashtags. On Stories there is no caption and hashtags are limited to 10 per Story.
Engagement: Like feed posts, users can publicly comment on Reels, which is great for engagement. On Instagram Stories, engagement comes in the form of direct messaging.
Lifespan: Unlike Instagram Stories, Reels do not disappear after 24 hours. Instead they are housed in a dedicated Reels tab on your profile
Drafts: Users can create and save draft Reels to publish when they wish. This is great news if you like to batch your video content
Editing: The Instagram Reels editor has additional features for filming and editing videos – such as the ability to slow down or speed up clips, trim content and align or “stitch” videos together for smooth transitions
Audio focus: Similar to its rival, TikTok, Instagram Reels are very much based around music or audio. With Instagram Reels users can select a music track to use from the library or record their own audio. What’s more, there is the ability to someone else’s audio in your Reel – a feature many will recognise from TikTok
Placement: Reels can be found in multiple locations on the app: In the centralised Reels feed which can be accessed via the main navigation menu, on the Explore tab (public accounts only), on individual users’ profiles once they create their first Reel and via search; search by keyword or hashtag to see related Reels. Reels can also be found via the main feed and may be shared to the Instagram Stories.
Reels can be found on the dedicated Reels feed, the Explore tab, on a users’ profile, and via hashtag or keyword search
Can I use Instagram Reels for business?
Short answer; yes! Long answer; Heck yes!
The one key reason to add Reels to your Instagram strategy and that is Reach!
Because Reels appear in multiple locations on the app, they provide a fantastic opportunity to boost visibility and reach. Featuring on the explore tab allows smaller accounts with a prime opportunity to get their content in front of a new audience and be “discovered” by users who may not have otherwise found you.
Currently, Instagram is favouring Reels content and includes a “suggested Reels” preview in the main feed to encourage more views.
If you want to grow your account, right now, this is a great way to do so without the need to resort to dodgy tactics such as buying followers or participating in engagement pods.
In addition to getting in front of new eyes, Reels gives you a fun new way to connect and engage with your existing followers. This format challenges you to explore new formats and editing styles for your content – thereby making you a better creator.
What Content is suitable for Instagram Reels vs Stories?
The inherent differences between Reels and Instagram Stories mean that you use both effectively as part of an Instagram growth and engagement strategy.
Due to the incredible reach Reels users are currently experiencing, top of funnel (ToFo) content is a great option here to provide awareness of who you are, what you do and what you can offer new audiences who may be seeing you in their Explore tab for the first time. Think bite-sized tips, value-packed content or an overview of your business.
Pro Tip: Stick within your niche for Reels so you attract the right followers back to your account.
Instagram Stories, on the other hand, are primarily seen by those who already follow (and know) you so connection-based and trust-building content is great here in order to continue to nurture your relationship.
Also, because your Stories audience is likely to be a lot warmer and further along the customer journey (provided you’ve been showing up and nurturing the relationship), promotional content is likely to perform better here than in Reels.
Moral of the story, use both Instagram Reels (for awareness + growth) and Instagram Stories (for engagement, trust building and sales) as part of a well-rounded Instagram strategy.
Are you ready to try Instagram Reels?
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