I used to play Dota 2, now I play Instagram. Here are my Top 10 insights on IG stories from my 25K journey.

1. The first story of the day is more valuable than the others. It gets more views and sets the audience for the rest of the stories. If you have 4 stories to add, add the best one first.

2. Algorithm demotes stories where a post/reel/story is shared. A good practice is never making it the first story as it will lower numbers on the rest of the stories.

3. A hack to getting more views on a story with shared content or an external link is to put another story after it which will engage the user. Engage = like, reply, sticker interaction

4. Stories are a good way to understand loyalty. People who make it to your 10th story are more loyal. People who click on your external links are more loyal. The more friction somebody is willing to overcome for you, the more loyal they are.

5. Don’t use music with lyrics if you want users to read what you have written in stories. Lyrics are distractions.

6. Use font, colours and filters consistently in your stories to create a brand identity for them.

7. Save a series of good filters and music that fits your brand. They come in handy in setting the mood of an otherwise average story.

8. Posts bring in a new audience, and stories make them loyal.

Once in a while remind people that you are a human being:
- show your face
- give your personal opinions
- seek help
- introduce friends
- share screenshots
- make typos

9. Stories are a great way to experiment with topics. If you’re not sure about a particular topic, before putting in the effort to make a post, share it in stories and track the metrics

10. If you are not someone who drops content every day, stories are a great tool to build anticipation for your next big post.

- share behind the scenes
- teasers
- progress

Don’t just drop, story-sell.

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That’s all for now!
I write for creators, if you are one, follow me Bharat Apat for curated insights.