Did you know that up to 70% of Instagram users peruse the useful content within Instagram Stories, but only a fraction of that information is retained? To combat this, Instagram introduced 'Highlights' - a feature that allows you to save, store, and showcase your favorite stories on your profile for as long as you wish. Here's a comprehensive guide on how to save and maximize the use of Instagram Highlights.
Instagram Highlights not only serves as a great way to retain and display your best content but also extends engagement, builds your brand, and helps visitors get a snapshot of what you're all about. Let's dive into how you can effectively use this feature.
Understanding Instagram Highlights
Instagram Highlights are akin to a digital shelf where your saved stories live on. They appear right below your bio, offering a visual summary of your content.
Highlights stay on your profile even after your stories have expired, so you can continually update them with recent or relevant content. You can also name each highlight, making them easily navigable for your followers.
Creating Your First Instagram Highlight
Creating a highlight is a breeze. Simply navigate to your story, tap the icon at the bottom right (acing a book), then tap "New". From there, you can select the stories you want to include and give it a name. Remember, a clear and concise title will help others understand your highlight at a glance.
For instance, if you're a travel blogger, you might want highlights for 'Cities explored', 'Foodie adventures', or 'Nature escapes'. Tailor them to your audience and what they engage with most.
Updating and Deleting Instagram Highlights
Updating your highlights with fresh content is just as easy. Tap on any existing highlight, then "Edit". Here, you can add more stories, change the cover (which is picked from the first story in the highlight), or switch up the order of the stories.
If you want to delete a highlight, simply tap and hold on it, select "Edit", then "Delete". Keep in mind, though, that you can't select which stories within the highlight will be deleted - it's all or nothing.
Maximizing Instagram Highlights for Your Brand/Profile
Highlights are an extension of your personal or brand image. Thus, they should reinforce your aesthetic, messaging, and values. Keep them clean, organized, and maintained for a professional touch.
Think of them as a digital portfolio. They should serve your followers and potential customers and provide a snapshot of who you are and what you do. So, curate them with your target audience in mind.
Consistency is Key
Consistency isn't just key in your Instagram feed; it's crucial for your Highlights as well. Having the same color scheme, font, and layout for all your Highlights can help you establish a cohesive, easily recognizable ‘brand’.
Let your audience know what to expect from your Highlights. For example, if you're a fitness influencer, ensure your fitness Highlight is filled with motivational tips, workout routines, or progress updates. Keep it consistent and relevant.
Engage with Your Audience
Highlights can also be a fantastic tool for audience engagement. Encourage followers to watch your Highlights, then tag you in their stories or share their own stories on the topic. You can share these user-generated content in your future Highlights, fostering a community around your brand or personality.
Contests, giveaways, Q&A sessions, or tutorials are other great ways to engage followers using Stories and Highlights. These content types offer high engagement and are perfect for showcasing in your Highlights.
Regularly updating and maintaining your Highlights promotes authenticity and continual engagement. So, keep your highlights up-to-date, and remember – your Highlights are an essential part of your Instagram profile, so treat them as such. Happy highlighting!"