Instagram Story Ads in 2022: Pro-Tips to Create in the Best Way

Instagram Story Ads have become one of the most powerful tools for businesses to engage with their audience and drive results. As Instagram continues to be one of the most popular social media platforms, the potential for businesses to reach users in innovative ways is limitless. In 2022, Instagram Stories have evolved into a central part of the app’s ecosystem, offering businesses an effective and creative way to promote their products or services. With over 500 million daily active users, Instagram Stories are a great opportunity to showcase your brand, engage your audience, and drive conversions.

If you’re looking to create Instagram Story Ads in 2022 that truly stand out, here are some pro-tips to help you craft ads that capture attention, build brand awareness, and drive action.

Why Instagram Story Ads Matter in 2022

Before diving into how to create Instagram Story Ads, it’s important to understand why they are so crucial in 2022. Here are a few key reasons:

• Massive Reach: Over 500 million users interact with Instagram Stories daily, making it a valuable platform for reaching potential customers.
• High Engagement Rates: Stories are inherently engaging, with features like polls, questions, and links that encourage interaction. Users are more likely to engage with a story compared to regular feed posts.
• Vertical Format: The full-screen vertical format makes Instagram Stories more immersive, offering a seamless way to advertise in a way that feels natural to the user’s experience.
• Direct Call-to-Action: Instagram Story Ads allow you to incorporate strong CTAs (Call-To-Action) such as “Shop Now,” “Swipe Up,” and “Learn More,” which drive immediate action.

Now, let’s take a look at the best practices for creating impactful Instagram Story Ads.

Pro-Tips for Creating Instagram Story Ads in 2022

1. Focus on the First Few Seconds

Instagram Story Ads are short-lived, typically lasting 15 seconds, so it’s critical to capture the viewer’s attention in the first few seconds. The first few frames should convey your core message and grab attention. This means you should:

• Start with a compelling hook: Whether it’s an intriguing visual or a bold statement, make sure the first frame makes viewers want to keep watching.
• Use text overlays: Since many users watch Stories without sound, add text to explain key information, such as a product feature or a special offer.
• Show your product upfront: Show your product or service within the first few seconds to ensure people know what your ad is about.

2. Keep It Simple and Direct

Instagram Stories are designed for quick consumption, so your ad should be straightforward and easy to understand. Avoid overloading your audience with too much information. Instead, keep it simple by:

• Focusing on one main message: Stick to a single objective, whether it’s promoting a sale, announcing a new product, or driving traffic to your website.
• Using minimal text: Too much text can be overwhelming and make it difficult for viewers to process your message quickly. Use text sparingly and make it clear and concise.
• Creating a clear Call to Action (CTA): Whether it’s “Swipe Up” or “Shop Now,” your CTA should be clear and placed prominently in the ad. This directs users on what to do next.

3. Optimize for Mobile Viewing

Since Instagram Stories are primarily viewed on mobile devices, your ad should be designed with mobile users in mind. This means:

• Using vertical video: Instagram Stories are best viewed in portrait (vertical) mode, so make sure your video or image is optimized for this aspect ratio.
• High-quality visuals: Ensure that your ad is visually appealing with clear, high-resolution images or videos. Blurry or pixelated content can be a turn-off for users.
• Text placement: Avoid placing text too close to the edges, as it might get cut off on smaller screens. Ensure that all text and graphics are centered or within the safe zone for mobile viewing.

4. Leverage Interactive Features

Instagram Stories are all about interaction. The interactive features of Instagram Stories, such as polls, questions, sliders, and quizzes, can help make your ad more engaging and encourage users to interact with your content. Some ideas to consider:

• Polls: Ask a question related to your product or service to get people’s opinions, and spark engagement with your audience.
• Quizzes: Run a fun quiz related to your brand or industry. This encourages users to interact while also educating them about your business.
• Countdowns: If you’re running a limited-time offer or product launch, use a countdown sticker to create urgency and excitement.
• Swipe-up Links: If you have over 10,000 followers, you can include a swipe-up link that takes viewers directly to your product page or landing page.

Using these features can increase engagement and drive more meaningful interactions, which often lead to higher conversion rates.

5. Incorporate Branding Consistently

Maintaining a consistent brand identity is crucial for building recognition and trust. Your Instagram Story Ads should align with your overall brand aesthetic and messaging. Here’s how to stay consistent:

• Use your brand colors: Incorporate your brand colors throughout your Story Ads to create a cohesive look.
• Keep your fonts consistent: Use the same fonts that are present on your website or other social media platforms to create a unified brand image.
• Include your logo: Make sure your logo appears somewhere in the ad to help reinforce your brand’s identity.
• Maintain a consistent tone of voice: Ensure the language and messaging match your brand’s tone, whether it’s playful, professional, or casual.

6. Test and Optimize Your Ads

Don’t just create one version of your Instagram Story Ads and call it a day. Testing different elements of your ad is essential for finding what works best. Here are some things to test:

• Different visuals: Test variations of video vs. static images, or different visuals of your product.
• Messaging: Test different headlines, CTAs, and text overlays to see what resonates most with your audience.
• Ad duration: Some ads may perform better at 5 seconds, while others may need the full 15 seconds. Experiment with ad lengths to find what works best for your goals.
• Audience targeting: Test different audience segments to find the one that delivers the best results.

By analyzing your ad performance and making tweaks based on data, you can improve your Instagram Story Ads over time.

7. Utilize User-Generated Content (UGC)

User-generated content can be an incredibly powerful tool for Instagram Story Ads. People love seeing how real customers use and enjoy your products, and UGC often feels more authentic and relatable. Some ways to incorporate UGC into your ads include:

• Sharing customer reviews: Feature positive feedback from real customers in your ads.
• Reposting tagged content: Encourage users to tag your brand in their posts, and share their content in your Story Ads to increase trust and social proof.
• Creating a UGC campaign: Run a campaign where users submit photos or videos using your product, and select a few to feature in your Story Ads.

Conclusion

Instagram Story Ads are one of the most effective ways to capture attention, drive engagement, and boost conversions in 2022. By keeping your ads short, simple, and visually compelling, and leveraging interactive features, you can create Instagram Story Ads that resonate with your audience. Remember to test and optimize your campaigns for the best results, and always stay consistent with your branding. With these pro-tips in mind, your Instagram Story Ads can be a powerful tool for growing your brand and achieving your business goals.