There’s one thing I always wonder about that is how these popular Instagram influencers like Cristiano Ronaldo, Kylie Jenner, or Kim Taehyung (V) managed to share Instagram stories every day.

Whether it is a picture of fruit salad, a day spent with friends, or showing off their cute pets, they always have something to share with their fans. I mean, just search for any influencer or celeb, and you will find pinkish circles around their profile pictures.

For influencers like Chiara Ferragni and Selena Gomez, Instagram stories may last up to 24 hours, but for the internet, they can be for days or months.

Talking about the BTS member V, who is quite popular in deleting Instagram stories before they hit 24 hours, his fans noticed that his stories never last longer than 8 hours. So, for him, it’s just an IG story he took down, but for the internet, it’s plenty. And yes, for IG queens and Kings, every minute matters.

While digging for Instagram story ideas, I figured out around 86.6% of people use Instagram stories every day, and that’s a huge number. This exactly means that this story feature is quite popular and can’t be neglected when it comes to your marketing strategies. Of course, posting a random picture to your Instagram story isn’t just enough until you have a large number of viewers tapping your stories, responding to your polls, clicking on the link provided, or sliding through the emoji slider.

That’s where you need some cool Instagram story ideas to delight your audience. To make the most of your stories, Instagram scheduler helps you to escalate your engagement by scheduling your story at the best time of the day.

Best Instagram Story Ideas for 2023

With the new year comes new trends on Instagram, and it’s time to start planning your content strategy for 2023. Whether you are a business or an influencer, creating unique and engaging stories is the key to staying ahead in the chaotic competition.

From interactive polls and quizzes to cool sunset pictures and GIFs, I have rounded up the top 21 Instagram story ideas to help you stand out in the crowd.

Time to take your Instagram stories to the next level this year!

Instagram Story Ideas for Business

When it comes to Instagram stories, there are endless ideas you can implement every day. So, if you are stuck in the middle, here are a few ideas you can use to increase your engagement rate.

1. Create This or That

   Want to know your customers better? Or maybe you just want to have a little fun with your Instagram stories? Well, why not try creating a ‘this or that’ poll to find out what your followers prefer?

   Basically, these stories consist of a poll sticker, so your followers can vote ‘This’ or ‘That’. Users can vote for their favorite things and can see the percentage as well. Whether it’s deciding between two different ice cream flavors, two different vacation spots, or two different workout routines. This can be the best way to engage your followers and get to know them better than this.

   Here’s a story inspiration for you

2. Share a Blog Post

   Wanted to share a blog post on your Instagram story but wasn’t sure how? Well, it’s easier than you think. All you need is an Instagram story sticker and text that draws attention to your post. The sticker will link to the blog post, so all your followers will be able to read it with just one tap. It’s the perfect way to get your content out there and get more eyes on your blog. Add colorful text, a fun gif, a working link, and you are good to go.

   Look at the example from Social Champ, sharing a blog post on their story.

3. Promote your Discount

   Are you looking for a creative way to promote your discounts on your Instagram story?

   I have got just the trick for you. Introducing the discount sticker for Instagram stories. This sticker is the perfect way to showcase your discounts in an eye-catching way. With this sticker, you can easily add a discount code to your story and tell your followers about it. Moreover, you can customize the sticker with your colors and fonts making it more attractive for your customers.

   Here’s an inspiration from Smashtees.

Creative Instagram Story Ideas

From polls to quizzes to GIFs, the possibilities are endless. But sometimes, it can be hard to think of ways to make your stories stand out. That’s why I have put together this list of creative Instagram story ideas that will help you keep your followers engaged and entertained.

Related Article: What is the Best Time to Post Reels on Instagram in 2023

4. Emoji Slider

   Have you ever wished you could express your feelings about something without writing a long-winded caption? Well, now you can with the help of new Emoji Slider on Instagram Stories. This fun interactive IG feature allows you to quickly and easily show your followers exactly how you feel about a particular topic or photo. Whether you are feeling super excited, mildly interested, or totally unimpressed, the Emoji Slider has you covered.

   You can ask questions like ‘How excited are you for the weekend?’ or ‘How much do you love this outfit?’ and your followers can use the slider to express their opinion.

   For instance, Mcdonalds is using an emoji slider to wish good luck.

5. Play with Letters

   We have all seen, those colorful, eye-catching Instagram stories that make us stop scrolling and take a closer look. But how can you make your own stories stand out? It’s easy. All you need is creativity and knowledge of the colors and letters on Instagram. You can create a unique and eye-catching look for your stories with the right combination of colors, fonts, and shapes.

   For instance, you can use rainbow or ombre letters to add a flash of colors to your Instagram story. Use individual colorful letters to decorate your story, mixing fonts or a drop shadow to text can go a long way.

6. Countdown to the Important Event

   Are you counting down to a big event? If you are excited about something coming up, why not share it with your followers on Instagram stories? Whether it’s a wedding, graduation, or even a new project, there’s no better way to get people to look forward to something than a countdown!

   You can create a visually appealing countdown that will keep your followers engaged and excited. Choose a catchy hashtag, create a fun infographic or a picture, and use the ‘countdown’ sticker to show just how close you are to the big day. This can even increase your Instagram reach.

Instagram Story Question Ideas

Looking for a way to spark conversations with your followers on Instagram? Then try the Q/A feature on Instagram stories. Whether you are trying to get to know your followers better or just want to have fun, these questions will help you start the conversation. From ‘What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done?’ to ‘What’s the best thing that ever happened to you?’, these questions will bring out the best in your followers and give you a chance to get to know them better.

7. Do a Q/A Session

   Ever feel like you are running out of ways to engage with your followers? Well, here’s an idea, host a Q/A session on your Instagram story. Q/A sessions are a great way to interact with your followers, promote your brand, and get to know your audience better. Not only will it be fun for your followers, but it can also give you valuable insights into what your followers are thinking and feeling. Additionally, it’s easy to add some variety to your content mix and one of the best Instagram story ideas you can try out.

   Let’s take a look at the example from Mac Cosmetics.

8. Run Polls

   Need some help deciding what to post on your Instagram story? Why not let your followers decide? That’s right, you can now run polls on your Instagram story. It’s one of the best Instagram story ideas to engage with your audience and get valuable feedback on topics that you are considering for your next post. From asking your followers what their favorite color is to what type of content they prefer, there can be endless possibilities.

   Whether you are a business trying to gauge customer opinion or a content creator looking to see what your fans like best, polls are the perfect way to get the answers you need.

   Here’s a story inspiration from ASOS

9. Start a Quiz

   What can be more fun than responding to the quizzes? Honestly, I love to take quizzes, they are super fun and creative and help you to stay updated with the latest changes. Quizzes can be of any type, either it can be a fun quiz related to social media news or something nostalgic, taking you back to old times.

   You can ask questions about pop culture, current events, and even your products or services. Not only can quizzes be fun and informative, but they can also be a great way to learn more about your followers and their interests. So, if you want to add an extra layer of engagement to your Instagram stories, why not try the Quiz sticker?

   Here’s a fun quiz by Canva

Cute Instagram Story Ideas

If you are looking for some inspiration for your Instagram stories, I have something for you. Whether you are a content creator or just someone who wants to have some fun with your Instagram, these cute Instagram story ideas will help you get creative. From silly selfies to fun polls, have a look at some cute ideas.

10. Show off your Pets

    So, if you are a proud pet parent, then you know the importance of showing off your furry friends on social media. Whether it’s your pup playing in the park, your cat lounging in the sun, or your hamster running on its wheel, you can share all of these moments with your followers.

    And what better way to do that than through Instagram stories? Showing off your pets on Instagram stories can be one of the cutest ways to connect with other pet owners and share your pet’s unique personality with your followers.

    You can apply a fun filter on your pet, add a lively IG caption, and you are good to go.

11. Share your Favorite Outfit

    It’s time to show off your style on Instagram. Whether you are a fan of streetwear, classic looks, or something in between, share your favorite outfit on your Instagram story. Let your followers know what makes you feel confident and comfortable, from the perfect pair of jeans to the perfect accessory. Show us the outfit that you love to rock, and tell us why it’s your go-to look.

    You can tag your favorite brand, so they can reshare your Instagram story. Moreover, you can create a fun Instagram Reel and schedule it at the best time of the day to share on your stories.

    Here’s an inspiration from Houseofsunny.

Cool Instagram Story Ideas

Coming up with cool Instagram story ideas can be a challenge. Whether you are a brand, an Instagram influencer or just trying to show off your creative side, there are plenty of ways to make your stories stand out. Giving you a helping hand, here are a few cool story ideas that you would love to try.

Related Article: Instagram Planner : How to Create an Aesthetic Feed in 2023

12. Use AR Filters

    Let’s face it, Instagram stories are a great way to show off your creative side, whether it’s a funny meme, a vacation photo, or a behind-the-scenes look of your day. But why settle for the same old stories when you can spice them up with AR filters? These filters allow you to transform your stories into something truly unique and eye-catching.

    You can add a face filter to make yourself look like a cute animal, add a backdrop to your story, and even add a filter to your selfie to make it look like you are exploring outer space honestly when it comes to AR filters, Instagram is overwhelmed with all types of entertaining filters. Give them a try.

    Let’s have a look at the Chiara Ferragini’s post

13. Share Memes

    Memes, those funny and sometimes relatable pictures that we all love to share and laugh at. Sharing a trending meme can help you to rack up your engagement. You can find hilarious posts and share them with your audience. You never know if your IG story can make someone smile, making their day.

14. Post a Picture of a Sunset

    Have you ever stopped to look at the beauty of a sunset? Well, if you haven’t, then you are missing out. Sunsets can calm us and make us appreciate the small things in life. So, why not capture that moment and post it on your Instagram story?

    This can be one of the best Instagram story ideas as the colors are so vibrant, the sky is so vast, and the feeling of peace it brings is unparalleled. So, go ahead and post that beautiful sunset photo to your Instagram story and let the world know how much you appreciate the beauty of nature.

Instagram Story Layout Ideas

Struggling with ideas to create an eye-catching Instagram story layout? worry not, I have got you covered with the best Instagram story layout ideas that will help you spice up your stories and keep your followers engaged. So, let’s take a look.

15. Collages

    Collages are a colorful mix of memories, dreams, and fantasies. Well, we all have seen them and loved to create them at some point in our lives. Have you ever wanted to show off all your favorite photos in one place? Or maybe you want to create a unique way to share a special moment with your followers. Well, now you can do it all with Instagram’s Collage feature.

    This nifty feature allows you to create a collage of up to nine photos or videos and share it as one post. The layouts can help you show off your creativity and make your stories stand out.

16. Use Editing Tools

    Why not add a little extra branding and bring your stories to life with the colorful sprinkles? Editing tools can be a savior for your dull Instagram stories. Let’s be honest, nobody likes any picture or video which is pixelated, boring, and dull. Colors are the major elements that make us happy and keep us coming back to profiles with beautiful feeds.

    From adding text to changing the background, there are plenty of ways to customize your story and make it unique. Editing tools like Canva, Vista Create and Wave.videos can help you to add colors to your boring visuals. Moreover, with Social Champ offering in-app editing features, you can directly edit your visuals with Canva and schedule it using the one centralized dashboard. Convenient, right?

17. Post a Guide

    Struggling to get your Instagram story noticed? Well, why not post a guide to help your followers out? Whether it’s a guide to the best coffee shops in town or a step-by-step guide on making your homemade pizza, you can use your Instagram story to help your followers. Not only will it make them appreciate your content more, but it will also help you stand out from the crowd.

    From travel tips to styling advice, guides can be invaluable resources for your followers. Moreover, these guides are super easy to create and can be counted as one of the best Instagram story ideas.

    Here’s a sleeping guide by Tuftandneedle.

Birthday Instagram Story Ideas

Birthdays are a time to celebrate and share with your friends and family. But when it comes to posting on Instagram, it can be hard to come up with creative ideas. Making it a little easier for you, you can try out these birthday Instagram story ideas that will make your followers smile.

18. Create a Digital Birthday Card

    Birthdays are a time for celebration, and what better way to show your friends and family how much you care than by creating a personalized birthday card using Instagram stories? It’s the perfect way to make someone’s special day even more memorable.

19. Customized Hashtags

    Hashtags are like the ultimate Instagram superpower!

    They can help you get more engagement on your posts, find new followers, and even help you get featured on the Explore page. But did you know that you can create custom hashtags for your Instagram Story?

    You can create a customized birthday hashtag for your friend or your family, making their day more loveable. Moreover, your followers will definitely love this unique concept of hashtags. Moreover, Instagram even allows you to create a customized hashtag filter for your stories.

20. Add a Birthday Music

    You have been planning your perfect Instagram story all day, but something is missing. You want to add a special touch to your story and make it really stand out. Well, why not add birthday music to your Instagram story? It’s a fun, quirky way to make your story more memorable and show your friends how much you appreciate them.

    So, whether you are wishing a friend or family member a happy birthday or just want to add a fun touch to your story, adding birthday music is the perfect way to do it, making their day more memorable.

Spread Love Through Instagram Stories

With so many creative and fun ideas for Instagram stories, it’s easy to find something that works for you and your brand. Whether you are looking to increase engagement or just make your followers laugh, coming up with fresh ideas for Instagram stories is a great way to stay relevant in today’s rapidly changing world. Remember to keep your ideas interesting, timely, and most of all, authentic. That’s the secret key.

Frequently Asked Questions