9 MIN READ

Instagram Reels Vs Story – What is the difference between the two, and why should you care?

On the surface, IG Reels vs Stories is a highly debated topic among social media users who have difficulty understanding it. Outside of the organic static posts, the Instagram Reels and Instagram Story features are increasingly popular ways to share video content with your followers and improve engagement and brand awareness.

However, if you are trying to figure out whether to pic IG Reels or IG Stories for your client’s Instagram marketing campaign, then it is essential to understand the difference between the two.

Despite their similarities, Instagram Stores and Reels are very different in their reach. They engage different audiences on Instagram and different customers in your sales funnel.

That’s why it is essential to understand the difference between the two and how to incorporate them effectively in your social media strategy.

In this article, we will discuss these aspects in detail. So, don’t go anywhere.

What Are Instagram Reels and Stories?

IG Reels and Stories are the leading features of the Instagram app, which users can use to create and share short-form media such as videos and images.

Instagram Reels were introduced as a direct competitor to the popular video-sharing app TikTok Reel in 2020. Using Instagram Reels, users can create videos up to 90 seconds long and include their favorite music in them by using a range of creative tools, such as AR effects, timers, video captions, and speed adjustments. Instagram Reels have shifted the audience focus from image posts to video content, increasing the popularity of the app. Reports from the rectangular grid show that Reels are poised to take the central place on the app.

IG Stories, on the other hand, were introduced earlier in 2016. Users can share temporary content on their stories with their followers. Stories can include posting photos, videos, and text overlays. IG Stories disappear after 24 hours as these are intended to be temporary. Like Reels, users can also use a wide range of creative tools, such as filters, stickers, and GIFs, to help creators to other websites, take polls, and more. With access to Instagram’s music and sound library, users can add their desired music to their IG Stories.

How Instagram Stories and Reels Are Used?

Both Instagram Stories and Reels are used by social media content creators and brands to engage their audience and improve brand visibility. IG Stories are ideal for creators and brands looking to increase temporary sales, timely reaction to trending news, or wanting to create a “real-time” fee to their posts.

The comparison of an Instagram Story Vs Reels show that Story is often used to share personal stories, updates, or sneak peeks of upcoming Reels content. They are also a key metrics to drive engagement with followers by conducting polls, quizzes, or questions.

Instagram Reels, on the other hand, are ideal for creating short, snappy videos that can be shared on large scale and can go viral. These can be used to showcase products or services, share video tutorials, or simply entertain followers. The comparison of Reels Vs Stories show that Reels often show a more polished aesthetic for lifestyle content and are ideal to build a consistent brand image.

What Are the Differences Between Instagram Reels and Instagram Stories?

While both features allow users to share visual content on Instagram but IG Reels Vs Story features are different in many ways. Each offers content creators access a music library, ways to engage with followers and viewers, and social media accessibility features, but the differences between the two serve as the catalyst for how each of them is used more effectively.

Here are the major differences between IG Reels and Stories:

Media Length

Instagram Reels: Instagram Reels can be up to 90 seconds long.

Instagram Stories: IG Stories can be up to 60 seconds long.

This difference in media length makes Instagram Reels more in-depth than stories.

Content length is one of the key differences between IG Reels and story posts. Instagram Reels can be up to 90 seconds long while Stories can be up to 60 seconds long now. Previously short clips of 15 seconds were stringed together to create longer stories. At that time, user will have to see all the clips in succession when they view the Story through the Instagram mobile app.

Discoverability

Instagram Reels: Highly discoverable. Users can discover them via Search, the Explore Page, and the Reels section.

IG Stories: Less discoverability compared to IG Reels. Mainly meant for your existing followers. Place or location tags will put them into the Search box.

When it comes to the discoverability of IG Reels Vs Story posts by Instagram viewers, Reels have the upper hand. They are created to be go viral and highly shareable, making them a great way to engage new audiences. Users can also find them on the Explore page, where users usually discover new content based on their interests.

Conversely, IG Stories are mainly designed to be shared with your existing followers. While new viewers can discover them through the use of hashtags, location tags, or through their appearance on the Explore page, they are not easily shareable like Reels and don’t appear in those Search features often.

Availability: Post Lifespan

Instagram Reels: IG Reels live for indefinite time period under your Reels tab until they are removed by the author or Instagram due to copyright issues.

Instagram Stories: As Stories or temporary, they only last for 24 hours and then disappear unless viewers save them as a highlight.

The availability of IG Stories and Reels is another difference between the two features that you can see when comparing IG Reels vs. story Posts. IG Reels are published in the Reels section, but they live indefinitely on your profile under the Reels section.

Conversely, IG Stories last for only 24 hours before they disappear unless viewers save them as a Highlight. These Highlights will live until viewers reach the maximum number of Highlights. After that, they are removed in order from the oldest.

Tools and Features

IG Reels: Instagram Reels have advanced filters, AR camera effects, and other video editing tools.

IG Stories: IG stories have almost the same tools and features as IG Reels. They have some extra stickers as compared to Reels.

When it comes to tools and features, Instagram Reels have more advanced video editing tools compared to IG Stories.

Reels let users string several clips into a single long video of 90 seconds and use the align tools to create seamless transitions. You can also customize the Reel’s playback speed, import original audio, and set timers to record flawless video clips.

Although IG Stories don’t offer the same tools for merging clips, they offer extra stickers to make your stories engaging. They have the following features:

• Questions: Using this feature, you can ask your client’s followers a question or invite them to ask questions instead.
• Add Yours: Through this feature, you can encourage followers to send a photo based on the given prompt. For example, you can ask them, “Submit your latest photo wearing our new product.”
• Link: Attack a link to direct users to your landing page or your other social media handles.
• Countdown: Through this feature, you can set a countdown to create excitement around an event.

Although both Reels and Stories have almost the same filters and AR camera effects. The only difference is that you can use these features longer with IG Reels as Stories have length limitations.

Media Saves

Instagram Reels: Users can save Instagram Reels to view them later.

Instagram Story: Viewers cannot save the IG Stories. Only the account that uploaded them can save them.

Viewers usually want to save the media that engages them to view it later. When it comes to comparing an Instagram Story Vs Reel, they cannot save Stories to view them later. This is due to the temporal nature of Instagram Story posts that last for only 24 hours.

IG Reels, on the other hand, can be saved by the viewers for viewing and sharing later. Stories can only be saved by the account that uploaded them.

This way, users can view the Reels under the “Saved” tab, and you can access them through the Instagram profile page whenever you want.

Sharing Criteria

IG Reels: Viewers can share reels within the app or externally via email, direct messaging, and other social media platforms.

IG Stories: Stories can also be shared between users, but they disappear when the Story post ends after 24 hours unless saved as a Highlight and then shared.

Users can share Story Posts via the in-app messaging function, but they disappear with the Story post 24 hours after its initial publication unless it is saved as Highlight. Conversely, Instagram Reels remain accessible as long as they are not deleted by the creator.

Viewers can share IG Reels on a website as they can be added as Instagram feed posts. You can use plugins to automatically pull your client’s entire Instagram feed and merge them using different layouts.

Audio or Music Insertion

Instagram Reels: Users can add their favorite audio to their Reels from Instagram’s music library or from another video.

Instagram Story Posts: For IG Stories, users can add audio only through the music sticker.

Instagram’s music library allows users to add audio in Stories through the music sticker, while for Reels, it can be added through the audio tool or by tapping the “Use Audio” button.

You can import original audio from another video, add a voiceover, or insert sound effects for Instagram Reels. Adding voiceovers or other sound effects makes your Reels highly captivating. This way, you can narrate your videos or create a totally different story from the original video.

All these options make Reels more versatile compared to Stories in terms of creating video content.

Reach Potential

IG Reels: Instagram Reels have the highest reach potential, averaging over 20% on the platform.

IG Stories: IG Stories have low organic reach potential as compared to Reels.

When writing the differences between IG and Instagram Story posts, their reach is one of the biggest differences between the two. IG Reels have much higher Reach potential, with statistics of 20.59% on average. Their increased visibility due to the Platform’s Search function increases brand discoverability, making them seen by more viewers even if they don’t follow you.

IG Stories, on the other hand, show a declined reach across the board for accounts of all follower sizes. The accounts with 10,000 followers were least affected, with an average Instagram Story reach decline of just 4.8% in 2022. This is due to the exclusive nature of stories that are to be viewed by only existing followers.

Impact of Hashtags Usage

Instagram Reels: Using relevant hashtags in IG Reels makes them more effective and they are likely show up in Search, boosting their reach.

Instagram Story Posts: Incorporating hashtags in Stories takes up visual space and adds less reach potential.

The hashtag usage shows different impact on IG Reels Vs Story posts. When IG users add a hashtag sticker to Stories, they will show up less in a given hashtag search using the platform’s Search function.

Incorporating hashtags in the video content as well as in the video description of Reels, makes them appear in the Search function on the app. This way, hashtags prove to be more effective an Instagram Reel compared to Story post.

Instagram Reel Vs. Story: Skyrocket Engagement Rate in 2024

Both Instagram Reels and Story posts are valuable tools with different purposes. Each format engages best to a specific audience.

Story is basically a private content used to engage your loyal followers, while Reels are public videos that engage new follower also with entertaining clips and catchy music.

Here is how you can use each format to increase engagement and get the following benefits:

Use Instagram Reels to:

Increase Overall Engagement Rate:

Instagram Reels prove to the clear winner when it comes to increasing engagement. Research shows that introduction of Reels has reduced the Instagram feed engagement by 44%, with Reels picking up the slack. Reels also dominate the Google search compared to Story.

Get New Followers:

Reels are a powerful tool to grow your Instagram follower base as they can be discovered by non-followers. Research shows that engaging Reels result in 22% more new followers compared to other content. So, it’s time to shift to producing catchy Reels to attract new followers.

Go Viral:

Increased visibility of Reels gives them massive viral potential. So, incorporate relevant hashtags and post them at the right time to increase the chances of going viral.

Use Instagram Stories To:

Maintain Your Follower Base:

Create engaging Stories by targeting your base with personalized precision to keep your current followers engaged and loyal. This also helps build a strong connection. So, post often and engage your followers with polls, timers, and offers.

Promote Products:

Capitalize on your followers by promoting your products or services in your Story. Show them how your products benefit users with real-world demonstrations and results. However, don’t make things commercial. You can also engage them by adding some call-to-actions (CTAs).

Factors to Consider When Choosing Between Instagram Story Vs. Reel

Consider the following factors when choosing between IG Story Vs. Reel before publishing content for your clients.

• Audience Engagement Rate: Think about the type of engagement your client’s audience loves and tailor your content accordingly. Both IG have high engagement potential. Stories are meant to share real-time updates or behind-the-scene content with existing followers, while Reels are excellent options for sharing entertaining and more in-depth content.
• Media Duration: Follow your client’s requirements and post content accordingly. For shorter snippets, Stories are best, while for longer snippets, Reels format works best.
• Consider Objectives and Goals: Always craft content prioritizing your client’s overarching Instagram marketing goals. Ask them whether they want to raise brand awareness, engagement, or drive traffic. Then create the content accordingly.
• Test and Experiment: In the end, test them to check what resonates with your client’s audience and learn from their responses to refine your approach. This helps you improve your client’s Instagram Stories and Reels accordingly.

FAQs

Can I turn my Ig Stories into Reels?

Yes, you can!

First, turn on the option to save IG Stories to your gallery. Then, create a reel, upload the story post you saved, and publish the reel.

Story Highlights can also be shared as Reels. To do this, open the Highlight, click on the Creation icon, and hit to share the Story Highlight as Reel.

Do Instagram Reels expire on the platform?

No!

Instagram Reels will not expire from your feed or Reels page unless you remove or delete them. They can also be removed if they violate Instagram’s Community Guidelines.

Final Words About IG Reels and Stories

In 2024, Instagram Reels and Story posts are two powerful tools that help marketers reach their target audience and create content that engages users well. Between Instagram Reels Vs Story, you can get high engagement to take the advantage. Both of them provide brand with fine tools to craft content and engage existing and new followers.

If you want to target top-of-the-funnel customers, use Reels to make your brand stand tall. For those looking to achieve a deeper connection and elicit some actions, stories are the best option.

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