Step By Step Guide To Creating Instagram Story Ads

Introduction

With over 500 million active users every day, Instagram is a top platform for reaching a wide audience. Instagram Story Ads are a key part of this, providing a fun and engaging way to connect with your audience and grow your reach. 

Businesses are already taking advantage of this feature, with one-third of the most viewed stories coming from brands! 

If you’re ready to level up your Instagram marketing, keep reading to learn how to create and run your own Instagram Story ads!

What Are Instagram Story Ads?

Instagram Story ads are paid ads that pop up while users are scrolling through Instagram Stories. They’re vertical and full-screen, making them blend naturally into the experience so they don’t feel like traditional ads.

Unlike regular Stories that disappear after 24 hours, these ads stay live for as long as your campaign runs. You get to control how long your campaign lasts and how often your ads show up.

There are three types of Instagram Story ads: video ads (15 seconds), photo ads (5 seconds), and carousel ads (up to 3 pieces of content). The best part? You don’t need followers for these ads to reach people—anyone can see them.

You can also target your ads to specific audiences based on location, interests, and demographics. This makes sure your ads are reaching the right people for better results.

Instagram Story ads are a great way to connect with a huge audience. In fact, half of users say they’ve visited a website to buy something after seeing a Story ad.

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7 Easy Steps To Create Instagram Story Ads

Running Instagram Story ads is easier than you think! With a few simple steps, you can create ads that reach a huge, engaged audience.

How to Run Instagram Story Ads:

1. Open Ads Manager:

  • Head over to your Ads Manager. 
  • Click “Create” to start a new campaign. 
  • Choose “Quick Creation” for a fast setup, or go with “Guided Creation” if you prefer more step-by-step help.’

2. Set Your Goal

  • Pick a marketing objective based on what you want to achieve. 
  • Choose from options like “Brand Awareness,” “Reach,” “Video Views,” “Conversions,” “App Installs,” “Lead Generation,” or “Traffic.”

3. Select Your Placement:

  • In the “Placements” section, go with “Automatic Placements” to automatically include Instagram Stories. 
  • If you want more control, select “Manual Placements” and check “Stories” to show your ad specifically there

4. Set Your Budget and Schedule: 

  • Decide how much you want to spend and when you want your ad to run.
  • Set your budget and schedule here.

5. Choose Your Ad Format:

  • Pick how you want your ad to look. 
  • You can select a “Single Image or Video” or go for a “Carousel” ad, which lets you show up to three pieces of content in one.

6. Add Your Media: 

  • Upload the photo or video you want for your ad. You can also add text, like a headline or description. 
  • Want to make your ad pop? Try using Instagram’s Stories Templates for extra effects and movement.

7. Review and Confirm: 

  • Once everything looks good, click “Confirm” to finalize your Story Ad and start running it.

Things to Keep in Mind When Creating Instagram Ads

Creating a great Instagram ad is more than just posting a pretty picture. To really grab attention and get results, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind. 

Here’s a breakdown of some key tips and best practices for making your Instagram Story ads shine.

Know What Your Audience Wants
Understanding what works for Instagram users is key. Studies show that most people prefer image-based ads with product shots and light text. Video Story Ads that feature real customers or influencers are also popular. 

Don’t worry if your Story Ad doesn’t include a special deal—80% of people don’t care if your ad includes a discount or coupon! Focus on engaging, high-quality content that highlights your product’s benefits. And when in doubt, A/B test your ads to see what your audience loves the most.

Capture Attention Fast
Instagram Stories are quick—really quick. With the 24-hour time limit on Stories, viewers are skimming through, so you’ve got just seconds to grab their attention. Make sure you hit them with your main message right away. Skip the suspense; get straight to the point. Every moment counts!

Add Some Motion
People love motion! Story Ads that include movement tend to perform better. Whether it’s animation or simple video, motion helps grab attention and tell your story faster than a still image can. So, try to include something dynamic that will keep viewers engaged.

Use Sound
Did you know that 60% of people watch Instagram Stories with the sound on? That’s a big opportunity! Use music, sound effects, or voice-over to enhance your ad. Adding sound makes your ad feel more alive and can help grab attention in a new way. If you’re not sure what sound works best, try A/B testing to find out what your audience prefers.

Create Ads for Stories, Not Other Platforms
Resist the temptation to repurpose an ad made for Facebook or the Instagram feed. Instagram Stories have their own sizing and format, so your ad might not look as good if it’s just a copy-paste job. Take the time to design your ad specifically for Stories, and experiment with features unique to Stories to make your ad even more effective.

Use a Strong Call-to-Action (CTA)
Don’t forget your CTA! If you want people to take action, tell them exactly what to do. Whether it’s “Shop Now,” “Learn More,” or “Swipe Up,” a clear CTA helps guide people to the next step. Make sure your CTA matches your goal—if you’re focusing on brand awareness, “Learn More” is a great choice, while “Shop Now” is perfect for conversions.

Add Text for Emphasis and Accessibility
Including text in your Instagram Story ad isn’t just for accessibility (although it’s super important for those who are hard-of-hearing). It’s also a great way to emphasize your key message. For example, if your ad is about skincare, add something like “Get Healthy, Glowing Skin Today” to make your message stand out. Text can help ensure your audience gets your point loud and clear.

Test Mobile Shots vs. Studio Shots
Instagram users are mostly browsing from their phones, so it makes sense to create content that feels personal and relatable. Studies show that ads shot on mobile phones tend to have better recall than studio shots. Try filming directly from your phone for a more authentic, real-feel vibe. And, of course, don’t be afraid to A/B test to see what works best for your brand.

Conclusion

Instagram Story ads are a powerful tool for businesses looking to connect with their audience. By following the steps and tips in this guide, you’ll be able to create ads that grab attention and get results. Whether you’re new to Instagram ads or looking to improve your strategy, Story ads are a great way to level up your marketing game. Good luck!