Last Updated on August 30, 2024 by Val Razo
Creating behind-the-scenes content is a powerful way to connect with your audience on a deeper level. Whether you’re a content creator or a brand looking to build trust, sharing what goes on behind the scenes can humanize your brand and foster a sense of loyalty among your followers. Instagram Stories is a great platform for this, offering various tools like poll stickers and quiz stickers to make your content more interactive and engaging. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to create Instagram Stories that give your followers a sneak peek into your world, helping you build a deeper connection with your audience.
Why Behind-the-Scenes Content is Essential for Engagement
How Behind-the-Scenes Content Captivates Audiences
Behind-the-scenes content has a unique appeal that captivates audiences in ways other content types cannot. By taking your followers behind the scenes of your brand, you provide them with a sneak peek into the real, unpolished moments that make your business tick. This type of content satisfies the natural curiosity of your audience, allowing them to see the process, the people, and the effort involved in creating your products or services.
Instagram Stories is an ideal platform for sharing BTS content because it offers a spontaneous and authentic way to connect with your followers. When you create Stories that reveal what goes on behind the scenes, you make your audience feel like they’re part of something exclusive, which naturally drives higher engagement. The fleeting nature of IG Stories—where stories disappear after 24 hours—adds to the excitement, encouraging your audience to keep checking back for more.
When I first started creating behind-the-scenes content for my brand’s product launches, I noticed a significant difference in how my audience engaged with my posts. By sharing a sneak peek of the product development process, from initial sketches to the final product, I was able to build excitement and anticipation. This not only increased engagement on my Instagram Stories but also led to higher conversion rates once the product was released. The human element behind the product resonated with my audience, making them feel more connected to the brand.
The Role of BTS in Building Brand Authenticity
In an age where consumers are increasingly skeptical of polished and overly curated content, behind-the-scenes content offers a refreshing dose of authenticity. By sharing what really happens behind closed doors, you show your audience the human side of your brand—the people behind the products, the hard work, and even the occasional challenges. This transparency helps to build trust and loyalty among your followers.
When you consistently post BTS content on your Instagram account, whether through Instagram Stories or regular posts on your Instagram feed, you reinforce your brand’s authenticity. This kind of content shows that there’s more to your brand than just the finished product—it’s about the journey, the creativity, and the passion that drive your business. As a result, your audience feels a stronger connection to your brand, making them more likely to engage, share, and support what you do.
According to a 2023 report by HubSpot, 87% of marketers say that video content, including Instagram Stories and Reels, provides a strong return on investment (ROI). This highlights the growing importance of video in social media marketing, particularly for behind-the-scenes content.
Planning Your Behind-the-Scenes Instagram Stories
How to Create Instagram Stories with a Purpose
Creating Instagram Stories that resonate with your audience requires more than just randomly sharing content. To effectively engage your followers, you need a clear purpose behind each piece of content. Start by defining what you want to achieve with your BTS content. Are you looking to build a deeper connection with your audience, show a sneak peek of an upcoming product, or highlight the effort behind your brand? Having a focused content strategy will guide your story creation process and ensure that each post serves a specific goal.
When planning your Instagram Stories, consider the narrative you want to tell. Whether it’s a day in the life of your team or a step-by-step look at how a product is made, your stories should flow logically and maintain your audience’s interest. Use tools like the poll sticker or quiz sticker to make your stories interactive, encouraging your followers to engage with the content and stay connected with your brand.
One of the most successful pieces of content I’ve created was a day-in-the-life series where I took my audience through a typical workday. From morning meetings to behind-the-scenes moments at photoshoots, this type of content provided a more personal connection. My followers appreciated the transparency and got a better understanding of the work that goes into running my business. This series not only boosted engagement but also increased my follower count as viewers were eager to see more of the ‘real’ side of the brand.
Aligning BTS Content with Your Brand Message
Your behind-the-scenes content should consistently reflect your brand’s core message and values. When you create IG Stories that align with your brand, you reinforce what your brand stands for, making it easier for your audience to connect with and understand your message.
For instance, if your brand emphasizes sustainability, your BTS content might showcase eco-friendly practices within your business. Alternatively, if your brand is all about innovation, you could use your Instagram Stories to highlight the creative process behind your products. This alignment not only strengthens your brand identity but also helps to build trust with your audience, as they see that your actions are consistent with your messaging.
Planning your behind-the-scenes stories with these elements in mind ensures that each post contributes to a cohesive and engaging narrative that resonates with your followers and keeps them coming back for more.
A 2023 survey by Hootsuite revealed that 58% of users say they are more interested in a brand after seeing its behind-the-scenes content on Instagram. This emphasizes the impact that authentic, transparent content can have on consumer interest and brand loyalty.
Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a Behind-the-Scenes Series
Capturing and Editing Behind-the-Scenes Posts
Creating a successful behind-the-scenes series on Instagram Stories starts with capturing content that authentically represents your brand. Begin by identifying the key moments and processes that you want to showcase. This could include anything from a day in the life at your company to the detailed steps involved in producing your product or service. When capturing these moments, focus on authenticity—your audience is looking for real, unfiltered insights, not overly polished content.
Once you’ve captured your photos and videos, the next step is to edit them for Instagram Stories. While it’s important to maintain the raw feel of BTS content, a little editing can enhance the overall quality and ensure your stories align with your brand’s aesthetic. Use Instagram’s built-in tools to add filters, use stickers, and add text that complements your content. For example, you can use the poll sticker or quiz sticker to engage your audience and make your stories more interactive. Remember, the goal is to create content that feels natural and engaging, not overly produced.
Best Practices for Using Captions and Hashtags
Captions and hashtags play a critical role in making your Instagram Stories more discoverable and engaging. When crafting captions for your BTS content, focus on storytelling. Use captions to provide context to your photos and videos, share anecdotes, or explain what’s happening in the clip. This not only helps to engage your audience but also reinforces the narrative you’re trying to build through your behind-the-scenes series.
In addition to captions, strategically use hashtags to increase the visibility of your Instagram Stories. Incorporate a mix of popular and niche hashtags relevant to your industry and the specific content you’re sharing. For example, if you’re showing a sneak peek of a new product, you might include hashtags like #BehindTheScenes, #BTS, #SneakPeek, or hashtags specific to your industry. This will help your stories reach a broader audience and potentially attract new followers who are interested in the content you share.
By following these steps, you’ll be able to create Instagram Stories that are not only engaging and visually appealing but also aligned with your overall content strategy.
Maximizing the Impact of Your Behind-the-Scenes Content
How the Instagram Algorithm Works with BTS Content
Understanding how the Instagram algorithm works can significantly enhance the reach and impact of your behind-the-scenes content. The algorithm prioritizes content that drives engagement, such as comments, shares, and reactions. When you consistently post BTS content that resonates with your audience, you’re more likely to see increased visibility on the platform.
To leverage the algorithm, focus on creating engaging Instagram content that encourages interaction. This could involve using interactive elements like poll stickers, quiz stickers, or even direct questions in your captions that prompt your followers to respond. The more engagement your stories receive, the more likely they are to appear at the top of your followers’ feeds and be suggested to new users. Additionally, consider posting your behind-the-scenes stories at times when your audience is most active, which can further boost engagement and visibility.
Utilizing TikTok and Instagram Stories Together
In today’s social media landscape, cross-platform promotion is key to maximizing the reach of your content. TikTok and Instagram Stories are both powerful tools for sharing BTS content, and when used together, they can amplify your message even further. TikTok’s short-form video format is perfect for capturing quick, authentic moments that you can repurpose on Instagram Stories.
For instance, you can create a sneak peek of your BTS content on TikTok, then encourage your TikTok followers to head over to your Instagram account to see more detailed behind-the-scenes posts. Similarly, you can promote your TikTok videos through your Instagram Stories, driving your Instagram followers to check out your TikTok account. This cross-promotion not only increases the visibility of your content but also helps you reach a broader audience across both platforms.
By understanding how the Instagram algorithm works and effectively integrating TikTok with your Instagram marketing strategy, you can maximize the impact of your behind-the-scenes content and keep your audience engaged across multiple platforms.
In 2023, Nike launched a successful behind-the-scenes campaign focusing on the creation of their latest sustainable footwear line. The campaign included Instagram Stories showcasing the design process, the materials used, and the people behind the innovation. Nike utilized Instagram Reels to offer quick glimpses into their factories, while IG Stories provided a more detailed narrative. This campaign not only drove engagement but also reinforced Nike’s commitment to sustainability, resonating deeply with their audience.
Measuring Success: Analyzing the Impact of Your BTS Series
Key Metrics to Track on Instagram
To understand the effectiveness of your behind-the-scenes content, it’s essential to track the right metrics on Instagram. Some of the most critical metrics include engagement rate, which measures how actively your audience interacts with your content through likes, comments, shares, and saves. Additionally, tracking story views is crucial, as it shows how many people are watching your Instagram Stories from start to finish.
Another key metric to consider is reach, which indicates how many unique users have seen your content. Monitoring this will help you understand the overall visibility of your BTS content. Follower growth is also an important indicator, as consistent growth suggests that your content is resonating with your audience and attracting new followers. Finally, pay attention to story replies and direct messages related to your behind-the-scenes posts, as these can provide valuable feedback and deeper insights into how your content is being received.
Adjusting Your Strategy Based on Analytics
Once you have a clear picture of how your behind-the-scenes content is performing, use these insights to refine your content strategy. For example, if you notice that certain types of BTS content (like day in the life videos or product creation processes) consistently generate higher engagement, consider incorporating more of these into your Instagram Stories.
If your metrics indicate that some content isn’t performing as well, don’t be afraid to experiment with different formats or posting times. The key is to remain flexible and responsive to your audience’s preferences. Regularly reviewing your analytics will help you identify what works best and make data-driven decisions that enhance your Instagram marketing strategy.
By continuously analyzing and adjusting your approach, you can ensure that your BTS content not only resonates with your audience but also contributes to the overall success of your Instagram account.
Conclusion
Creating a behind-the-scenes series on Instagram Stories is an effective way to connect with your audience on a deeper level, build brand authenticity, and increase engagement. By carefully planning your content, understanding how the Instagram algorithm works, and analyzing key metrics, you can ensure that your BTS content resonates with your followers and contributes to the overall growth of your brand. Whether you’re giving a sneak peek into the creation process or sharing a day in the life of your team, behind-the-scenes posts offer a unique opportunity to humanize your brand and build lasting relationships with your audience. Remember, the key to success is consistency, authenticity, and a willingness to adapt your strategy based on your audience’s feedback and engagement. Start sharing your brand’s story today, and watch as your Instagram account becomes a hub of engaged and loyal followers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some ideas for behind-the-scenes posts on Instagram?
Some behind-the-scenes content ideas include showing the process of how a product is made, a day in the life of your team, or the setup for an event. You can also share a sneak peek of upcoming projects to build excitement and curiosity among your followers. Insta Stories are a great way to connect with your audience by giving them a more personal look at your brand.
How can I use Instagram Reels to complement my behind-the-scenes stories?
Instagram Reels can be an excellent complement to your behind-the-scenes stories. Use Reels to create short, engaging clips that capture key moments or fun highlights of your BTS content. You can then encourage your followers to check out the full Instagram Stories for a more in-depth look. This strategy creates more engaging content and drives cross-platform interaction.
How do I use the Instagram app to create an interactive behind-the-scenes story?
To create an interactive behind-the-scenes story, open the Instagram app and tap on your profile. From there, you can upload a photo or video that you’ve captured. Use features like the poll sticker or quiz sticker at the bottom of your screen to make your story interactive. These tools help you create content that encourages your followers to participate, making your stories more engaging and memorable.
What’s the best time to post behind-the-scenes content on Instagram Stories?
The best time to post behind-the-scenes content on Instagram Stories depends on when your audience is most active. Generally, the highest engagement tends to occur in the early morning and late evening, when people are more likely to check their social media. Use Instagram’s Insights to monitor when your followers are online and schedule your IG Stories accordingly to maximize reach and interaction.
How can I repurpose behind-the-scenes content across different social media platforms?
You can repurpose behind-the-scenes content by adapting it for various platforms. For example, a longer video shared on Instagram Stories can be edited into shorter clips for Instagram Reels or TikTok. Photos and videos can be shared on your Instagram feed, while the most engaging moments can be posted as updates on Twitter or Facebook. This approach ensures that your BTS content reaches a wider audience while maintaining consistency across your social media channels.
Author Bio
Val Razo
Val Razo is a skilled professional in the field of Instagram Marketing. With over five years of experience as a freelance Social Media Marketing consultant, Val has assisted numerous small and medium-sized businesses in achieving their goals.
