To achieve maximum story views, post a Single, Text-heavy story and let all others expire. The high text volume increases watch time as users read. The final and most crucial step is a call-to-action using DM automation (the 'D'), which generates DMs—the most potent form of engagement for boosting story reach.
Getting users to reply directly to your Instagram Stories is a powerful signal to the platform's algorithm. It identifies your content as interactive, leading Instagram to show it to more of your followers. Use this for promoting events, guides, or other offers to increase organic visibility.
Instagram's algorithm favors on-platform actions like DMs over off-platform link clicks. Asking users to reply to a Story to receive a link, rather than using a link sticker, signals high engagement to the algorithm, which can dramatically increase the story's overall views and reach.
Instead of a simple link, use Instagram Stories to ask followers to DM you a specific keyword to get access to something (like an event). This increases replies, which boosts your Story's visibility in the algorithm. You can then automate the follow-up with tools like ManyChat.
A new ManyChat integration allows auto-DMs to new followers. The most effective strategy is to resist the urge to sell immediately. Instead, use this feature to express gratitude and start a conversation, capitalizing on the peak moment of a user's interest to build a long-term relationship.
Instead of using link stickers, prompt viewers to reply to an Instagram Story with a specific word via DM. This direct engagement signals relevance to the algorithm, increasing story visibility, while also creating a direct, conversational path to conversion.
The 'STD' method boosts story performance by combining three elements. A Single story focuses attention. A Text-Heavy format increases view duration as people pause to read. A DM Automation call-to-action drives on-platform engagement, which the algorithm rewards more than off-platform link clicks.
Social media algorithms value time spent more than passive engagement like "likes." To increase your visibility with target prospects, engage in back-and-forth conversations in their direct messages. This signals to the algorithm that your relationship is important, making it more likely your content will appear in their feed.
While DM automation benefits accounts of all sizes, it has a more significant relative impact on smaller accounts. A few extra comments generated by an automation can double the engagement on a small account's post, a far more substantial algorithmic signal than a few extra comments on a post that already receives thousands.
Instead of directing users to an external link, prompt them to comment a keyword to receive a link via DM. This benefits the algorithm by turning potential off-platform traffic (a neutral signal) into on-platform engagement (a strong positive signal). The increased comments boost your post's visibility and overall reach.
Similar to email marketing, getting users to reply directly to an Instagram Story is a powerful engagement signal. The algorithm interprets this interaction as valuable and shows the story to more people, exponentially increasing its visibility.