how to use instagram stories ad

Instagram is a free photo sharing application that allows users to take a photo, apply a digital filter, then share it on a variety of social networking platforms. This mobile photo-sharing app has over 400 million users.

In 2015, Instagram rolled out advertising for all businesses. Social media savvy business owners recognize the importance of utilizing Instagram’s social network creatively to grow brand awareness and ultimately drive more business.

Enter Instagram Stories. Did you know you can run Instagram ads in Instagram Stories? These are ads that appear between stories on Instagram and take up the full screen, creating a more immersive viewing experience that allows users to get new fans, and create a deep engagement with followers.  Considering Instagram Stories? Here’s how to get started:

Step 1: Start with a game plan
Take the time to strategize on a picture that will properly portray your brand along with the promotion you’re trying to market. How will you grab your viewers’ attention immediately?  Find and create beautiful photos, short videos and crisp visuals. Be sure to write powerful text on the ad that showcases your brand and exactly what your business can offer prospective customers. What call to action do you want viewers to take? Brainstorm these initial steps first for a solid campaign.

Tips: Facebook recommends that you use an image size of 1080 x 1920 and an aspect ratio of 9:16. If using a video, make sure your video is in the .MOV, .MP4, or .GIF format and no longer than 15 seconds in length.


Step 2: Create your ad

If you haven’t previously advertised on Instagram, you’ll first need to connect your Instagram account to your Facebook page.  After you have set up the parameters in your Ad Set options, on the menu to the left-hand side, you will see “Ads,” where you now have the option to select your business page that you will serve the ads from. After you select your business page, make sure to click “Use the Instagram account connected to the selected Facebook page.” You will then need to name your campaign and then click Continue.

Step 3: Download editor
It’s important to also download Power Editor in order to create your Instagram advertisement. (Power Editor is in the menu at the top of the page, under the Ads Manager platform.) Enter your website URL and text that will accompany your image. You have up to 300 characters, so make sure to create a memorable message. After you upload your photo and insert text that will hit on your marketing message, you have the option to create your call to action (download, call, visit or whatever action is needed.

Step 4:   Reach your target audience
You will be prompted to select the reach, video views, or traffic objective. During this set-up phase, make sure you choose an objective that is compatible with Instagram, which would include Clicks to Website, Mobile App Installs and Video Views. After you define the audience for your campaign, go to Placements and select the Edit Placements option. Then under Instagram, select Stories. Note that after you choose Stories, the other placements will be unchecked because you can’t run an Instagram Stories ad for other placements.


Step 5: Select options

After you finish uploading your media, and your audience, you can check if you want to track or edit ad set up options.  This is where you can set a budget, schedule, audience for target marketing.

Step 6: Upload Changes
After you have completed the all the above steps for ad creation, you will have to “Upload Changes” from the Power Editor. This will put your ad into review and if you followed the proper protocol, your ad should be up and running on Instagram within no time.

Instagram Stories is another powerful tool to put in your marketing mix that brings your story to life—reaching your future customers.