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Instagram Stories vs. Reels: Which One Should Your Business Focus On?
- Tania Pryer
- Oct 10
- 3 min read
Instagram is the land of endless opportunities for small businesses - but deciding whether to focus on Stories or Reels can feel like choosing your favourite child. (Okay, maybe not that dramatic, but you get the point.) Both are brilliant tools for growing your business, but they work in very different ways. So, which should you prioritise? Let’s break it down.
Reels: The Star of the Show
If you’re looking for reach, Reels are your best mate. Instagram’s algorithm loves a good Reel, often pushing them out to people who don’t even follow you yet. This makes them a fantastic tool for growing your audience and getting your content in front of fresh eyes.
Why do Reels work so well?
Wider reach: Unlike Stories, which are limited to your followers, Reels are shown on the Explore page and in other users' feeds. This means your content has the potential to go viral.
Better engagement: People spend more time watching videos than scrolling past static posts. Reels are perfect for hooking viewers and keeping them glued to your content.
Longevity: Reels stay on your profile indefinitely (or until you remove them), giving them a longer lifespan than Stories.
What kind of content works for Reels?
Think of short, snappy, and engaging. Show off your products, share behind-the-scenes snippets, or create how-to guides. Pro tip: trends are your friend! Hop on popular audio tracks to boost your chances of being discovered.
Stories: Your Inner Circle
Stories, on the other hand, are all about connection. They’re shown only to your followers (unless you add tags or locations) and disappear after 24 hours. While their reach isn’t as wide as Reels, Stories are fantastic for nurturing relationships with your audience.
Why do Stories shine?
Instant engagement: Polls, Q&A stickers, and quizzes make Stories super interactive. You can quickly spark conversations and get feedback from your audience.
Authenticity: Stories are a great way to show the “real” side of your business. Whether it’s a quick update, a behind-the-scenes moment, or a casual chat, Stories let your audience feel like they’re part of your world.
Frequent updates: Because they vanish after a day, you can post more often without overwhelming your followers’ feeds.
What kind of content works for Stories?
Anything casual, personal, or time-sensitive. Think flash sales, product teasers, or a sneak peek at your morning coffee. You can also use Stories to drive traffic to your Reels, blog posts, or website.
So, Which One Should You Focus On?
Honestly, you need a bit of both in your strategy. But where you place more emphasis depends on your goals:
Looking to grow your audience?
Focus on Reels. Their wider reach and discoverability are unmatched, especially for small businesses looking to attract new followers.
Want to nurture your current followers?
Stories are your go-to. They’re perfect for building trust, deepening connections, and staying top-of-mind with your audience.
Short on time?
Start with Reels. They take more effort upfront, but their longevity means you’ll reap the benefits for weeks (or even months) to come.
Can’t Do It All? Let Me Help!
Feeling overwhelmed by the thought of juggling Stories and Reels? That’s where I come in. Last year alone, I created over 1,200 social media graphics and Reels for my clients. I can help you plan, create, and schedule content that makes the most of Instagram’s features - so you can focus on running your business.
Ready to take your Instagram game to the next level? Drop me a message, and let’s chat!
Instagram isn’t just about posting and hoping for the best; it’s about knowing where to put your energy. Whether you’re a Stories fan, a Reels convert, or somewhere in between, the key is to stay consistent and create content that speaks to your audience. And if you need a helping hand, you know where to find me! 😊
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