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Instagram Reels Vs. Stories: Which Should You Use in 2024?

Instagram Analytics
Siddharth Dwivedi November 6, 2024

Two features that have been introduced on Instagram in recent years are Reels and Stories.

Reels are short videos that can be up to 90 seconds long. They can be edited with filters, AR effects, and music, and can be shared on Instagram Stories or Instagram Feed.

Stories are short videos or images that expire after 24 hours. They can be edited with filters and music and can be shared on Instagram Feed or other social media platforms.

Reels are more focused on creativity and self-expression, while Stories are more focused on providing updates and behind-the-scenes content to followers. In terms of reach, Reels have the potential to reach a wider audience as they can be shared on Instagram Feed as well as other social media platforms. However, Stories still has a strong presence on Instagram with over 500 million daily active users (DAUs).

Bonus Tip: A Detailed Guide to Instagram Statistics

Looking ahead to 2024, it is evident that both Reels and Stories will continue to play an important role on Instagram. As competition from other social media platforms heats up, we can expect to see continued innovation from both features to keep users engaged.

What is the Difference Between Reel and Story?  

Instagram ReelsInstagram Stories
Reels are meant for longer, more edited videos.Stories are meant for quick snaps of your day.
Reels can be shared with anyone on Instagram.Stories can only be seen by your followers.
Reels can be saved and shared as a post on your feed.Stories disappear after 24 hours.
Reels can be edited.Stories cannot be edited.
Instagram Reels vs Stories

How to calculate engagement rate on Instagram story?

If you’re constantly posting Instagram stories, you need to track how the users are engaging with them.  

To calculate engagement rate for Instagram story, you need to know how many people saw your stories (impressions) and how many of them engaged by reacting, reposting (if the user is mentioned) or replying in your DMs.  

Engagement rate for your IG Story = Total number of Interactions / Total number of Impressions  

Instagram Story vs Reel: Which one gives better engagement in 2024?

When it comes to difference between reel and story on Instagram, engagement is influenced by a number of factors, including the length of the video, the topics covered, and whether there is an element of exclusivity (such as behind-the-scenes footage). That said, let’s compare how these two features stack up when it comes to engagement.

As per the recent study by Hootsuite, they came to know that the Reels provide the most engagement as compared to other types of posts. In the above example, it is clearly visible that after uploading the reels, the follower count is increased by a good amount of percentage.

Instagram Stories average about 15 seconds in length, while Reels can be up to 90 seconds long. Studies have shown that people are more likely to engage with shorter videos, so this is one area where Stories have an advantage.

When it comes to topic matter, Instagram Reels tend to perform better when they cover trending topics or challenges (such as those involving dance moves). This is likely because these types of videos are more likely to go viral and be shared across other platforms, thus helping to extend their reach.

Finally, Instagram Reels offer a unique element of exclusivity in the form of AR effects, which can help to draw people into the content they’re creating. This same element doesn’t exist in Stories.

With the introduction of Instagram Reels, many brands are wondering whether they should focus their efforts on Stories or Reels. Both are great ways to engage with followers, but which one will give you the most bang for your buck?

Here’s a detailed look at the engagement rates for both Stories and Reels.

When it comes to Stories, the average engagement rate is 1.08%. This means that for every 100 views, you can expect around 1 person to engage with your content (liking, commenting, or sharing).

Reels, on the other hand, have an average engagement rate of 3.21%. So, for every 100 views, you can expect around 3 people to engage with your content.

Therefore, difference between Reel and Story is also influenced by the drastic change in engagement rate.

Instagram Reels are undoubtedly more engaging than Stories! However, it’s important to keep in mind that Reels are still fairly new and therefore there is less data to go off of. That being said, if you’re looking to maximize your engagement rate, posting a reel is your best bet.

Conclusion

As the world of social media continues to evolve, brands and businesses need to understand which platforms can provide them with the most reliable engagement. In 2024, Instagram Story and Reels are two powerful tools that will help marketers reach their target audience and create content that speaks volumes. Both options offer unique advantages, but a carefully crafted strategy combined with creative ideas could potentially yield impressive engagement rates. Although more research needs to be done in this area, it is safe to assume that Instagram stories and Reels have significant potential when utilized correctly by experienced professionals.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between reel and story on Instagram?

Instagram Reels is a new feature that allows users to create short, entertaining videos. They can be up to 90 seconds long and can include music, effects, and text. On the other hand, Instagram Stories are brief snapshots of your day that disappear after 24 hours.

Which one should I use for my brand?

Instagram story vs reel majorly depends on what kind of content you want to create. If you want to create engaging, creative content that will capture your audience’s attention, then go for Instagram Reels. If you just want to give your followers a quick update on what’s going on with your brand or day-to-day life, then go for Instagram Stories.

How do I get more views on my Reels/Stories?

There is no guaranteed formula for getting more views on either type of content, but there are a few things you can do to increase your chances: post interesting and unique content, use relevant hashtags, collaborate with other users, and promote your Reels/Stories outside of Instagram (on your website or other social media platforms).

What kind of content performs well on each platform?

Generally speaking, creative and original content performs well on both platforms. That said, Reels are especially well-suited for entertainment value while Stories tend to do better when they’re personal and relatable.

What is Instagram Reels? 

Instagram Reels are type of vertical, short-form videos that are normally 15 to 90 seconds long. After seeing the popularity of bite-sized content spread by TikTok, Instagram released this feature in August 2020.  

How long can a reel be on IG?

A reel on Instagram can last between 15 to 90 seconds. You can also upload longer videos, potentially lasting up to 15 minutes, but won’t get all the editing features available for reels. Instagram may also sometimes glitch in showing videos longer than 90 seconds.  

Can I see who watched my Reels?

No, you can’t see who watched your Instagram Reels but you can get metrics for Reach and Impression of a particular post. When it comes to likes and comments on IG reels, you can check who engaged with your posts.

About the Author

Siddharth Dwivedi

Siddharth Dwivedi

Siddharth built two bootstrapped companies from the ground up: Vaizle and XOR Labs. He’s personally managed over Rs 100cr in ad budget across eCommerce, D2C, ed-tech, and health-tech segments. Apart from being a full-time marketer, he loves taking on the challenges of finance and operations. When not staring at his laptop, you’ll find him reading books or playing football on weekends.

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