Facebook Stories allow users to post photos and videos that disappear after 24 hours. Making a video for Facebook Stories is easy and only takes a few steps. Here is a guide on how to make a video for Facebook Stories using the Facebook mobile app.
Requirements for Facebook Stories Videos
When making a video for Facebook Stories, there are a few requirements to keep in mind:
- Videos can be up to 20 seconds long
- Videos must be captured and uploaded from your mobile device camera
- Videos can be uploaded in MP4 or MOV format
- Square 1:1 aspect ratio is preferred
How to Make a Video for Facebook Stories
Follow these steps to make and upload a video to Facebook Stories from your mobile device:
- Open the Facebook app on your iPhone or Android phone.
- Tap on the + sign at the top of your News Feed.
- Swipe right or select the Story camera icon.
- Capture your video clip by holding down the circular button at the bottom of the screen. Remember videos can only be up to 20 seconds long.
- Once finished recording, you can edit the video:
- Trim the start/end points
- Add filters or effects
- Add text
- Draw on the video
- Add stickers or GIFs
That’s all it takes! Your video story will now be live and visible by whoever you chose to share it with. It will disappear after 24 hours.
Tips for Creating Great Facebook Stories Videos
Here are some tips for making compelling and effective Facebook Stories videos that your audience will love:
- Film horizontally whenever possible. Vertical videos don’t take up the whole screen.
- Keep it short and concise. 20 seconds is not a lot of time!
- Use text sparingly. Let the visuals tell the story.
- Add music or background noise when helpful.
- Use stickers and effects to enhance your video.
- Engage your viewers by asking questions or prompting responses.
- Be authentic and capture moments your followers will care about.
Creative Ways to Use Facebook Stories Video
Facebook Stories videos don’t have to just be random, everyday moments. Use these creative ideas to make fun and engaging video stories:
- Give a behind-the-scenes look at your business or brand
- Show viewers how to make/do something in real time
- Highlight your products or services in action
- Share tips, tricks or tutorials focused on your niche
- Let your company culture shine through
- Promote an upcoming event, launch or sale
- Reward followers with exclusive content or deals
- Poll your audience and ask for feedback
- Partner with influencers in your industry
Optimizing Your Facebook Stories Videos
Once you get the hang of making videos for Facebook Stories, here are some optimization tips:
- Post at optimal times when your audience is most active.
- Use relevant and descriptive captions.
- Add a location sticker when applicable.
- Tag relevant accounts to extend your reach.
- Link to your website or other call-to-action.
- Repurpose top-performing video stories.
- Analyze insights to see what content resonates.
- Interact with viewers by responding to messages.
Measuring Success of Facebook Stories Videos
You can check the performance of your Facebook Stories videos by viewing analytics:
- Reach: Total number of unique people who viewed your story.
- Impressions: Total number of times your story was viewed.
- Replies: Number of users who replied to your story.
- Taps Forward: Number of users who swiped to the next story.
- Exits: Number of users who exited the story.
You can view more detailed analytics by tapping on your own story preview. Check what types of videos get the most engagement and continue optimizing your video strategy.
Why You Should Be Using Facebook Stories
Here are some of the key benefits of using Facebook Stories for your business or brand:
- Appeal to mobile users – over 200 million people view Facebook Stories daily.
- Show authenticity and personality – Stories give a raw, behind-the-scenes look.
- Stand out in the News Feed – Story posts are more eye-catching.
- Engage followers with interactive content.
- Increase reach and discoverability.
- Drive traffic to your website with links.
- Build stronger relationships with customers.
Conclusion
Facebook Stories provide an easy yet engaging way to connect with your audience through video content. Simply launch the Story camera within the Facebook app, capture a 20-second video clip, customize it with effects, and share to your profile. Optimize your video stories with captions, tags, links and more to grow your following. Analyze insights to inform your future content strategy. With its casual, personality-driven format, Facebook Stories is a great outlet for showing off your brand’s authentic side.