Social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Snapchat have introduced short-form video features like reels and stories in recent years. Both allow users to post short videos that expire after 24 hours. But there are some key differences between the two formats.
What is a Reel?
A reel is a short video clip, usually around 15 to 30 seconds long. The reels format was first introduced by Instagram in August 2020 as a competitor to TikTok. Reels allows users to record and edit short multi-clip videos and add effects, audio, and filters.
Some key features of Instagram Reels include:
- Multi-clip videos up to 30 seconds
- Creative editing tools like timers and countdowns
- AR effects and filters
- Music library to add songs and audio
- Speed control
- Align tool to easily layer videos
Reels are a separate section within Instagram’s explore page and feed, allowing them to gain more visibility. Users can also share reels to their Stories and send them directly to friends.
Reels aim to offer users a more engaging video creative experience in a short-form vertical video format optimized for mobile users.
What is a Story?
Stories are short photo or video clips that expire after 24 hours. They were first introduced by Snapchat in 2013. Instagram and Facebook later added stories features as well.
Some key features of Instagram Stories include:
- Photo and video clips up to 15 seconds each
- Drawing and text tools to creatively customize
- Music and AR filters similar to Reels
- View counts and reactions
- Private sharing or public posting
Users can string multiple clips together to create a story that conveys a narrative or documents their day. These appear in a bar above the feed. Stories offer a more casual sharing experience for daily moments.
Differences
While reels and stories have some overlapping creation and sharing features, there are some notable differences between the two formats:
| Reels | Stories |
|---|---|
| 15 to 30 second multi-clip videos | Up to 15 second photo and video clips |
| Editing features like timers and countdowns | Drawing, text, sticker tools |
| Eligible to be featured on Explore page | Appear at top of feed in story bar |
| Standalone content format | Strung together to create narratives |
| Feature-heavy and video-focused | Photo and text focused with overlay creation tools |
Some key differences come down to:
- Length: Reels are 15 to 30 seconds long, while story clips are up to 15 seconds each.
- Editing tools: Reels offer more advanced creative editing features, while stories focus on text, drawing, and overlay tools.
- Purpose: Reels are designed more for entertainment, while stories allow users to share moments from their daily lives.
- Discovery: Reels have the advantage of being featured on Instagram’s Explore page for more discoverability, unlike private stories.
Use Cases
Due to their different features and purposes, reels and stories also tend to have different popular use cases:
Reels Use Cases
- Short-form entertaining video content
- Trends and challenges
- Skits and comedy
- Dances or stunts
- Short educational content
- Product promotions
Reels are designed to showcase short videos with high production value and entertainment appeal.
Stories Use Cases
- Sharing personal updates and daily moments
- Behind-the-scenes content
- Quick life updates
- Teasing upcoming content
- Polls and questions
- Product teasers and announcements
Stories allow users to give followers a peek into their daily lives or share candid, casual content.
Best Practices
To use reels and stories effectively, some best practices include:
For Reels
- Use popular music, effects, and trends to increase visibility
- Create vertical video optimized for mobile
- Use multiple video clips for more engaging content
- Add intriguing text, effects, filters to captivate viewers
- Remix audio from other reels to join popular memes
For Stories
- Share a mix of content formats like photos, Boomerangs, videos
- Use stickers, text, drawings to customize your story
- Link stories together to share a narrative or event
- Post consistently and interact with viewers
- Rotate between public stories and private close friends stories
Analytics
Instagram provides analytics for both reels and stories in its app:
Reels Insights
- Reels views
- Likes and comments
- Audience retention graph
- Traffic sources: Explore, Profile, etc.
- Accounts reached and impressions
Story Insights
- Story views
- Responses: polls, questions, etc.
- Impressions and reach
- Exits and replies
- Viewers and viewers drop-off
These metrics can help creators understand what content resonates best and optimize their strategy.
Which One Should I Use?
The choice between using reels or stories depends on your goals:
- To entertain and reach new audiences: Use reels
- To share behind-the-scenes and daily content: Use stories
- To promote products or services: Use a mix of both
- To document events or trips: Use stories
- To join trends and challenges: Use reels
In general, reels are better for gaining new followers and attention with high-quality short videos. Stories are ideal for candid, casual content to engage current followers.
Many users also cross-promote between reels and stories to maximize their reach and convert story viewers into reel followers. Promoting the same content across both formats can help build an audience.
Conclusion
Reels and stories serve different purposes on Instagram and offer unique creative tools. Reels are focused on producing entertaining short-form video content, while stories allow users to share moments from their lives through photos and video clips. Reels offer more robust editing capabilities and the chance to go viral, while stories provide a more personal viewer experience.
By understanding the differences in length, features, use cases and best practices for each format, creators can develop an effective strategy to use both reels and stories to grow their follower base and engage their desired audience on Instagram.