Solved: Reels or Stories, which is better for more views?

Hi there,

Thanks for reaching out. Happy to give you some initial thoughts and guidance regarding your query on Reels vs Stories for more views. It's a common question, and the right approach really depends on your goals.

We'll need to look at your primary objective...

First off, it's worth asking yourself what you're really trying to achieve. Is it purely about racking up views, or are you aiming for something more, like building a community or driving conversions? The answer to that question will steer you in the right direction. To get more views on Instagram Reels, its pretty simple in my opinion - optimise for just that.

Think of it this way: views are vanity metrics. Sure, they look good, but they don't always translate into tangible results. A million views on a Reel don't mean much if none of those viewers actually become followers or customers.

On the other hand, if you're looking to foster genuine connections with your audience, Stories can be a powerful tool. They're more personal, more interactive, and allow you to showcase a different side of your brand. Plus, they're great for building trust and loyalty.

I'd say you focus on reels for reach...

If you are looking at reach, Reels is almost certainly your best bet. Reels is designed for discovery, so your content is more likely to be shown to people who don't already follow you. That means you have a much better chance of going viral and reaching a larger audience.

The Instagram algorithm favours Reels because they're seen as a key growth driver for the platform. So, if you want to boost your visibility, focus on creating engaging, high-quality Reels that are optimised for the algorithm. Use trending sounds, participate in challenges, and experiment with different formats to see what resonates with your audience.

However, it's important to remember that reach isn't everything. If you're not careful, you could end up attracting the wrong type of audience – people who are only interested in your Reels but don't care about your brand or your products/services. In the long run, that could dilute your brand and make it harder to achieve your business goals.

You probably should't neglect stories

Don't discount the power of Stories. While they may not be as effective for reaching new audiences, they're invaluable for nurturing your existing followers. Stories allow you to connect with your audience on a more personal level, share behind-the-scenes content, and build a sense of community.

You can use Stories to run polls, ask questions, and encourage your followers to interact with your content. This not only boosts engagement but also gives you valuable insights into what your audience wants and needs.

Stories are also great for promoting your Reels. You can share snippets of your Reels in your Stories to drive traffic and encourage people to check out your latest content. This is a simple but effective way to maximise the reach of your Reels and get more eyeballs on your content.

You'll need to think about content type

It isn't just about Reels vs Stories. It’s also about whats in them. The type of content you create will also play a significant role in your success. If you're creating generic, uninspired content, it doesn't matter whether you post it on Reels or Stories – it's unlikely to gain much traction.

To stand out from the crowd, you need to create content that is authentic, engaging, and relevant to your target audience. Think about what your audience cares about, what problems they're trying to solve, and what kind of content they enjoy consuming. Then, create content that addresses those needs and interests.

It's also important to experiment with different content formats to see what works best for you. Try creating tutorials, how-to videos, product demos, behind-the-scenes content, and user-generated content. The more variety you offer, the more likely you are to keep your audience engaged and coming back for more.

I've detailed my main recommendations for you below:

Ultimately, the best approach is to strike a balance between Reels and Stories. Use Reels to reach new audiences and Stories to nurture your existing followers. By combining these two strategies, you can maximise your impact on Instagram and achieve your business goals.

Hopefully that makes sense - its really tricky to write advertising strategy without knowing your goals and brand etc. But I'm sure you can take these points and put them into action.

If you're finding it difficult to manage your Instagram growth on your own, you might want to consider seeking expert help. We've helped countless clients, in a variety of niches, develop and implement successful Instagram strategies. We'd be happy to offer you a free consultation to discuss your needs and see how we can help.

Regards,
Team @ Lukas Holschuh