Instagram Stories have become a hugely popular way for users to share quick photos and videos that disappear after 24 hours. The Stories format allows you to be more casual, spontaneous, and fun compared to permanent Instagram posts.
But what if you notice your Instagram Stories views suddenly dropping? Don't panic. There are several possible reasons why your view counts may be down, and tactics you can try to get your engagement back up.
Why Your Instagram Stories Views May Be Down?
There are a few possible explanations for a dip in your Instagram Stories views:
Instagram Algorithm Changes
Like the main Instagram feed, Stories has an algorithm that curates viewership. If Instagram tweaks this algorithm, it could impact how many accounts see your Stories in their lineups. Stay on top of algorithm updates and adjust your strategy accordingly.
ncreased Competition
With over 500 million daily Instagram Stories users as of January 2019, competition is fierce. If more accounts in your niche start using Stories, that's more content your followers have to sift through. Stand out from the crowd by upping your Stories game.
Poor Content Quality
Low-quality, unengaging content, such as blurry photos, boring videos, and generic messaging, can turn followers off from viewing your Stories. Analyze your recent Stories to see if the content needs improvement.
Less Follower Overlap
If your followers don't overlap much with those who view your Stories, your reach will be limited. Aim to attract followers who are highly engaged with Stories content.
Drop in Followers/Engagement
A general drop in your number of Instagram followers or engagement levels can lead to fewer views. Work on follower retention and engagement outside of Stories.
Shadowbanning
Instagram may "shadowban" accounts that violate its terms, making posts invisible to others. However, Views usually remain visible. So if these are down, it's likely another issue.
Increased Lives
If you've been going live on Instagram more often, some viewers may engage with the live broadcasts rather than Stories. Use Lives to promote your Stories.
Issues with Instagram
It's possible an Instagram glitch is causing views to freeze or fail to register. Check Instagram's known issues page and try logging out/in, reinstalling the app, etc.
Now let's get into some proven ways to give your Instagram Stories views a boost!
Tips to Increase Your Instagram Stories Views
Here are 12 powerful tactics to reignite your Instagram Stories views:
Improve Your Content Quality
As mentioned, low-quality, boring, irrelevant content can tank your views. Study top accounts in your niche to analyze their winning Stories content. Apply those lessons to your own strategy.
Use Creative Effects, Stickers & Tools
Leverage Instagram Stories' creative effects, stickers, text tools, gifs, and more. Artsy, eye-catching elements make Stories more fun and engaging. Don't forget polls and questions to spark interaction!
Go Behind-the-Scenes
Give viewers insider access they can't get anywhere else. Share candid behind-the-scenes footage of your business, brand, products, services, and personal life. The inside look makes followers feel special.
Run Contests & Giveaways
Contests, giveaways, and sweepstakes fuel engagement. Offer prizes and freebies in exchange for Story views, shares to feed, follows, screenshots, etc. Incentives make people take action!
Post at Peak Times
Pay attention to when your target audience is most active on Instagram and post your Stories then. Instagram's analytics can reveal the best times for your followers.
Go Live in Stories
Live video offers a raw, unedited look. Announce you're going live in advance to build buzz. Then invite viewers to join the broadcast with interactive features.
Collaborate & Cross-Promote
Team up with partners to co-create Stories and shout each other out. This exposes your content to their audience, and vice versa. Ask clients or industry influencers to collaborate.
Interact with Viewers
Reply to comments on your Stories, and reshare viewer-generated Stories that feature or mention you. This shows followers you're engaged with them.
Promote on Your Other Channels
Drive viewership by promoting your Instagram handle and Stories on your other social media, website, email newsletter, etc. Add "Check out my Instagram Stories!" calls to action.
Use Strategic Hashtags
Include relevant hashtags in your Stories, like #contest, #sale, #newproduct, etc. Also, try location tags. This helps Stories surface in different places.
Re-Share Old Stories
Repurposing your best old Stories can grab new eyes that missed them the first time around. Wait a few weeks or months before bringing Stories back.
Advertise Your Account & Stories
Investing some money in Instagram ads can expand your reach tremendously. Promote your profile, website, and specific Stories to users outside your current follower base.
Conclusion
Boosting Instagram Stories views takes effort but pays off in increased engagement and exposure. By regularly analyzing your performance, tailoring content, attracting your target demographic, and employing creative promotion tactics, you can get your view counts back up where they belong. Stay persistent if you don't see immediate results. With the right strategy adjustments and consistency, your Instagram Stories will thrive again in no time.
Frequently Asked Questions About Instagram Stories Views
Let's wrap up with answers to some common Instagram Stories questions:
Who can view my Instagram Stories?
Followers, accounts you mention with tags, and – if your profile is public – anyone who comes across your Stories. Private profiles limit views to followers only.
How long do Instagram Stories last?
Each Story disappears after 24 hours. You can also remove specific Stories whenever you like. Instagram automatically saves expired Stories to your archive, but only you can access these.
Can you see who viewed your Instagram Story?
Yes! In your Story viewer list, you'll see followers who watched and accounts that aren't following you. You can't tell who tapped forward or when people skipped Stories.
Why can I only see the first 100-200 Story views?
Instagram limits the viewer list to preserve user privacy. If you have over 100-200 viewers, you'll only see a sample up to that range. Stories with lower view counts display all viewers.
Can you tell if someone screenshots your Instagram Story?
No, Instagram doesn't notify users of Story screenshots currently. Some third-party apps unofficially claim to ID Story screenshots – use carefully.
Why are my Story views stuck?
If your view count seems frozen, try closing and reopening the app, updating the app, logging out and back in, switching to a strong WiFi or cellular connection, or giving it some time to update.
How do I increase my Instagram Story completion rate?
Post at optimal times, keep Stories short, use eye-catching elements, promote unique value in each one, and sprinkle in questions to encourage taps forward.