Instagram Stories are a great way of connecting with your followers. Photos, videos, and text all play a crucial role in creating that engaging content. But have you ever wished you could keep some text anchored to a specific element in your story, even as your video or photo plays?
You could be making a video of your products, then you pin a price tag to each of them and have them stay there, even while your camera moves around. The possibilities are endless.
Unfortunately, Instagram got rid of the text pinning feature for Stories in an update. While this might seem like a setback, don’t fret. There are still creative ways to ensure your key messages stand out and resonate with your audience.
This article explores alternative strategies to keep your text on point in your Instagram Stories.
Why Does Text Matter in Stories?
Text plays a crucial role in crafting engaging Instagram Stories. Beyond captions and explanations, it allows you to:
- Highlight Key Points: An explainer video showcasing a new product? Emphasize key features or benefits with strategically placed text elements.
- Drive Action: Add captions that summarize your story’s content or include calls to action encouraging viewers to swipe up, visit a website, or participate in a poll.
- Enhance Clarity: For stories with spoken dialogue in a different language, incorporate on-screen text translations for inclusivity and easier understanding.
- Create Animated Titles: Strategically placed text can serve as dynamic titles or headings that capture attention at the beginning of your story.
Five Great Alternatives to Text Pinning
While pinning is no longer available, here are some strategies to make your text stand out:
- Strategic Placement: Instead of pinning, place your text thoughtfully on the screen. Position it near the subject of your video or photo for better connection.
- Background Color and Opacity: Use background colors and the opacity tool to make your text pop against the background photo or video. A contrasting color or semi-transparent background can make the text stand out without obstructing the visuals.
- Text Animations: Experiment with Instagram’s built-in text animation options. These can add visual interest and draw attention to your message.
- Short and Sweet is Key: Keep your text concise and impactful. Short bursts of information are more likely to be read and retained by viewers than lengthy paragraphs.
- Combine Text with Other Elements: Use text alongside other story elements like stickers, polls, or questions. This creates a more dynamic and interactive experience for your viewers.
Advanced Strategies to Build Engaging Narratives
Here are some additional techniques to make your text even more engaging:
- Text Overlays: Layer multiple text elements to create a narrative flow. This can be useful for explaining a process or showcasing product features one at a time.
- Story Segments with Text Overlays: Divide your story into smaller segments, each with a text overlay summarizing that specific section. This can be particularly effective for longer tutorials or explanations.
Conclusion
While the pinning feature is gone, Instagram offers a variety of tools to make your text impactful in your stories. By using these tips, you can create engaging and informative stories that resonate with your audience.
