Reels vs Stories: What you need to know in 2022?

Instagram is branching out with the features and abilities it offers to users and businesses. When it launched back in 2010, it was a simple photo sharing app. With its ability to create, edit, crop, and filter both short and long videos, Instagram is so much more than that now.

Two of the most utilized features on Instagram right now are Reels and Stories. What’s the difference? How should your approach to each differ?

Let’s first take a look at the technical differences between Reels and Stories:

 

FeaturesStoriesReels
Ratio9:16 Full Mobile Screen9:16 Full Mobile Screen
FormatVideo – Photo – Posts from Instagram feedVideo
Lifespan24 hours, can be saved to HighlightsUnlimited
LengthUp to 15 secondsUp to 60 seconds
EditingPhoto filteringSlow down & speed up videos – Trim and align videos together
AudioAdd and select the part of a music piece from the
Instagram’s music library
Add and select the part of a music piece from the Instagram music library + Automatic musical sequence from one clip to another
DraftNoneSave to publish later option
CaptionNoneFull caption like a post
Gif & StickerYesYes
Hashtag & MentionsYou can mention people and hashtags, but the Stories
are not directly displayed on the explore / hashtags page
You can mention people and hashtags, and the reels are displayed on the explore / hashtags page
Placement & Ability to ShareShare to your followers, close friends group only or
Individually via Instagram messaging.
On the explore tab (public accounts only) + on your own Reels feed & general Insta feed (shared with your followers like a post)+ as Story (your Reel will be displayed as a Story)
EngagementAll private engagement: likes and comments
arrive in your direct messaging
Like feed posts, people can publicly comment Reels

 

Reels and Stories are both crucial to a strong social media plan. When creating reels, remember that they are your “pitch” for new users to follow you. Focus on creating more reels that send your message to consumers for new growth! Your stories are meant for your current audience, so you can be a little more laid back and casual. Stories deepen relationships with your current audience and encourage engagement.