This article was assisted with AI. We may include links to partners.
Story Highlights are a feature on Instagram that allow users to save their Stories permanently on their profile. Unlike regular Stories, which disappear after 24 hours, Highlights remain visible indefinitely, giving visitors quick access to curated collections of your best content.
For businesses, creators, and professionals, Story Highlights serve as a visual portfolio — a way to showcase your most important stories, products, or updates in a format that’s both engaging and easy to navigate.
Why Story Highlights Matter
Highlights turn short-lived content into long-term value. When someone visits your profile, Highlights are one of the first things they see — offering a clear snapshot of what your brand stands for, what you offer, and why you’re worth following.
Well-crafted Highlights:
- Extend content lifespan beyond the 24-hour limit.
- Guide visitors toward key content like products, FAQs, or testimonials.
- Strengthen brand identity through visual consistency and storytelling.
- Improve conversion paths by directing users to next steps like website links or product pages.
Who Story Highlights Are Most Effective For
Story Highlights are especially effective for:
- Retail and e-commerce brands: Showcase product categories, launches, and customer reviews.
- Service providers: Feature portfolio work, before-and-after examples, or client testimonials.
- Restaurants and cafés: Highlight menus, specials, events, or customer experiences.
- Creators and influencers: Organize collaborations, travel diaries, or personal milestones.
- Education and fitness brands: Share tutorials, class previews, or transformation stories.
For small businesses and solopreneurs, Highlights act as a quick brand introduction — a digital storefront that communicates value in seconds.
Enhancing Profile Aesthetics and Navigation
Story Highlights make your profile more intuitive and visually cohesive. Organized Highlights help visitors find what they need instantly — whether that’s pricing info, product details, or behind-the-scenes content.
You can further enhance appeal by customizing each Highlight with consistent colors, icons, and cover graphics that reflect your brand style. A well-branded Highlight reel not only looks professional but also keeps users browsing longer.
Building Trust and Credibility
Highlights are powerful tools for building trust. By showcasing real customer testimonials, reviews, or “day-in-the-life” stories, you make your brand feel human and authentic.
Consider dedicating Highlights to:
- Customer Stories – Show user experiences and feedback.
- Behind the Scenes – Reveal how your products or services are made.
- FAQs or Tutorials – Educate followers and reduce friction for new customers.
These elements demonstrate transparency, strengthen relationships, and help turn visitors into long-term followers.
How to Create Story Highlights
Creating Highlights is simple:
- Go to your Instagram profile and tap “New” in the Highlights section.
- Choose Stories from your archive or active Stories.
- Name your Highlight and choose a cover image — either from the Story itself or a custom design.
You can also edit existing Highlights anytime by adding or removing Stories or updating the cover image for consistency.
Choosing the Right Stories
When selecting Stories for Highlights:
- Focus on relevance and clarity — each Highlight should have a clear purpose.
- Group by theme (e.g., Products, Reviews, Events, Tutorials).
- Keep it concise — too many Stories in one Highlight can overwhelm viewers.
- Refresh regularly — remove outdated content and add new campaigns or announcements.
Customizing Highlight Covers
Your Highlight covers are mini brand assets. Consistent, on-brand covers create an immediate sense of professionalism.
To change a cover:
- Press and hold the Highlight on your profile.
- Tap “Edit Highlight” > “Edit Cover.”
- Upload your custom image or choose a frame from your Stories.
Covers designed in tools like Canva or Figma — using brand colors and icons — can make your profile stand out in seconds.
Measuring and Optimizing Highlight Performance
Instagram’s built-in analytics show how many people view and interact with each Highlight. Track metrics like views, exits, and taps forward/back to understand which stories perform best.
Use this data to:
- Identify which topics resonate most.
- Update underperforming Highlights.
- Create more content aligned with top-performing themes.
Integrating Highlights Into Your Overall Strategy
Story Highlights shouldn’t exist in isolation — they should support your larger marketing goals.
Use them to:
- Reinforce brand storytelling.
- Drive calls-to-action (e.g., “Book Now,” “Shop,” or “Join the Waitlist”).
- Support campaigns by aligning Highlight themes with upcoming launches or promotions.
When planned strategically, Highlights act as evergreen assets that continue generating engagement long after the original Stories have expired.
Key Takeaways
- Story Highlights make short-term content permanent, giving visitors a curated brand snapshot.
- Ideal for SMBs, service providers, and creators who rely on visual storytelling.
- Custom covers and organized themes improve brand consistency and navigation.
- Showcasing reviews, FAQs, and tutorials builds credibility and trust.
Try Postful today and keep your Instagram feed fresh, strategic, and on-brand.