Instagram Stories have quickly become one of the most powerful tools for boosting engagement on the platform. Unlike the traditional feed, which tends to focus on curated content, Stories are spontaneous and informal, allowing you to build a more authentic connection with your followers.

Why they get higher engagement

The interactive features—such as polls, questions, and stickers—encourage participation, which results in higher engagement rates. The temporary nature of Stories also creates a sense of urgency, which is perfect for limited-time offers, events, or checking out your new content.

How should you use them?

But how can you best harness the power of Stories in a way that feels easy to create? Here are 7 ways to use Canva templates to enhance your Instagram Stories and drive even more engagement for your business.

1. Product Promotion

Highlight new products, service, or affiliate link with a custom design, and use the link sticker for easy access to your offerings.

How to use it: Use a Photo Frame or Thumbnail template that matches the proportions of your image. Upload to Instagram stories and use the “link” sticker for custom or affiliate links. If you have IG Shop set-up, you can link directly to your product catalog by using the “product” sticker.

2. Cross-Promotion

Share content from other platforms, like YouTube videos, and drive traffic using the link sticker.

How to make it: Open your New Youtube Video template in Canva and add a teaser clip or thumbnail image. Upload to Instagram stories and use the “link sticker” to drive people straight to the long-form video. You can change the link copy to read “Watch On Youtube”.

3. This or That

Create a comparison poll (ex. Beyonce or Taylor) and let your audience pick which one they prefer. Make it fun by adding quirky options like “Definitely!” vs. “Not today, Satan!” or “Team A” vs. “Team B.” You can also add a non-answer for the non-committal like “See results”.

This can also be a great way to A/B test your product offerings. Let your audience decide what you should offer next.

How to create it: Use a Photo Frame 2Up template and your images in Canva. Then add your poll sticker to your Story, and make sure to customize the answers to be in your unique voice.

4. Hot or Not

The reaction slider is all about giving your followers a chance to vote on something in a fun way. Emoji sliders are a unique way to add a personal touch to the vote.

How to use it: Use a GIF template in Canva and replace with a trending GIF. Place your Emoji slider sticker on top in Instagram Stories to give your audience a chance to react. You can add answers on either side of the “Ask a question…” box (separated by spaces) to offer an A/B response.

5. Countdown

Build anticipation for upcoming events or launches with a countdown timer, allowing followers to set reminders.

How to make it: Use a Thumbnail template and add your product offering or brand photo. Then, in Instagram Stories, simply add the “Countdown” sticker that matches your launch time.

6. Question Box

Encourage direct engagement by allowing your audience to ask questions or provide feedback.

How to create it: Use a Q&A template to add your question prompt to your followers. Add it to stories and insert a “Questions” sticker on top for them to insert their answer.

7. Testimonials

Social proof is everything when it comes to trust and credibility. By tagging your clients directly, you also enable them to repost it to their own Story. It’s a great way to connect your future clients with your past wins.

How to use it: Use a Client Review template to add your client’s feedback. In your stories, add a “mention” sticker to tag your client. In follow-up stories, you can add case study images to show off the product or results.

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Swipe Right

By using templates, you can easily take advantage of Instagram Stories' potential to engage your followers and promote your business. The key is to keep it interactive, fun, and relevant to your audience, while maintaining your unique brand voice.

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