Mastering Instagram Highlights: A Comprehensive Guide

Creating Instagram Highlights is a game-changer for crafting a compelling brand narrative and keeping your best content front and center. Forget fleeting stories; Highlights are your permanent storefront. Let’s dive into how to make the most of them.

Creating a New Highlight: Step-by-Step

Creating a new Instagram Highlight is remarkably straightforward. Here’s the definitive process:

1. Navigate to Your Profile: Open your Instagram app and tap on your profile picture in the bottom right corner to access your profile page.
2. Find the Highlights Section: Look for the circular icons located just below your bio. This is where your existing Highlights reside, and where your new one will soon live.
3. Tap the “+” (New) Button: You’ll see a “+” symbol with the word “New” underneath it. Tapping this is your gateway to creating a fresh Highlight.
4. Select Stories to Include: You’ll be presented with an archive of your past stories. Select all the stories you want to include in your new Highlight. You can select multiple stories at once.
5. Tap “Next”: Once you’ve chosen your stories, tap the “Next” button in the upper right corner.
6. Choose a Cover Photo: You’ll be prompted to choose a cover photo for your Highlight. You can either select a frame from one of the stories you’ve chosen, or upload an image from your camera roll. A captivating cover photo is crucial for attracting attention. Tap “Edit Cover” to make your selection.
7. Name Your Highlight: Give your Highlight a concise and descriptive name. Keep it short and sweet – Instagram displays limited characters. Aim for clarity and impact.
8. Tap “Add” (or “Done”): Once you’re satisfied with your cover photo and title, tap “Add” (or “Done” depending on your app version). Your new Highlight is now live on your profile!
9. (Optional) Edit After Creation: You can edit your highlight at any time. Long-press on the highlight on your profile, and select “Edit Highlight.” This allows you to add more stories, change the cover, or edit the title.

That’s it! Your carefully curated content is now permanently displayed on your profile.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Instagram Highlights

Here are some essential FAQs to help you become a true Highlights master:

Can I Add Existing Stories to Multiple Highlights?

Yes, you absolutely can. A single story can live in multiple Highlights simultaneously. This is a great strategy for maximizing visibility and targeting different audience segments.

How Long Do Stories Last in Highlights?

Stories added to Highlights remain permanently visible on your profile until you remove them. They don’t disappear after 24 hours like regular stories.

Can I Change the Order of Stories Within a Highlight?

Unfortunately, Instagram doesn’t directly allow you to manually rearrange the order of stories within a Highlight. Stories are displayed in the order they were originally posted. However, a clever workaround is to add new stories to the Highlight; these will appear at the beginning.

How Do I Delete a Highlight?

Deleting a Highlight is simple. Long-press the Highlight you want to remove on your profile. A menu will appear; select “Delete Highlight.” Confirm your decision, and the Highlight will be gone.

How Do I Remove a Story From a Highlight?

To remove a single story from a Highlight, long-press the Highlight, select “Edit Highlight,” and then tap the “Stories” tab. You’ll see a list of all the stories in the Highlight. Simply uncheck the box next to the story you want to remove, and tap “Done.”

What Size Should My Highlight Cover Photos Be?

For optimal display, your Highlight cover photos should be 1080 pixels wide by 1920 pixels high (9:16 aspect ratio). This ensures they fill the circular frame without being cropped awkwardly. Create visually appealing and consistent cover photos using design tools like Canva or Adobe Spark.

Can I See Who Viewed My Highlights?

While you can see who viewed individual stories while they were live (within the initial 24 hours), Instagram doesn’t provide a comprehensive list of viewers for Highlights after that period. You will be able to see the total number of views for the whole highlight however.

Are There Limitations on How Many Highlights I Can Create?

There is no officially stated limit to the number of Highlights you can create. However, keeping them concise and focused will make your profile more user-friendly.

Can I Use Instagram Highlight Templates?

Absolutely! Using templates is a fantastic way to create visually consistent and professional-looking Highlight covers. Platforms like Canva, Etsy, and Creative Market offer a vast array of Instagram Highlight cover templates.

How Often Should I Update My Highlights?

The frequency of updates depends on your content strategy and target audience. Regularly refreshing your Highlights with new and relevant information keeps your profile engaging and dynamic. Consider updating them weekly or bi-weekly, especially if you run promotions or have time-sensitive content.

Can I Add Videos to My Highlights?

Yes! You can add both photos and videos to your Highlights. Videos are a powerful way to showcase your products, services, or personality.

How Can I Use Highlights for Business?

Highlights are invaluable for businesses. Here are a few ideas:

• Product Catalogs: Create Highlights showcasing your best-selling products or new arrivals.
• Customer Testimonials: Share positive reviews and feedback to build trust.
• Behind-the-Scenes: Give your audience a glimpse into your company culture and operations.
• FAQs: Answer frequently asked questions to address customer concerns.
• Promotions & Offers: Highlight special deals and discounts.
• Events: Showcase events you are hosting or attending.
• Tutorials: Create mini-courses or how-to videos on relevant topics.

By strategically using Highlights, businesses can effectively communicate their brand message, engage their audience, and drive sales.

In conclusion, mastering Instagram Highlights is essential for anyone looking to build a strong online presence. By following these steps and FAQs, you can create visually appealing and informative Highlights that will captivate your audience and elevate your brand. Take the time to thoughtfully curate your Highlights and you will reap the rewards of an engaging and effective Instagram presence.