How to Make an Instagram Story Grid: The Ultimate Guide

Creating a captivating Instagram Story is no longer enough; you need to grab attention instantly. Enter the Instagram Story Grid: a visually stunning and engaging way to tell a story across multiple frames, maximizing impact. In short, to make an Instagram Story Grid, you need a third-party app or a design tool to split a single image or design into multiple perfectly sized segments, which you then upload individually to your Instagram Story in the correct order. Let’s dive into the specifics.

What is an Instagram Story Grid and Why Use One?

Understanding the Power of Story Grids

An Instagram Story Grid essentially takes one larger image or design and slices it into smaller squares that fit perfectly within the Instagram Story frame. When viewed together, these individual frames create a larger, cohesive image or message. This technique elevates your stories from simple snapshots to mini-masterpieces, capturing viewers’ attention and encouraging engagement.

Benefits Beyond Aesthetics: Why Grids Matter

Beyond the visual appeal, Story Grids offer several tangible benefits:

• Increased Engagement: The unique format naturally draws attention and encourages viewers to tap through each frame, increasing dwell time on your content.
• Enhanced Brand Storytelling: Grids provide a larger canvas for storytelling, allowing you to showcase products, services, or experiences in a more impactful way.
• Professional Appearance: Using grids instantly elevates your brand’s perceived professionalism, demonstrating attention to detail and a commitment to quality content.
• Better Content Organization: Grids help organize your content in a digestible format, presenting information in a structured and visually appealing way.

Tools and Techniques for Creating Instagram Story Grids

The Essential Toolkit: Apps and Software

Numerous apps and design tools cater specifically to creating Instagram Story Grids. Here are a few of the most popular options:

• Grid Post (iOS & Android): This app is a dedicated grid maker with a user-friendly interface, allowing you to create grids ranging from 3×1 to 3×5.
• PhotoSplit (iOS & Android): Another excellent option, PhotoSplit boasts a clean interface and the ability to create various grid sizes.
• Canva (Web, iOS & Android): While not solely a grid maker, Canva’s powerful design capabilities allow you to create custom templates and slice your designs easily. This is generally considered the professional’s choice.
• Adobe Photoshop (Desktop): For those with advanced design skills, Photoshop provides unparalleled control over the grid creation process. This is the most complex but offers the greatest flexibility.

Step-by-Step: Creating a Grid Using Grid Post

Let’s walk through creating a Story Grid using the Grid Post app:

1. Download and Install: Download the Grid Post app from your app store.
2. Choose Your Image: Open the app and select the image you want to use for your grid.
3. Select Your Grid Size: Choose the desired grid size (e.g., 3×3, 3×2). The app will automatically slice your image accordingly.
4. Save the Slices: The app will save each individual slice of your image to your phone’s gallery.
5. Upload to Instagram Story: Open Instagram and create a new Story. Upload the image slices one by one, ensuring you upload them in the correct order from left to right, top to bottom.

Level Up: Creating a Grid with Canva

Using Canva gives you far more design control. Here’s a streamlined approach:

1. Create a Custom Design: Open Canva and create a custom design sized appropriately for your desired grid. For a 3×3 grid, a suitable size would be 3240 x 3240 pixels (1080 x 1080 for each square).
2. Design Your Grid: Design your content within the canvas. Use Canva’s tools to add text, images, graphics, and other design elements.
3. Download as PNG/JPEG: Download your design as a high-resolution image (PNG or JPEG).
4. Use a Grid Splitter: Use a tool like PineTools Image Splitter (online) or the Image Splitter app (mobile) to divide your large image into the 3×3 grid. Upload your downloaded image, set the grid size, and download the split images.
5. Upload to Instagram Story: Upload the image slices to your Instagram Story, ensuring they are in the correct order.

Tips and Tricks for Story Grid Success

Content is King: Design Principles for Impact

• Maintain Visual Consistency: Ensure that the overall design of your grid aligns with your brand’s aesthetic. Use consistent colors, fonts, and imagery.
• Create a Clear Narrative: Use the grid format to tell a story or convey a message. Each frame should contribute to the overall narrative.
• Focus on High-Quality Imagery: Use high-resolution images that are well-lit and visually appealing. Blurry or pixelated images will detract from the overall effect.
• Incorporate Interactive Elements: Add polls, quizzes, or questions to encourage engagement with your Story Grid.

Timing is Everything: When to Use Story Grids

• Product Launches: Showcase new products or services in a visually compelling way.
• Event Promotions: Highlight key details and create excitement for upcoming events.
• Behind-the-Scenes Content: Give your audience a glimpse into your company culture or daily operations.
• Announcements: Make important announcements or share company news.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the ideal Instagram Story grid size?

There is no single ideal size, but the most common are 3×3 (9 frames), 3×2 (6 frames), and 3×1 (3 frames). The best size depends on the complexity of your content and the level of detail you want to include. 3×3 is a good starting point.

2. Can I use videos in an Instagram Story Grid?

Yes, some apps and tools allow you to split videos into grid segments. However, this can be more complex than using images. Consider the file size limitations and the potential for lag when uploading multiple video clips.

3. How do I ensure the grid images are uploaded in the correct order?

The easiest way is to number the image slices sequentially before uploading them to your phone. Alternatively, many grid apps provide an upload sequence guide.

4. What if my image doesn’t perfectly fit the grid?

Most apps offer options to adjust the image size and position within the grid. You can also use photo editing tools to crop or resize your image beforehand.

5. Are there any Instagram Story Grid templates available?

Yes, Canva and other design platforms offer numerous pre-designed Story Grid templates that you can customize to suit your brand.

6. How can I measure the success of my Instagram Story Grid?

Track your reach, impressions, and engagement rates (taps forward, taps back, exits) to assess the performance of your Story Grid. Compare these metrics to your regular story performance.

7. Is it possible to create an animated Instagram Story Grid?

Yes, using tools like Adobe After Effects or Canva’s animation features, you can create animated elements within your grid design. Just remember to export each frame as a video or GIF and split them accordingly.

8. What are the best practices for creating an effective Call-to-Action (CTA) in a Story Grid?

Place your CTA in a prominent location within the grid, preferably in the final frame or a frame that naturally leads to it. Use clear and concise language that encourages viewers to take action (e.g., “Swipe Up,” “Visit Our Website”).

9. How often should I use Instagram Story Grids?

Using Story Grids too frequently can diminish their impact. Save them for special occasions, important announcements, or when you want to make a particularly strong visual statement.

10. What is the best file format for the grid images?

JPEG or PNG are both suitable options. PNG is generally preferred for graphics and text-heavy designs, while JPEG is often used for photographs.

11. Can I use different grid sizes within the same story?

While technically possible, it’s generally best to stick to a single grid size within a single Story to maintain visual consistency and avoid confusing your audience.

12. Are there any copyright considerations when using images in an Instagram Story Grid?

Yes, always ensure that you have the right to use any images included in your Story Grid. Use your own photos, purchase stock photos, or obtain permission from the copyright holder. Plagiarism or unauthorized usage is a serious issue.