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Mastering “This or That” on Instagram: A Pro’s Guide to Engagement

So, you want to conquer Instagram’s “This or That” sticker and boost your engagement like a seasoned pro? It’s simpler than you think, but knowing the nuances separates the amateurs from the masters. Here’s the breakdown:

How to Use the “This or That” Feature on Instagram:

Open Instagram Stories: Start by launching the Instagram app and swiping right or tapping your profile picture with the “+” icon to access the Stories creation interface.
Capture or Upload Your Background: You can either take a photo or video in real-time, or select one from your camera roll by swiping up. This will serve as the visual backdrop for your “This or That” masterpiece. A visually appealing background is key to capturing attention.
Access the Sticker Tray: Tap the sticker icon at the top of the screen. It usually looks like a square with a folded corner.
Find and Select the “This or That” Sticker: Scroll through the sticker options until you find the “This or That” sticker. It’s usually identified with two options separated by a line. Tap to select it.
Customize Your Options: The default options will appear, but this is where the magic happens. Tap on each option (“This” and “That”) to replace them with your own personalized choices. Be creative, relevant, and engaging! Think topics your audience cares about and tailor the choices accordingly.
Reposition and Resize: Drag the sticker around the screen to place it where it looks best. Use two fingers to pinch and zoom to adjust its size. Placement is key; make sure it’s easily visible and doesn’t obstruct important parts of your background.
Add Context (Optional): Use the text tool (the “Aa” icon) to add a question or context to your “This or That” poll. This can help clarify your intent and further encourage participation. For example, instead of just “Coffee vs. Tea,” you could write “Morning Pick-Me-Up: Coffee or Tea?”
Post to Your Story: Once you’re satisfied with your creation, tap the “Your Story” button at the bottom left of the screen to share it with your followers.
Monitor Your Results: After posting, tap on your story to view it. Swipe up to see the viewers and their votes. Analyze the data to understand your audience’s preferences. This data can be used to tailor your content to maximize engagement.

That’s the core process. But to truly master the “This or That” sticker and make it a powerful tool for your Instagram strategy, you need to go deeper. The key lies in understanding your audience, crafting compelling options, and analyzing the results.

Pro Tips for Maximizing Engagement

Keep it Relevant: The options you provide should always be relevant to your niche, brand, or personal interests. Don’t throw random options out there just for the sake of it.
Use Visuals: Instead of just text, consider adding images or GIFs alongside your options. This can make your “This or That” more visually appealing and engaging.
Ask Thought-Provoking Questions: Don’t be afraid to ask questions that encourage your followers to think and express their opinions. This can spark conversation and boost engagement.
Follow Up: After the poll has ended, share the results with your followers and perhaps even offer insights based on the data. This shows that you value their input and are paying attention to their preferences.
Use Story Highlights: Save your best “This or That” polls to your Story Highlights. This will allow new followers to see them and get to know your brand or personality.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Options Too Similar: If the options are too similar, people won’t feel compelled to vote. Make sure there’s a clear distinction between the choices.
Overusing the Sticker: Don’t bombard your followers with “This or That” polls every day. Use them sparingly to avoid fatigue and maintain their effectiveness.
Ignoring the Results: If you’re not analyzing the results and using them to improve your content, you’re missing out on a valuable opportunity.
Asking Inappropriate Questions: Avoid asking questions that are offensive, controversial, or violate Instagram’s community guidelines.

FAQs: Mastering “This or That” on Instagram

Here are the answers to some common questions regarding “This or That” on Instagram to help you become the master:

1. Can I use “This or That” in a video?

Absolutely! When creating your story, you can record a video and then add the “This or That” sticker on top. Videos can significantly boost engagement as they offer a more dynamic experience.

2. How long does a “This or That” poll last?

Instagram stories, including those with the “This or That” sticker, are available for 24 hours. After that, they disappear unless you save them to your Story Highlights.

3. Can I see who voted for each option?

No, Instagram doesn’t provide specific details on who voted for which option. You can only see the aggregate percentage for each choice. This is for privacy reasons.

4. Is there a limit to how many times I can use “This or That” in a day?

There isn’t a hard limit, but as mentioned before, it’s best to avoid overuse. Too many “This or That” polls can lead to viewer fatigue and decreased engagement.

5. Can I use “This or That” for business purposes?

Definitely! Businesses can use “This or That” to gather feedback on products, gauge interest in new offerings, or simply engage with their audience in a fun and interactive way. It’s a powerful market research tool.

6. How do I save “This or That” results?

You can take a screenshot of the results before the story disappears. Alternatively, Instagram Insights provides data on your stories for a limited time, so you can access the overall engagement metrics there.

7. What if I want to change an option after posting the “This or That” sticker?

Unfortunately, you can’t edit a “This or That” poll once it’s posted. If you made a mistake, you’ll need to delete the story and create a new one. This is why careful planning is essential.

8. Can I use “This or That” in a collaborative post?

Yes, you can create a “This or That” poll in a collaborative post. All collaborators will be able to view the results and insights. This allows you to engage multiple audiences simultaneously.

9. What are some creative “This or That” ideas?

Think outside the box! Here are a few ideas:

Travel: Beach Vacation vs. Mountain Getaway
Food: Pizza vs. Pasta
Fashion: Sneakers vs. Heels
Lifestyle: Reading vs. Watching Movies
Business: Strategy A vs. Strategy B

The possibilities are endless!

10. Does the “This or That” sticker work on all Instagram accounts?

The “This or That” sticker is available on all Instagram accounts, provided you have the latest version of the app. Ensure your app is up-to-date.

11. How can I make my “This or That” poll more visually appealing?

Use high-quality images or videos as your background. Choose colors that complement your brand. Use fonts that are easy to read. And don’t overcrowd the screen! Visual appeal is crucial for attracting attention.

12. Are there any alternatives to the “This or That” sticker?

Yes, you could use the poll sticker, which allows for multiple options, or the question sticker to encourage open-ended responses. The best option depends on your specific goals.