Stories across all platforms have been on the rise. They are so ingrained in our everyday content creation that it’s hard to imagine life without them. But their introduction into the social media content wheel is actually pretty new.
We all remember that people were skeptical when Instagram first announced they were getting onboard with Snapchat's famous content format. But as the numbers show, public opinion quickly shifted, and within just a year of being introduced, Instagram Stories acquired more Daily Active Users than even Snapchat.
Stories have seen a rapid rise since 2016. Facebook (including Messenger) and even Whatsapp followed suit, adding Stories to their repertoire of formats and the results speak for themselves. The Stories format on Instagram, Facebook+Messenger, and WhatsApp all have reached the impressive milestone of reaching 500 Million Daily Active Users – and counting.
Like all formats, time strengthens the content's quality. Brands were first apprehensive about adding Stories to their strategy; it was seen as an intimate channel and finding ways to monetize was difficult. But with multiple updates and tons of great apps out there, Stories have risen to a whole new level.
Now that you've gotten a brief rundown Instagram Stories’ growth, we can get into the good stuff. Here's a list of Instagram Stories apps that will help keep your audiences tapping forward:
1. Over
Over is an awesome Stories creation tool that has everything you need from backgrounds to professional-looking templates. With this app you no longer need to spend hours in Photoshop creating designs that will vanish within 24 hours.
It's a great choice for brands who also want to keep within their guidelines. With this app you don't have to let quality suffer and can easily upload company logos, fonts, and color palettes so that everything can look on brand without the hassle.
2. Mojo
Want to create video Stories? Then Mojo, a video editing Stories app, is for you. This app is truly a game changer.
Videos stand out on Instagram Stories because they are quick, engaging, and fun. But let's be realistic: branded videos can be a lot of work. Luckily, you don't have to stress too much because apps like Mojo make this a walk in the park.
You'll have access to more than 100 video templates, all of which are 100% editable. There are also hundreds of different text variations to choose from, all of which are fully animated and customizable.
And the best part in Mojo is constantly innovating, coming out with new templates and text styles every month.
3. Content Hub from Socialbakers [now Emplifi]
With one place to easily view all of your content and integration with Adobe Spark, Socialbakers’ [now Emplifi] new Content Hub is a one-stop-shop to make your stories great. On top of designing them to stand out, you can seek inspiration for new ideas, schedule stories to post at the best possible time, and track their performance.
4. Canva
Canva is a Stories editing app that has it all. Whether you’re a beginner or a Photoshop master, you'll be able to find some design gems that will make your life easier.
While many Stories apps focus on photo editing, Canva is unique because it offers many different features. Unlike other apps, Canva even offers the ability to create custom graphs in just minutes. The process is quick and painless. You can choose from their wide range of templates, select a diagram you want, input your data and wallah – you have a premium piece of content without even having to pester your design team.
Of course, that is just one of many features Canva offers. The app provides their users with beautifully designed templates, photos, and icons – all of which can be edited straight from the app.
5. Unfold
Just go to Unfold's website and you'll immediately be staring creativity in the face. This app is every photographer's dream come true. If you are looking to showcase your brand's photos in their best light then this is the perfect app.
You'll have a wide selection of print-inspired editorials at your fingertips. Add a classic look and feel to your Stories with templates, frames, and ripped photo edges.
6. Impresso
Impresso is a great app for any social media marketer looking to create stunning Stories on the go without the hassle. Like other apps mentioned here, you'll have access to quick templates. There is also a huge variety to choose from so you're guaranteed to find something that matches your brand. You're not only able to edit templates and text, but you'll also have access to a photo and music library, which is a huge bonus!
7. Adobe Spark
Adobe Spark has everything you need and MORE, which is why it's not surprising that the app boasts a 4.9-star rating on Apple's App store with over 82k reviews. While other apps offer hundreds of free templates, Adobe offers thousands. It’s also integrated into the Socialbakers’ Suite, where you can easily manage and schedule all of your Stories after making them look great.
You don't need to be a designer to work with Adobe's app. To change up a design you literally just keep tapping – it's that easy. What's even better is that you'll have access to your work across devices. So if you start a design on your tablet and later want to finish it up on your mobile device, you can pick up where you left off.
There is a price tag attached to all of this convenience – but don't worry, it's affordable. You have the option of a monthly subscription for just $9.99 or an annual subscription for $99.99. And if you’re subscribed to Adobe Creative Cloud, Spark is already included.
8. Storeo
Tired of trying to navigate the shaky waters of Instagram Stories videos? Then Storeo is the perfect app for you.
Forget clunky videos that restart every 15 seconds. Storeo allows you to upload one seamless video to your Instagram Stories, cutting it into 15 second increments so you can say and do everything you want to without getting cut off or losing the attention of your audience.
9. A Design Kit
This one is for all the designers out there. A Design Kit is an awesome app that’s known for its colorful designs and realistic brushes. There are a variety of different textures to choose from so your Stories will never be boring. Add beautiful text to spice up your Stories and wow your followers.
10. Inshot
Inshot gives you the ability to perform a variety of different creative tasks from editing videos to adding funky stickers that will make your Stories stand out above the rest.
With this app you can confidently edit videos straight from your phone with advanced features that allow you to adjust the speed, merge clips, cut out the middle part, and even split up the video.
Inshot also lets you sharpen your sound game, with the ability to add your own music, select tunes from a library, and easily insert voiceovers. It's a great way to transform your Instagram Stories into interactive content your audience will want to respond to.
And stickers – did we mention stickers?! Enjoy choosing from unique stickers that will make your Instagram Stories fun and dynamic.
The takeaway
Instagram Stories have added a breath of fresh air to social media. The format has exploded across platforms, which proves there is a demand for this type of in-the-moment content. Instagram Stories are so much fun to create, and it becomes even more exciting when you're able to keep it fresh using different techniques.
Don't limit yourself to features that are available on Instagram. Expand your creativity and test out a variety of different tools that will keep your content fresh – without wasting hours of valuable time.
Editor's Note: This article was originally published on socialbakers.com. Any statistics or statements included in this article were current at the time of original publication.
