‘Stories’ captivate us, but why?

‘Stories’ captivate us, but why?

They are short, impactful content that rules social media, keeping audiences hooked to their screens. In this article, we discuss ‘Stories’, the powerful mini-giants of online communication and why they are so appealing.

It all started with Snapchat, an app conceived by three university students, aimed at revolutionising social interactions by allowing users to communicate through temporary photos, videos, and messages, vanishing in the blink of an eye after being viewed. This led to the creation of ‘Snaps’, and the concept of communication without the pressure of permanence.

Over time, Snapchat evolved, introducing ‘Stories’ – sequences of ‘Snaps’ visible for 24 hours. This feature began a trend of sharing daily routines with thousands, if not millions, of people.

Observing Snapchat’s success, Mark Zuckerberg attempted to acquire this brilliant idea but failed. In response, he transformed Instagram with just one update, introducing ‘Instagram Stories’. This feature was warmly welcomed by users and some say it completely overshadowed Snapchat, but that’s a topic for another article.

Since integrating ‘Stories’ into Instagram, this content type has become increasingly popular and recognised as one of the most sought-after and engaging formats. Why? In an era where authenticity is the most valuable currency, behind-the-scenes content is as important as the main stage.

‘Stories’ possess a unique power: they captivate, inform, and connect, unlike any other content. Their ephemeral nature creates a sense of urgency, and the fear of missing out, the feeling that something is about to disappear, keeps us glued to the screen, attentive to every moment. But there’s more; their informality and authenticity pave the way for more personal communication, almost face-to-face, where digital barriers dissipate. Moreover, polls, questions, and interactions build a community and foster genuine connections with the audience. And the best part? They appear prominently on platforms, capturing our attention even more.

Today, both individuals and brands embrace ‘Stories’. Brands see them as a direct, personal, and engaging way to communicate with their audience and get to know them better. It’s also a way for brands to humanise themselves, giving a face, a voice, and a soul to what many saw only as logos.

These mini-giants are the present and future of online communication! If you’re not using ‘Stories’ for your business yet, it’s time to start! Contact us to begin maximising this tool’s potential.

Brandtellers specialises in Digital Marketing.