Quick Tutorials and How-To Guides to Share on Instagram Stories

Digital Marketing Handbooks
Mar 3, 2024
4 min read

Instagram Stories are the perfect place to share bite-sized tutorials and how-to guides that inform, inspire, and engage your audience. With their short lifespan and interactive features, Stories offer a unique opportunity to break down complex information into digestible, visually appealing steps. Whether you’re teaching a skill, showcasing your expertise, or demonstrating your product, tutorials on Stories can captivate your audience and build trust in your brand.

Ready to turn your knowledge into shareable Stories? Let’s dive in!

Why Instagram Stories Are Perfect for Tutorials

Instagram Stories are all about real-time, relatable, and interactive content. Here’s why they’re ideal for tutorials and how-tos:

Bite-Sized Learning: With each slide lasting up to 15 seconds, Stories force you to distill information into clear, concise steps.
Engagement Boosters: Features like polls, quizzes, and stickers make your tutorials interactive and engaging.
Visual Appeal: Stories let you combine images, text, videos, and animations for a dynamic learning experience.
Easy to Save: Tutorials can be saved as Highlights, creating a long-term resource for your followers.

How to Create Scroll-Stopping Tutorials for Instagram Stories

1. Start with a Strong Hook

Grab attention from the very first slide. A compelling hook ensures viewers stick around for the entire tutorial.

Examples of Engaging Hooks:

“Want to master the perfect smoky eye? 👁️ Keep watching for a foolproof 3-step guide!”
“Struggling to stay organized? Here are 5 hacks to declutter your workspace! ✨”
“Learn how to whip up a café-worthy latte at home in just 5 minutes. ☕️”

2. Keep It Simple and Clear

Complex topics can feel overwhelming, but breaking them into smaller, actionable steps makes them approachable.

Tips for Simplifying Tutorials:

Use one step per slide to avoid information overload.
Add short, easy-to-read text with clear instructions.
Use visuals like photos, videos, or graphics to complement the text.

3. Use Visuals That Educate

Instagram is a visual platform, so let your visuals do the talking! Use a mix of photos, videos, and animations to make your tutorial engaging.

Visual Ideas:

Demonstration Videos: Show the process in action, whether it’s crafting, cooking, or styling.
Before-and-After Images: Highlight transformations to make your content more compelling.
Graphic Overlays: Use arrows, text, or stickers to emphasize key points.

4. Add Interactive Elements

Interactive features make your tutorials feel like a two-way conversation, encouraging your audience to participate.

Interactive Ideas:

Polls: “Do you prefer step-by-step guides or quick tips? Vote below!”
Questions Sticker: “What’s your biggest challenge with [topic]? We’ll answer in the next slide!”
Quizzes: “Which tool is best for this step? Test your knowledge!”

5. Include a Call-to-Action (CTA)

Encourage your audience to take the next step, whether it’s trying the tutorial, visiting your website, or sharing the Story.

CTA Examples:

“Try it out and tag us in your results! We’d love to see. 💕”
“Swipe up for the full guide on our blog! 🔗”
“Save this Story to your Highlights for easy access later. 📌”

Tutorial Topics Perfect for Instagram Stories

No matter your niche, there’s always something valuable you can teach your audience. Here are a few ideas to get started:

For Beauty Brands:

“How to Perfect Your Winged Eyeliner in 3 Easy Steps 🎨”
“The Best Nighttime Skincare Routine for Glowing Skin ✨”

For Fitness Coaches:

“A 5-Minute Stretch to Boost Your Morning Energy 🌞”
“3 Simple Workouts You Can Do at Your Desk 💪”

For Food Bloggers:

“Quick & Easy Avocado Toast Variations 🥑”
“How to Make the Perfect Fluffy Pancakes in 5 Steps 🥞”

For Lifestyle Brands:

“5 Ways to Create a Cozy Autumn Aesthetic at Home 🍂”
“Declutter Your Closet in 3 Simple Steps 👗”

Example: A Step-by-Step Story Tutorial

Imagine you’re a DIY brand teaching your audience how to create a minimalist floral arrangement. Here’s how you can structure your Instagram Story:

Slide 1 (Hook): “Want to elevate your home decor? 🌿 Here’s how to create a chic floral arrangement in 5 easy steps!”
Slide 2: “Step 1: Choose 3-5 flowers in complementary colors. Think soft pastels for a minimalist vibe.”
Slide 3: “Step 2: Pick greenery to add texture. Eucalyptus or ferns work beautifully! 🌱”
Slide 4: “Step 3: Trim the stems to fit your vase. Cut at a 45-degree angle for longer-lasting blooms. ✂️”
Slide 5: “Step 4: Arrange flowers evenly, starting with greenery as the base. Add height with taller blooms.”
Slide 6: “Step 5: Style it on your coffee table or desk for a touch of elegance. ✨ Done!”
Slide 7 (CTA): “Save this guide to your Highlights for your next floral project! 🌸”

Pro Tips for Story Tutorials

Be Consistent with Branding: Use your brand colors, fonts, and logo to keep your Stories recognizable.
Time It Right: Post tutorials when your audience is most active for maximum engagement.
Save and Organize: Create Highlights for different tutorial categories, like “DIY,” “Recipes,” or “Fitness Tips.”

Why Tutorials Work on Instagram Stories

Tutorials not only position you as an expert in your field but also provide tangible value to your audience. They:

Solve problems or answer questions.
Create opportunities for engagement and conversation.
Build trust and loyalty by offering helpful, free content.

Let’s Create Together!

Your expertise has the power to inspire and educate your audience, so why not start today? Instagram Stories are your canvas—use them to create tutorials that leave a lasting impression. Remember, every Story is an opportunity to connect, engage, and add value.

What will your first tutorial be? Share it, tag us, and let’s celebrate your creativity together! 🎉