Using Stories Highlights to Showcase UGC and Build Trust
- Digital Marketing Handbooks
- Oct 4, 2024
- 4 min read
Imagine this: someone discovers your Instagram account for the first time. What’s the first thing they’ll see? Sure, they might scroll through your grid, but one of the easiest ways to grab their attention—and earn their trust—is through your Stories Highlights. These little circles at the top of your profile are prime real estate for showcasing what makes your brand stand out, and there’s no better content to feature than user-generated content (UGC).
Why? Because UGC is authentic, relatable, and powerful. It shows potential customers that real people love your brand—and nothing builds trust faster than social proof. In this post, we’ll explore how to curate, organize, and optimize UGC in your Stories Highlights to leave a lasting impression on every new visitor.
Why Use Stories Highlights for UGC?
Instagram Stories disappear after 24 hours, but Highlights let you keep that valuable content front and center. When you use Highlights to showcase UGC, you:
Build Credibility: New visitors see proof that your product or service is loved by real people.
Encourage Engagement: Highlighting customers’ content inspires others to share their own experiences with your brand.
Showcase Versatility: You can use UGC to display how your product fits into different lifestyles or solves various problems.
Create an Instant Connection: Stories Highlights make your brand feel human, approachable, and relatable.
How to Curate UGC for Stories Highlights
Curating UGC for Highlights isn’t just about reposting random content. It’s about being intentional with what you feature. Here’s how to do it:
1. Collect the Right UGC
Not all UGC is created equal. Focus on content that:
Showcases your product or service clearly.
Feels authentic and on-brand.
Resonates with your target audience.
Highlights different use cases or benefits.
2. Get Permission
Before reposting UGC, always ask the original creator for permission. A quick DM like this works perfectly: "Hi [Name]! We love your post about [Product Name]—it’s amazing! Would you mind if we shared it on our Stories and added it to our Highlights? Of course, we’ll tag you!"
3. Organize Content into Themes
Group your UGC into categories that make sense for your brand. For example:
“Customer Love”: Testimonials or glowing reviews.
“How-To’s”: Customers demonstrating how they use your product.
“Transformations”: Before-and-after photos or success stories.
“In the Wild”: UGC featuring your product in real-life settings.
4. Edit for Consistency
Keep your Highlights visually cohesive by adding branded elements like:
Simple text overlays or captions.
Frames or filters that match your brand colors.
A consistent tagging style for creators (e.g., "@username").
How to Organize and Design Stories Highlights
Your Highlights should look clean, professional, and inviting. Here’s how to make them stand out:
1. Choose Branded Cover Images
Create custom Highlight covers using your brand colors and icons. For example:
A heart icon for “Customer Love.”
A camera icon for “In the Wild.”
A sparkle icon for “Transformations.”
These covers should align with your overall aesthetic, making your profile visually appealing at first glance.
2. Prioritize Popular Themes
Place your most impactful Highlights first. New visitors often check out the first few circles, so feature your strongest UGC categories upfront.
3. Keep Highlights Fresh
Don’t let your Highlights become stagnant. Regularly update them with new UGC to keep them relevant and reflective of your brand’s current offerings.
Ideas for Showcasing UGC in Highlights
Not sure what type of UGC to feature? Here are some creative ideas to inspire your Highlights:
1. Customer Testimonials
Feature snippets of video testimonials, glowing reviews, or screenshots of positive comments. Label this Highlight something like “Raving Fans” or “Happy Customers.”
Example Caption:
"Swipe up to see why [Product Name] is a game-changer! 💫 Ready to try it? Tap the link in our bio!"
2. Unboxing Experiences
Unboxing videos are fun, relatable, and perfect for Highlights. Share clips of customers revealing your product for the first time.
Example Caption:
"Unboxing happiness, one package at a time! 🎁 Tag us in your unboxing moments for a chance to be featured."
3. Tutorials and Demos
UGC that shows your product in action can inspire potential customers to make a purchase. Group these clips into a Highlight called “How To” or “Tips.”
Example Caption:
"Watch how our amazing customers use [Product Name] in their daily lives! ✨ What’s your favorite way to use it?"
4. Community Spotlight
Celebrate your customers by creating a Highlight dedicated to them. Show how your product fits into their lives, whether they’re traveling, working out, or relaxing at home.
Example Caption:
"From the gym to the coffee shop—our community takes us everywhere! 🚀 Where do you use [Product Name]?"
5. Campaign-Specific Highlights
Running a UGC campaign? Dedicate a Highlight to it! For example:
If you’re promoting a new product, collect UGC featuring it in action.
For seasonal campaigns, share festive UGC with captions like “Holiday Love.”
Example Caption:
"Holiday magic brought to you by YOU! 🎄 Don’t forget to tag us with [Branded Hashtag] for a chance to be featured."
How UGC Highlights Build Trust
Using Stories Highlights to showcase UGC builds trust in ways no other content can. Here’s why:
Authenticity: Potential customers see real people sharing their experiences, which feels more trustworthy than traditional ads.
Social Proof: Seeing others love your brand makes new visitors more likely to trust and buy from you.
Community: Highlights foster a sense of belonging, encouraging your audience to join in and share their own stories.
Tips for Maximizing Impact
Promote Your Highlights: Share previews of your UGC Highlights in your Stories to encourage followers to check them out.
Engage with Featured Creators: Tag and thank the customers whose content you feature. This strengthens relationships and encourages more UGC.
Incorporate a Call-to-Action (CTA): Use captions like, “Want to be featured? Tag us in your posts or use [Branded Hashtag]!”
Final Thoughts: Make UGC a Permanent Fixture on Your Profile
Stories Highlights are more than just a storage space for past content—they’re an opportunity to showcase the heart of your brand. By featuring authentic UGC, you’re not only building trust with new visitors but also creating a space where your customers feel celebrated and valued.
Ready to get started? Dive into your archive, curate your best UGC, and turn your Highlights into a visual love letter from your customers. You’ve got this!
Your turn: What will your first UGC Highlight be? Share your ideas below, or tag us in your Stories—we’d love to feature your creativity! 😊
Comments