How to Create Instagram Highlights: A Step-by-Step Guide for Businesses

With over 1 billion monthly Instagram users and businesses seeing a 30% rise in engagement through Instagram highlights, I understand why it’s vital. Creating Instagram highlights helps showcase your brand effectively. These highlights keep your best stories visible to your audience.

I work with Add A Little Digital to bring you top digital marketing strategies, including mastering how to create Instagram highlights. Knowing how to create Instagram highlights can set your business apart. With 60% of users discovering new products via Instagram and Add A Little Digital driving successful highlight campaigns, your business can thrive online. Let me guide you through the steps to create Instagram highlights that work for you.

Understanding Instagram Highlights

Instagram Highlights allow you to showcase your best Stories permanently on your profile. They serve as a curated collection of key moments, products, or information that you want followers and visitors to see anytime they visit your page. By organizing content into Highlights, you make it easier for your audience to navigate and engage with what matters most to your brand.

What Are Instagram Highlights?

Instagram Highlights are curated collections of your past Stories that you choose to feature on your profile. Unlike regular Stories, which disappear after 24 hours, Highlights remain visible indefinitely, allowing you to showcase important aspects of your brand. You can create multiple Highlights, each with its own cover image and title, to categorize different types of content such as products, behind-the-scenes looks, customer testimonials, or special events.

To create a Highlight, simply go to your Instagram profile, tap the plus icon under your bio, and select the Stories you want to include. You can then name your Highlight and choose a cover image that represents the content. This feature not only keeps your profile organized but also provides new visitors with an easy way to understand what your business is all about at a glance.

Using Highlights effectively means regularly updating them with fresh content and strategically organizing them to reflect your brand’s values and offerings. Whether you’re a small business owner or managing a large brand, Highlights can serve as an essential tool for showcasing your best content and keeping your audience engaged.

At Addalittledigital.com, we can help you design and organize your Instagram Highlights to ensure they effectively represent your brand and attract more followers. Our expertise in online marketing ensures that your Highlights not only look great but also drive engagement and conversions.

Benefits of Using Highlights

Using Instagram Highlights offers several advantages for your business. First, Highlights extend the lifespan of your Stories, allowing your content to remain accessible beyond the typical 24-hour window. This means new visitors can explore your best Stories anytime, increasing the chances of converting them into customers.

Highlights also enhance your profile’s aesthetic appeal. By carefully selecting and organizing your Highlights, you create a visually appealing and professional-looking profile that attracts and retains followers. A well-organized profile signals to potential customers that your business is credible and attentive to detail.

Another key benefit is improved storytelling. Highlights enable you to group related Stories together, making it easier to convey your brand’s story and key messages. Whether you’re showcasing your latest products, sharing customer reviews, or providing behind-the-scenes insights, Highlights help you present information in a structured and engaging manner.

Moreover, Highlights can drive engagement and interaction. By featuring interactive content such as polls, quizzes, or Q&A sessions in your Highlights, you encourage followers to interact with your profile repeatedly. This ongoing interaction strengthens your relationship with your audience and keeps your brand top-of-mind.

Using Highlights also supports marketing strategies by spotlighting promotions, events, or important announcements. By keeping these Highlights prominently displayed on your profile, you ensure that crucial information is easily accessible to anyone who visits your page, enhancing your marketing efforts.

At Addalittledigital.com, we understand the importance of leveraging Instagram Highlights to maximize your online presence. We assist you in creating and managing effective Highlights that not only look appealing but also align with your marketing goals, helping your business grow and thrive on Instagram.

Preparing Your Stories for Highlights

Before diving into creating Highlights, it’s important to select and prepare your Stories carefully. This ensures your Highlights effectively showcase your brand and engage your audience.

Selecting the Right Stories

Choosing the right Stories for your Instagram Highlights sets the foundation for a compelling profile. I start by reviewing my existing Stories to find those that best represent my brand’s values and objectives. I look for content that highlights key products, services, events, or behind-the-scenes moments that resonate with my audience.

I prioritize Stories that have high engagement rates, such as those with numerous views, likes, and shares. For example, if a Story about a product launch received a lot of attention, it’s a strong candidate for a Highlight. Evergreen content, which remains relevant over time, is also ideal because it can continuously attract and inform visitors.

Categorizing Stories by theme or topic helps in creating organized and meaningful Highlights. I might create separate Highlights for “Products,” “Events,” “Testimonials,” and “Behind the Scenes.” This categorization makes it easier for followers to navigate my profile and find the information they’re interested in quickly.

Consistency is key when selecting Stories. I ensure that the chosen Stories maintain a uniform aesthetic and tone that aligns with my brand identity. This includes matching color schemes, fonts, and overall visual style. Consistent visuals help in creating a cohesive and professional-looking profile.

Additionally, I consider the storytelling aspect of each Story. Each Highlight should tell a part of my brand’s story, providing value and insight to my audience. Whether it’s sharing customer reviews, showcasing new products, or providing tutorials, each Story should contribute to a larger narrative that engages and informs followers.

If any selected Stories need improvement, I take the time to revise them before adding them to a Highlight. Enhancing images, updating captions, or adding relevant hashtags can make a Story more effective and impactful.

By carefully selecting the right Stories, I ensure that my Instagram Highlights are engaging, relevant, and reflective of my brand’s essence.

At Addalittledigital.com, I receive expert guidance in selecting the most impactful Stories for my Highlights. Their team helps identify high-performing content and organizes it to maximize my profile’s appeal and engagement.

Editing and Organizing Stories

After selecting the right Stories, the next step is editing and organizing them to create polished and effective Highlights. I use Instagram’s editing tools to enhance each Story, ensuring they align with my brand’s style and messaging.

First, I review each Story for quality and consistency. I adjust brightness, contrast, and colors to maintain a uniform look across all Stories in a Highlight. For example, if my brand uses a specific color palette, I ensure all Stories reflect those colors, creating a cohesive visual experience.

I also refine the text and captions. Clear, concise captions are essential for conveying my message effectively. I check for spelling and grammar errors and ensure that the text is readable and well-placed. Using consistent font styles and sizes across all Stories adds to the professional appearance of my Highlights.

Additionally, I add stickers, hashtags, and location tags to make my Stories more interactive and discoverable. These elements can increase engagement and help new followers find my content. However, I use them sparingly to avoid cluttering the Stories and keep the focus on the main content.

Organizing Stories into Highlights involves strategic planning. I create logical groupings based on themes or topics. Each Highlight should tell a specific part of my brand’s story, making it easy for followers to find the information they need. For instance, a “Tutorials” Highlight can feature step-by-step guides, while a “Customer Reviews” Highlight showcases testimonials.

I also prioritize the order of Highlights based on what’s most important or timely. Placing critical Highlights like “New Arrivals” or “Sales” at the beginning ensures they’re easily accessible to visitors.

Finally, I choose appealing cover images for each Highlight. A consistent cover style reinforces my brand identity and makes Highlights more visually attractive. I often design custom covers that include my brand’s logo or use a uniform color scheme to maintain consistency.

By meticulously editing and organizing my Stories, I create Instagram Highlights that are both functional and visually appealing, enhancing my brand’s profile.

Addalittledigital.com assists me in streamlining the editing and organizing process, ensuring my Highlights are professionally presented and effectively communicate my brand’s message.

Creating a New Highlight

Creating a new Instagram Highlight is a straightforward process that allows you to showcase your best Stories permanently on your profile. Here’s how you can get started:

How to Add Stories to a Highlight

First, open your Instagram app and navigate to your profile. Tap the “+” button under your bio to create a new Highlight. You’ll see all your archived Stories displayed; select the ones you want to include by tapping on them. Once you’ve chosen your Stories, tap “Next.” Here, you can give your Highlight a name that reflects its content, such as “Behind the Scenes” or “Product Launch.” After naming, select a cover image by tapping “Edit Cover.” You can choose a frame from your selected Stories or upload a custom image to make your Highlight stand out. Finally, tap “Add” to publish your new Highlight on your profile.

If you need assistance with selecting the best Stories or designing eye-catching cover images, addalittledigital.com can support you. Our team helps businesses curate their content effectively and ensures that each Highlight reflects your brand’s personality, making your profile more attractive to visitors.

Naming Your Highlight

Choosing the right name for your Instagram Highlight is crucial as it helps followers understand the content at a glance. Start by keeping the name short and descriptive, ideally between one to two words. For instance, names like “Tips,” “Events,” or “Testimonials” instantly convey the type of content included. Avoid using lengthy phrases that might be cut off in the display. Additionally, use keywords that align with your brand and the interests of your audience to enhance discoverability.

Consistency is key when naming your Highlights. Use a uniform style, such as capitalizing each word or keeping all names in the same language, to maintain a cohesive look on your profile. This uniformity not only makes your profile look organized but also strengthens your brand identity. Experiment with emojis to add a visual element to your Highlight names, making them more engaging and easier to identify.

If you’re unsure about the best naming strategy or want to brainstorm creative ideas, addalittledigital.com is here to help. We work with you to develop Highlight names that resonate with your audience and enhance your overall Instagram strategy, ensuring your Highlights effectively communicate your brand message.

Customizing Highlight Covers

Creating eye-catching highlight covers is essential to maintaining a cohesive Instagram profile. Let’s explore how you can select and design covers that represent your brand effectively.

Choosing the Perfect Cover Image

Selecting the right cover image sets the tone for your Instagram Highlights. Start by identifying images that align with your brand’s identity. For instance, if you run a bakery, images of your best pastries or a clean, minimalist logo work well. Ensure each cover is easily recognizable; using consistent colors and styles helps maintain a uniform look across all highlights. Additionally, consider the size and clarity of the image. Since highlight covers appear as small icons, simple designs without too much detail are more effective. Test your chosen images by viewing them on different devices to confirm they look good everywhere. Including relatable icons or symbols can also enhance recognition. For example, a shopping bag icon for product highlights or a camera for behind-the-scenes content makes navigation intuitive for your followers. Remember to keep your audience in mind—choose images that resonate with their interests and expectations. Regularly updating your covers to reflect new content or seasonal themes can keep your profile fresh and engaging. By carefully selecting each cover image, you create an inviting pathway for visitors to explore your highlights.

At Addalittledigital.com, we assist businesses in choosing the perfect images that resonate with their audience and reflect their brand’s essence. Our team can help you curate and select visuals that enhance your Instagram profile’s appeal.

Designing Custom Highlight Covers

Designing custom highlight covers allows your brand to stand out and communicate your message clearly. Start by using design tools like Canva or Adobe Spark, which offer templates tailored for Instagram. These platforms make it easy to customize colors, fonts, and icons to match your brand’s aesthetic. Incorporate your brand’s color palette to ensure consistency across all covers. For example, if your brand colors are blue and white, use these shades in your cover designs to create a unified look. Adding text or initials can also help convey the purpose of each highlight. Keep the text short and readable, especially since the covers are small. Simplistic designs often work best; avoid cluttering the cover with too many elements. Instead, focus on a single icon or symbol that clearly represents the highlight’s content. Vector icons are a great choice as they remain sharp and clear at any size. Additionally, consider creating a template that you can reuse for each cover, saving time while maintaining a consistent style. Incorporating subtle branding elements, such as your logo or a specific pattern, can further reinforce your brand identity. Finally, ensure that your designs are adaptable for future updates, allowing you to refresh your highlights without starting from scratch.

At Addalittledigital.com, we specialize in designing custom highlight covers that align with your brand’s vision. Our design experts work with you to create visually appealing covers that enhance your Instagram presence and engage your audience effectively.

Organizing and Managing Your Highlights

Keeping your Instagram Highlights well-organized ensures that your profile remains appealing and easy to navigate for your followers.

Arranging Highlight Order

To make your Instagram profile user-friendly, arranging your Highlights in a logical order is crucial. Start by prioritizing the most important categories at the beginning. For example, place “Products” and “Testimonials” before “Behind the Scenes” or “Events.” This order helps visitors quickly find what they’re looking for and showcases your key offerings upfront.

Consider grouping related Highlights together. If you have multiple product lines, create separate Highlights for each category. This organization not only declutters your profile but also makes it easier for your audience to explore specific areas of interest. Additionally, regularly review the performance of each Highlight to determine which ones resonate most with your audience and adjust the order accordingly.

Utilizing a consistent naming convention can also enhance the arrangement of your Highlights. Use clear and descriptive names that reflect the content, such as “New Arrivals,” “Customer Reviews,” or “Tutorials.” This clarity helps followers understand what to expect from each Highlight without having to click through.

Lastly, keep the number of Highlights manageable. Having too many can overwhelm visitors and dilute the impact of each category. Aim for a balanced selection that highlights the best aspects of your brand without overcomplicating your profile layout.

At Addalittledigital.com, we can help you strategize the optimal order for your Highlights, ensuring that your most important content is front and center. Our team will work with you to create a seamless and intuitive Highlight arrangement that enhances your Instagram presence.

Updating and Removing Highlights

Maintaining your Instagram Highlights requires regular updates to keep your content fresh and relevant. Start by scheduling periodic reviews of your existing Highlights to identify any outdated or underperforming content. Removing or replacing older Stories ensures that your Highlights remain current and continue to engage your audience effectively.

When updating Highlights, focus on adding new Stories that reflect recent activities, promotions, or changes in your business. For example, if you’ve launched a new product, create a Highlight dedicated to it with the latest promotional Stories. This approach keeps your profile dynamic and showcases your ongoing efforts to stay relevant in your industry.

It’s also essential to monitor the performance of your Highlights. Pay attention to which ones receive the most views and interactions, and use this data to inform future updates. If certain Highlights consistently perform well, consider expanding them or creating similar ones to capitalize on their popularity.

Additionally, keep an eye on seasonal trends and special events. Updating your Highlights to feature relevant content during holidays, sales, or events can attract more attention and drive engagement. For instance, create a “Holiday Deals” Highlight during the festive season or an “Event Highlights” section for special occasions.

Finally, ensure that the visuals and information in your Highlights remain consistent with your brand’s identity. Refresh cover images and update captions as needed to maintain a cohesive and professional appearance across all Highlights.

Addalittledigital.com is here to assist you in managing and updating your Instagram Highlights regularly. Our team ensures that your Highlights stay up-to-date and aligned with your brand’s evolving needs, helping you maintain a vibrant and engaging Instagram presence.

Best Practices for Instagram Highlights

Consistency in Branding

Maintaining consistency in branding is crucial when creating Instagram Highlights. Start by ensuring that each Highlight cover aligns with your brand’s color palette and visual style. This uniformity helps your profile look cohesive and professional, making it easier for followers to recognize your content at a glance. Use the same fonts and icon styles across all Highlight covers to reinforce your brand identity. For example, if your brand uses bold, sans-serif fonts, stick with that choice for naming your Highlights.

Organize your Highlights in a logical order that reflects your brand’s values and priorities. Group similar content together, such as products, behind-the-scenes, customer testimonials, and tutorials. This organization not only makes your profile more navigable but also allows visitors to quickly find the information they’re interested in. Consistent categorization helps in building a structured and appealing Instagram presence.

Regularly update your Highlights to keep your content fresh and relevant. Outdated or irrelevant Highlights can make your profile appear neglected. Schedule periodic reviews to add new Stories and remove those that no longer align with your current marketing strategies or brand message. This ongoing maintenance ensures that your Highlights always represent the latest and most important aspects of your business.

Additionally, use high-quality images and graphics for your Highlights covers. Blurry or pixelated covers can detract from your brand’s professionalism. Invest time in designing visually appealing covers that attract attention and encourage users to explore your Highlights further. Clear, sharp visuals reflect the quality of your brand and enhance the overall aesthetic of your Instagram profile.

By maintaining consistency in your branding, you create a memorable and trustworthy image for your audience. A well-branded Instagram profile can significantly enhance your brand’s credibility and encourage user engagement.

At Add A Little Digital, we understand the importance of consistent branding in your Instagram Highlights. Our team can help you design cohesive Highlight covers and organize your content to reflect your brand’s identity perfectly. Let us handle the details so you can focus on growing your business online.

Engaging Your Audience

Engaging your audience is essential for maximizing the impact of your Instagram Highlights. Start by including interactive elements in your Stories, such as polls, questions, and quizzes. These features encourage your followers to interact with your content, making your Highlights more dynamic and interesting. For instance, a tutorial Highlight can include a quiz at the end to test your audience’s understanding.

Create content that resonates with your target audience by addressing their needs and interests. Share behind-the-scenes glimpses, customer reviews, and user-generated content to build a connection with your followers. Authentic content fosters trust and loyalty, encouraging users to engage more with your brand. Highlighting real customer experiences can also serve as powerful testimonials.

Utilize storytelling techniques to make your Highlights more engaging. Instead of just showcasing products, tell the story behind them. Share the process of how your products are made, the inspiration behind your services, or the journey of your business. Compelling stories capture attention and keep your audience interested in your content.

Optimize your Highlight titles and descriptions to make them more appealing. Use clear and concise language that invites users to explore further. Adding emojis can make your titles more visually appealing and easier to understand at a glance. For example, a Highlight about new products might include a shopping bag emoji to signify its content quickly.

Monitor the performance of your Highlights to understand what engages your audience most. Pay attention to metrics like views, interactions, and completion rates to identify which Highlights are performing well and which need improvement. Use this data to refine your content strategy, focusing on the types of Stories that resonate most with your followers.

Encourage user participation by featuring their content in your Highlights. Hosting contests, shoutouts, or featuring customer stories can increase engagement and make your audience feel valued. When followers see their content showcased, they are more likely to engage and share your brand with others.

At Add A Little Digital, we specialize in creating engaging Instagram Highlights that captivate your audience. Our team can help you develop interactive and storytelling content that keeps your followers interested and invested in your brand. Let us assist you in building a vibrant and active Instagram presence that drives engagement and growth.

Conclusion

Creating Instagram Highlights has truly elevated my brand’s presence. By thoughtfully selecting and organizing my Stories, I’ve made it easier for visitors to explore what my business offers. The consistent and visually appealing Highlights not only attract new followers but also keep my current audience engaged.

I’m excited to continue refining my Highlights strategy to drive more engagement and showcase the best of what I offer. With the right approach, Instagram Highlights can be a powerful tool for any business looking to enhance their online presence and connect with their audience effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Instagram Highlights?

Instagram Highlights are curated collections of your Instagram Stories that remain permanently on your profile. Unlike regular Stories, which disappear after 24 hours, Highlights allow businesses to showcase key moments, products, or important information indefinitely. This feature helps visitors easily navigate and engage with essential content, enhancing your profile’s appeal and providing ongoing visibility for your brand’s best stories.

Why are Instagram Highlights important for businesses?

Instagram Highlights are crucial for businesses as they enhance brand visibility and engagement. With over 1 billion monthly users, effectively curated Highlights can lead to a 30% increase in engagement. They allow businesses to showcase their best content permanently, making it easier for users to discover products and important updates. Highlights help in organizing content, telling your brand’s story, and converting visitors into customers by spotlighting promotions and key information.

How can Instagram Highlights increase engagement?

Instagram Highlights can increase engagement by providing a permanent showcase of your best Stories, making it easier for users to interact with your content. By organizing Stories into relevant categories and regularly updating them, businesses can keep their profile fresh and appealing. Engaging visuals, interactive elements, and relatable content within Highlights encourage users to spend more time on your profile, leading to higher engagement rates and better audience retention.

How do I create effective Instagram Highlights for my business?

To create effective Instagram Highlights, start by selecting Stories that align with your brand’s values and objectives. Organize them into themed categories and ensure consistency in aesthetics and storytelling. Choose short, descriptive names and engaging cover images that reflect your brand identity. Regularly update your Highlights with new content to keep them fresh and relevant. By prioritizing high-engagement content and maintaining a cohesive look, your Highlights will effectively showcase your best moments and drive user engagement.

What are the best practices for Instagram Highlights?

Best practices for Instagram Highlights include maintaining consistency in branding by using a cohesive color palette and visual style for covers. Organize Highlights logically to enhance navigation and user experience. Regularly update your Highlights with fresh, high-quality content to keep them relevant. Incorporate interactive elements and storytelling techniques to engage your audience. Additionally, monitor performance metrics to refine your content strategy and consider featuring user-generated content to foster a deeper connection with your followers.

How should businesses organize and manage their Instagram Highlights?

Businesses should organize their Instagram Highlights by grouping related Stories into key categories that reflect their brand’s offerings and values. Prioritize essential categories to ensure a logical arrangement that enhances user experience. Limit the number of Highlights to avoid overwhelming visitors and ensure each Highlight is easily accessible. Regularly review and update your Highlights with new Stories to keep the content fresh and aligned with current promotions or activities. Effective organization and management help maintain an engaging and professional Instagram presence.

Can Instagram Highlights support marketing strategies?

Yes, Instagram Highlights can significantly support marketing strategies by extending the lifespan of promotional Stories and key announcements. They allow businesses to showcase ongoing promotions, product launches, and important updates prominently on their profile. By organizing Highlights around specific marketing campaigns, businesses can drive engagement, increase brand visibility, and convert visitors into customers. Additionally, Highlights can be used to highlight user-generated content and testimonials, further enhancing trust and credibility.

How does Add A Little Digital help with Instagram Highlights?

Add A Little Digital assists businesses in designing and managing effective Instagram Highlights by providing strategies for content curation and organization. They help select Stories that align with your brand’s values, create cohesive and visually appealing Highlights covers, and ensure regular updates to keep content fresh. By leveraging their expertise, businesses can maximize their online presence, enhance engagement, and drive growth through well-crafted Instagram Highlights tailored to their specific needs and goals.

What should be included in an Instagram Highlight cover?

An Instagram Highlight cover should include a short, descriptive name that clearly reflects the content of the Highlight. Use high-quality, visually consistent images or icons that align with your brand’s color palette and overall aesthetic. Incorporating recognizable symbols or emojis can enhance discoverability and make your Highlights easily identifiable. The cover should be simple yet attractive, ensuring it stands out on your profile and provides a cohesive look across all Highlights, thereby enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal of your Instagram page.

How often should Instagram Highlights be updated?

Instagram Highlights should be updated regularly to keep the content fresh and relevant. It is recommended to review and refresh your Highlights periodically, such as monthly or quarterly, to include new Stories that reflect recent activities, promotions, or changes in your business. Regular updates ensure that your Highlights accurately represent your current offerings and maintain engagement with your audience. Consistently updating your Highlights also signals to visitors that your Instagram profile is active and up-to-date, enhancing your brand’s credibility and appeal.