Discover TikTok‘s new Story feature. It’s a powerful marketing tool to help you expand your reach. Learn how TikTok Stories work. Find simple ways to use them to connect with a wider audience through engaging content.
Most social media now has short, easy-to-consume videos called Stories. Most users know this format. It lets individuals and brands share brief, engaging content. Stories disappear after 24 hours. It offers a quick, easy way for brands to connect with their audience.
TikTok Stories, launched in 2022, are like Snapchat, Facebook, and Instagram. They offer a unique take on the 24-hour content format.
Unlike other platforms, TikTok has not widely promoted Stories. This is a chance for users to leverage this under-the-radar tool.
With 30% of short videos watched nearly to the end, you must use TikTok Stories in your marketing. By knowing how this feature works, you can use it to engage and captivate your audience.
What are TikTok Stories?
TikTok Stories are TikTok’s version of “Stories” on Instagram, Facebook, and Snapchat.
Unlike other platforms, TikTok Stories don’t scroll at the top. They blend into your For You Page (FYP) or Following feed.
TikTok Stories on your For You Page (FYP) allow public interactions. People can comment and like, making engagement visible to all. This is unlike other platforms, where responses are usually private.
This public interaction lets creators and brands connect with followers in a new way. They can now engage directly with their audience.
TikTok’s introduction of Stories is fascinating. It comes after its recent extension of video lengths in its feed to up to ten minutes.
With these updates, TikTok aims to be a one-stop platform for short- and long-form videos. It wants to compete directly with Instagram and YouTube.
With any new feature, there’s a natural period of change. It’s too soon to say if TikTok Stories will thrive like Instagram Stories or fade like Twitter Fleets.
So, it’s worth attempting!
There are no strict rules for TikTok Stories. So, you can experiment and diversify the content you share on your feed.
Ways marketers can use TikTok Stories
Try these creative ways to use the Stories feature. They can boost engagement with your TikTok audience:
Experiment with variety.
TikTok Stories are temporary. They are a great way to test new content types without overcrowding your main profile feed.
Try various video formats and themes to find what truly connects with your audience. Test trending sounds, meme-inspired content, or new video lengths. You may find fresh ideas to improve your regular posts.
Offer more casual content.
TikTok accounts often use Stories for quick, informal content. It feels more personal than their polished main videos. Behind-the-scenes glimpses, day-in-the-life snippets, and Q&As engage followers. They want an inside look at your business journey.
Tease upcoming content.
Use Stories to boost your regular posts’ visibility. Share sneak peeks of upcoming videos, new campaigns, or major announcements.
Create a feeling of community and exclusivity.
TikTok Stories last 24 hours. Use them to share exclusive, time-sensitive content. It will engage your audience. This creates a sense of urgency, encouraging followers to stay tuned so they don’t miss out.
How to Post a TikTok Story
Posting a story on TikTok is straightforward. It is like uploading a regular video. Here’s how it works:
1. Tap the “+” button.
When logged into the TikTok app, tap the “+” button at the center of the bottom toolbar to create a new post.
2. Record or upload a video.
Press the round Record button at the bottom center to capture a new video. Use the Upload button on the right to choose one from your camera roll. Each Story lasts up to 15 seconds. Longer videos are split into 15-second segments.
This tab also lets you add stickers, filters, text, popular sounds, and other effects to your video.
3. Click the “Your Story” button.
When your video is set, choose “Your Story” to share it as a story or “Post to Feed” for a regular post. Stories remain visible for 24 hours after being published.
To see a TikTok Story you’ve posted within the last 24 hours, simply tap on your profile picture. For expired Stories, go to your profile. Then, select the private tab, marked by a lock icon.
Why Should You Use TikTok Stories?
Sharing Stories has become popular on social media. It’s especially useful for brands and creators on Instagram. They use it to gauge interest in topics and to drive traffic.
TikTok is for entertainment. So, creators and brands must experiment with TikTok Stories to find what works best.
Consider a fashion content creator who primarily shares product hauls or styled videos. To boost views and engage followers, their TikTok Stories must stand out from their regular content and offer a unique perspective.
The main goal is to make it valuable and engaging for your audience.
If your Stories are too similar to your regular content, followers may choose to watch either your videos or your Stories, but not both.
Your TikTok content strategy likely aims to go viral. You want to reach a wider audience and gain new followers.
TikTok Stories are a great way to engage your followers. They build a stronger, more connected community.
The “For You” page shows content from various TikTok accounts, including some you don’t follow. The Story panel highlights posts from accounts you follow.
Like Instagram Stories, TikTok Stories disappear after 24 hours. Because of this temporary format, those who don’t follow you might miss them entirely. Reminding viewers to follow you keeps them updated on your TikTok Stories.
Benefits of Using TikTok Stories
1. Taking Advantage of a New Feature
TikTok Stories are a new feature. They are not popular yet. This is a great chance to test your TikTok marketing strategies.
Try different approaches with TikTok Stories to engage your audience.
2. Influencing in a New Manner
Every brand now aims to create engaging content on TikTok. Sharing videos there has become standard. TikTok Stories are new, offering a fresh way for brands and influencers to monetize.
Like Instagram, your brand can team up with a famous TikTok influencer in your niche. They can take over your TikTok Stories for a day.
3. True Short-Form Content
TikTok videos can now be up to 10 minutes long. Creators must make high-quality, entertaining content. They face pressure to plan and work hard. This approach also helps attract a loyal and genuine following.
TikTok Stories’ 15-second limit relieves pressure. You can share content easily without overthinking it. This is ideal for giving viewers a short, engaging glimpse that leaves them wanting more.
4. Perfect Testing Ground
Are you unsure what to post on TikTok? Are you worried about your followers’ reactions?
Social media marketers often use sponsored posts and A/B tests. They do this to find a campaign’s long-term potential. Instead of investing in these methods, test your new campaign ideas on TikTok Stories.
Post different versions of your campaign on TikTok Stories each week. This will gauge your audience’s reaction.
There, you will find a range of benefits that TikTok Stories can offer. You might wonder if there’s a way to use TikTok despite ongoing challenges.
Yes, definitely!
TikTok Stories FAQ
How do you get TikTok stories?
First, ensure that you have updated your TikTok app. Then, check your profile for a blue plus sign by your picture. If you see it, the Stories feature is available, and you’re ready to start.
How long do the stories on TikTok remain available?
Users can now post videos to their stories. They will be visible for only 24 hours.
Do TikTok Stories show who viewed them?
Content creators can check who viewed their TikTok Stories. They should go to their profile, select the Story, and tap the view icon in the bottom left corner. This reveals engagement stats and a list of viewers.
Who can see your TikTok stories?
After a 2024 update, TikTok Stories now appear primarily in the Stories bar or on your profile. They no longer show up in feeds or on For You pages. So, most views come from followers. Yet, anyone can access your story from your profile.
How do you delete a story on TikTok?
To delete a Story on TikTok, go to your profile. Then, select the Story. Next, tap the Options button (three dots) on the right sidebar. Finally, select Delete.
Conclusion
TikTok Stories now reach a wider audience. Users can engage with their community in a new way.
This new feature lets you test what works. It will help you build a strategy and improve your content. Success on TikTok depends on how well you use tools like this to capture your followers’ interest.
