Do you want to connect more often with your YouTube subscribers without releasing a full video, but don’t know how?
Don’t worry! There is a way out! It is YouTube Stories.
Although this YouTube feature is usually overlooked, keep in mind that it is extremely effective in helping you to engage with your audience in a more exciting way and grow your presence on YouTube.
Undoubtedly, you are aware of Stories feature that Snapchat, Facebook and of course Instagram provides to its users. However, YouTube Stories require a completely different approach.
So, still wondering how you can implement YouTube Stories into your YouTube growth strategy?
Well, in this article, you will receive everything you need to know about YouTube Stories.
Let’s dive right into it!
What are YouTube Stories?
YouTube Stories is a relatively new feature, which first was introduced to users in 2018. As it was mentioned before, YouTube Stories are similar to the format of Stories on Instagram, Snapchat or Facebook.
So, YouTube Stories is a collection of short videos that only the channels with over 10000 subscribers have an opportunity to upload with the purpose to connect more casually with their viewers.
However, keep in mind that the Stories feature is still in beta mode and if you gain 10000 subscribers, it could take up to 4 weeks for you to activate the Stories option.
Differently from Instagram Stories that are visible for 24 hours, each YouTube Story lasts 7 days and disappear afterwards. What is more, YouTube allows to insert video, mention and location stickers, write texts, add filters and even music into Stories. Audience may engage with Stories by liking and commenting on them, just like regular YouTube videos.
However, YouTube Stories are not available on computers and people can only view Stories on their mobile phones. Why? The answer is simple, just because the whole idea behind this is that video creators will be able to connect with their audience on the go.
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Why to use YouTube Stories?
First of all, it important to mention that according to social media studies, YouTube channels creating and uploading Stories boost their subscribers’ base 8.5% faster on average than channels that don’t use this function.
In addition, due to the fact that a relatively small amount of YouTubers is implementing Stories in their strategies, so, now it is ideal time for you begin applying this effective feature and, consequently, make your channel more discoverable.
How to create YouTube Stories?
Actually, to make a Story on your YouTube channel takes just a few minutes. Just follow these steps below.
Step 1. Open the YouTube app on your mobile phone.
Step 2. Click on the camera icon on the top right side of the navigation bar.
Step 3. On an appeared screen choose the “Story” option. It is a round circle icon with a plus sign inside of it. However, if you don’t see the “Story” option, then it means that you cannot make YouTube Stories yet.
Step 4. After tapping on the “Story” icon, you will open up a camera. So, click the capture button to take a photo or hold it down to record a video for your YouTube Story. Moreover, from here, you have an opportunity to upload a saved image or video from your mobile phone to a Story. In this case, just press the picture’s icon on the bottom left corner of your screen.
Step 5. Now you have the ability to apply some color filters, write a text, insert a sticker or add music. Also, you can trim your Story or save it to a camera roll.
Step 6. Tap the “Post” button. That’s it! Your Story has been published.
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How to use YouTube Stories to grow your YouTube channel?
Without a doubt, to record, edit and upload a catchy video on your YouTube channel usually takes several hours. However, in order to make a Story you only need a few minutes.
Not sure how to effectively implement YouTube Stories into your strategy?
Here are several options how you can use YouTube Stories:
Option 1. Tease upcoming videos
While you are working hard on editing a new engaging video, it is advised to give your audience a sneak peek of what is happening behind-the-scenes shots. In other words, create the hype for your upcoming video with a teaser trailer on YouTube Story.
In fact, it is best to make this kind of Stories a week before your video release.
All in all, by using YouTube Stories to tease an upcoming video, you will evoke your audience’s interest and encourage them to look forward to release of your video. Moreover, it will give your audience a feeling of exclusivity and a great reason to follow your YouTube channel.
Option 2. Inform audience that your video is already published
Once your video finishes uploading, don’t forget to announce about it in your YouTube Stories. In this case, even users who don’t have turned on the notifications on your channel will be able to know that you have shared the video, and will go and watch it.
Option 3. Share moments from your uploaded video
After your video has been released and several days has passed, you can share several video scenes in your Stories.
While creating Stories, try to use clips that are the most exciting and make your audience wanting to figure out what happens next. Consequently, by reminding people about your YouTube content, you will ensure that your video will receive a bigger amount of views and other interactions.
Option 4. Ask your audience to help you choose ideas for your next video
Most probably you know that engaging with your audience is one of the greatest methods to promote your video content.
So, keep in mind that YouTube Stories let you interact with your audience by simply asking what kind of videos they would like to see in the future.
In this case, just take a photo or upload it from your camera roll and using a text feature write the question that will encourage viewers to express their thoughts in the comments of your Story.
Overall, by interacting with audience in Stories, you will show your subscribers that you care about their opinions that in turn should help to make your audience feel more open with you, build their trust and loyalty, and grow your YouTube channel.
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All things considered, if you have access to YouTube Stories, don’t miss a chance to integrate this feature into your YouTube growth strategy.
In this case, you will not only be able to interact with your viewers in a more creative way and keep them updated on your new YouTube videos, but will also receive a higher engagement level of your video content and grow your YouTube channel.
What do you think about YouTube Stories? Do you use them to engage with your viewers? Please share your opinion in the comments below!
