Instagram Highlights are curated collections of Stories that live permanently on your Instagram profile. They allow brands to extend the reach of their Stories, showcase important content, and organize posts into categories that are easy for followers to explore. Whether you’re introducing your business, sharing customer testimonials, or promoting services, Highlights can serve as a digital storefront for your brand.
Let’s dive into how Instagram Highlights work, how to set them up, and how to use them strategically as a business.
What Are Instagram Highlights?
Instagram Highlights are a feature that lets you save and group past Stories into themed collections that stay on your profile. While Stories disappear after 24 hours, Highlights allow you to keep them accessible indefinitely. These Highlights appear in circular icons directly below your bio on your profile, offering a prominent and eye-catching way to showcase the content you want audiences to see first.
Each Highlight is made up of Stories you’ve previously posted and can include photos, videos, graphics, or a combination of all three. You can also assign each Highlight a cover image, which serves as a visual cue for the type of content inside.
The result? A dynamic, scrollable archive that helps new visitors understand who you are, what you offer, and why they should stick around.
How to Create Instagram Highlights
Setting up Highlights is simple:
- Post a Story: Highlights must be created from Stories, so begin by uploading the content you want to include.
- Let It Archive: Instagram automatically archives your Stories unless you’ve turned off that feature. Your archived stories are where you’ll pull from to create your Highlights.
- Create a Highlight: Go to your profile and tap the “+” icon under your bio labeled “New.” From there, you’ll be able to select past Stories to include in your new Highlight.
- Choose a Name and Cover: Name your Highlight clearly and choose a cover image that aligns with your brand. You can use a photo from one of the included Stories or upload a custom cover for a more polished look.
Remember, you can update and edit your Highlights at any time, adding new Stories or adjusting the visuals as needed.
Best Practices for Instagram Highlights
When used strategically, Instagram Highlights can transform your profile from a simple feed into a functional, brand-forward landing page. Here are a few tips to get the most out of this feature.
Organize Content by Category
Create Highlights based on content themes like “About Us,” “Services,” “Testimonials,” “Events,” or “FAQs.” This helps viewers quickly find the information they’re looking for and gives your profile structure.
Use Custom Covers
A strong visual identity goes a long way. Custom Instagram Highlights covers—designed to match your brand’s color palette and style—instantly make your profile feel more professional. These covers act as the first impression for each Highlight, so don’t overlook them.
Keep It Updated
Just like the rest of your Instagram profile, your Highlights should evolve. Archive outdated information and add new content as your business grows. Staying current ensures that visitors see your most relevant services, promotions, and achievements.
Tell a Story
Each Highlight should serve a purpose and tell a story. Rather than dumping random Stories into a Highlight, think of each one as a curated mini-album. What do you want viewers to take away from watching? Whether it’s your brand’s mission or the benefits of your newest product, be intentional.
Leverage for Conversations
Use Highlights to direct followers to action. Include swipe-up links (if eligible), coupon codes, or short videos that introduce your team and direct users to your website or booking page. Think of Highlights as a bridge between engagement and conversion.
Why Instagram Highlights Matter for Brands
Your Instagram profile is often the first point of contact between your brand and potential customers. By using Instagram Highlights, you gain more control over the narrative your profile tells. Instead of just relying on your latest posts, you can strategically showcase your most important and evergreen content in a format that’s visually engaging and easy to navigate.
This is especially critical for businesses trying to stand out in a competitive digital landscape. Highlights allow you to reinforce your brand message, build trust with potential customers, and offer a more complete picture of what your company offers.
Elevate Your Instagram Strategy With Versa Creative
At Versa Creative, we know that every detail matters when it comes to social media success. From building your brand’s identity to executing multi-platform campaigns, our social media team can help your business thrive online, starting with a standout Instagram profile.
Whether you need branded Instagram Highlight covers, content strategy, or full social media management, Versa Creative has the tools and experience to support your goals. Reach out today to learn how we can make your social presence more engaging, effective, and aligned with your brand.
