Story Creation Workflow

Creating compelling stories involves setting up the story container, configuring individual story cards, and optimizing the overall user experience. This guide walks you through the complete process.

Video Tutorial

Story Creation Overview

Two-Level Structure:

1. Story Container - The overall story that appears on your home screen
2. Story Cards - Individual pieces of content within each story

Creation Process:

1. Set up the story container with title, cover image, and scheduling
2. Add multiple story cards with content, timing, and actions
3. Preview, test, and publish your complete story experience

Step-by-Step Story Creation

Phase 1: Set Up Story Container

1. Access Draft Mode

• Create a new draft or edit the existing one
• Navigate to the Draft section of the Stories tool

2. Add New Story

• Click "Add a Story" to open story creation section
• This creates the container that will hold your story cards

3. Configure Story Settings

Story Title:

• Used as label when users play through the story
• Also appears in analytics and reporting
• Keep descriptive but concise

Story Cover Image:

• First image users see on the home screen
• Critical: Follow recommended aspect ratio for your display format:
  • Circular stories: Use square aspect ratio (1:1)
  • Rectangular stories: Use recommended rectangular ratio
• High-quality, engaging image that represents the story content

Schedule (Optional):

• Set specific dates/times when story should appear
• Leave blank for always-active stories
• Use for campaign-specific or time-sensitive content
• Story will be hidden outside scheduled window

4. Save Story Container

Click Save when you're satisfied with the story configuration.

Phase 2: Create Story Cards

5. Access Story Cards Section

• Click "Story Cards" in the left navigation
• This takes you to the individual card creation interface

6. Add First Story Card

• Click "Add a Story Card" to create your first piece of content
• Each card represents one screen in the story experience

7. Configure Story Card Content

Story Card Title:

• Used for analytics tracking and reporting
• Assists visually impaired users with screen readers
• Internal identifier - not shown to users

Swipe Label:

• Text that appears above the upward chevron at bottom of screen
• Tells users they can swipe up to interact
• Examples: "Shop Now", "Learn More", "View Product"

Content Type: Choose the media format for this card:

• Image/GIF - Static images or animated GIFs
• Video - Auto-playing video content (requires v22+)

Autoplay Length:

• Duration the story card remains on screen
• Automatically advances to next card after this time
• Consider content complexity and reading time
• Typical range: 3-7 seconds per card

Action Type: Configure what happens when users swipe up:

Media Upload:

• Image/GIF: Upload high-quality visual content
• Video URL: Provide URL to hosted video content
• Ensure media is optimized for mobile viewing

8. Save Story Card

Click Save when card configuration is complete.

Phase 3: Build Complete Story

9. Add Additional Cards

• Repeat the story card creation process
• Build a sequence that tells a cohesive story
• Consider the flow and progression between cards

10. Continue Adding Stories

• Return to story container creation
• Build additional stories for your campaign
• Create variety in content and targeting

Story Planning Best Practices

Content Strategy

Story Flow Design:

1. Hook - Start with engaging, attention-grabbing content
2. Build - Develop narrative or showcase products progressively
3. Action - End with clear call-to-action and easy path to purchase

Card Sequence Planning:

• 3-5 cards optimal - Enough to engage, not so many users lose interest
• Consistent theme - Maintain story cohesion throughout
• Varied content - Mix product shots, lifestyle images, and videos
• Progressive revelation - Build excitement toward final action

Technical Considerations

Media Optimization:

• High resolution - Looks good on all device sizes
• Fast loading - Optimized file sizes for mobile networks
• Aspect ratios - Consistent formatting across cards
• Brand consistency - Visual style matches overall brand

Timing Strategy:

• Card duration - Allow enough time to absorb content
• Story length - Keep total story under 30 seconds typically
• Loading time - Consider network speeds and device capabilities

Content Types and Actions

Image/GIF Cards

Best for:

• Product showcases and lifestyle imagery
• Brand storytelling and visual narratives
• Quick, impactful messages
• Animated elements to add engagement

Video Cards (v22+)

Best for:

• Product demonstrations and tutorials
• Behind-the-scenes brand content
• Dynamic, motion-rich storytelling
• Higher engagement and longer viewing time

Action Configuration

Single Product Actions:

• Perfect for featured product highlights
• Direct path to purchase
• Clear product focus and messaging

Multiple Product Actions:

• Great for collections and categories
• Allows user choice and exploration
• Good for seasonal or themed campaigns

Category Actions:

• Drives broader product discovery
• Useful for new arrivals or sales
• Encourages deeper app exploration

URL Actions:

• Links to custom landing pages
• Integration with external campaigns
• Deep linking to specific app features

Testing and Optimization

Preview Your Stories

1. Use draft preview - Check story flow and timing
2. Test all actions - Verify swipe-up actions work correctly
3. Review progression - Ensure smooth card transitions
4. Check scheduling - Validate time-based activation

Performance Monitoring

• Engagement rates - How many users complete full stories
• Action rates - Percentage who swipe up on cards
• Exit points - Where users typically leave stories
• Conversion tracking - Stories that lead to purchases

What's Next?

• Story Configuration - Advanced scheduling and display options
• Content Types - Detailed guides for different story card formats
• Published & Draft Views - Master the story management workflow