5 Easy Instagram Story Ideas to Promote Your Podcast (And Engage Your Audience!)
Instagram stories are a goldmine
for podcasters looking to build engagement and grow their audience. With just a few taps, you can create bite-sized, interactive content that not only promotes your episodes but keeps your followers invested in your show. If you’re new to the world of Instagram Stories, or just feeling a little stuck on what to post, I’ve got you covered!
Here are 5 super easy, creative Instagram story ideas that will get your podcast in front of more eyes (and ears) – no overthinking required!
Episode Sneak Peek (Keep ‘Em Curious!)
One of the best ways to get people excited about your podcast is by offering a sneak peek of your latest episode. Think of it as a movie trailer, but for your podcast. Grab a 15-30 second audio clip of a juicy moment from your episode, overlay it with captions or a bit of text, and boom – you’ve got yourself a killer Instagram Story.
Pro Tip: Add some animated stickers or a countdown to the episode's release to build hype. Nothing says “You better listen to this ASAP!” like a ticking clock!
Polls and Questions (Let Your Listeners Weigh In!)
Instagram’s polls and question stickers are your secret weapon for getting listeners involved. It’s simple, interactive, and FUN!
Before recording an episode, ask your followers what topics they want you to cover or get their opinions on a question related to the episode’s theme.
After an episode drops, you can ask them things like: “Did you agree with the guest’s point of view?” or “What was your favorite moment from this week’s episode?”
Pro Tip: Use the responses as content for your next episode or shout out some listeners' feedback. Engagement GOLD!
Behind-the-Scenes Bits (Show the Real You)
People love to see how the magic happens behind the mic! Whether you're recording, editing, or prepping for an interview, share some of that behind-the-scenes realness with your followers.
Snap a quick boomerang of your setup.
Record a video showing off your favorite podcasting gear.
Or maybe film a candid clip of you messing up your intro (because, hey, we’ve all been there).
Pro Tip: The more authentic, the better! This helps your audience connect with you on a personal level, beyond just the polished final product.
Guest Shoutouts (Give Credit Where It’s Due!)
If you feature guests on your podcast, Instagram stories are the perfect way to shine the spotlight on them. Share a snapshot or a video of your guest from the recording session (virtual or in-person). Tag them, include a quote or highlight from the episode, and watch as both your audiences grow!
Pro Tip: Guests are likely to repost your story, giving you even more exposure. It's a win-win!
Teasers & Quizzes (Keep Them Guessing)
Everybody loves a good teaser! Before your new episode drops, create some intrigue by posting a quiz or guessing game in your Stories. You could tease what the episode is about without giving away too much.
Try these ideas:
“Can you guess this week’s guest?”
“What do you think this week’s topic is?”
“What crazy fact did we uncover on this episode?”
+ More ideas here!
Not only is this fun, but it also primes your audience to listen as soon as that episode is live.
Pro Tip: Reward those who get the answer right with a shoutout on your next Story!
Hey there 👋 Nice to virtually meet you! I’m Chelsea, social media and podcast enthusiast. I’d love to get to know you better, so here are a few ways we can stay connected:
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