My Proven Strategy to Get Podcast Listeners from Instagram Stories
We’ve all heard it before:
“Stories sell,” “Create stories that convert,” and so on. But have you noticed that hardly anyone explains how to actually do that? Today, I’m changing that. In this post, I’m breaking down exactly what “stories that convert” means and, more importantly, how to create Instagram Stories that will turn your followers into loyal podcast listeners.
Why Instagram Stories Matter for Podcast Promotion
Stories can be tricky because they only last 24 hours. But don’t let that fool you—these fleeting moments actually give you an opportunity to make an impact. Unlike posts that get buried in the feed, Stories are the first thing users see when they open Instagram (or Facebook, or TikTok). Most people tap through Stories instinctively, often before they even check their feed. In fact, studies show that Instagram stories has increased the average daily time users spend on IG to 29 minutes.
So while Stories are temporary, their prime placement can give you that extra visibility. But here’s the catch: not every story you post needs to be a masterpiece, but putting a little thought into them—especially when promoting your podcast—can make a real difference.
The 5-Step Formula for Crafting Stories That Convert
Here’s the formula I’ve created for designing Stories that get people interested in your podcast. Save or screenshot it, because you’ll want to use this again and again!
Step 1: Pick Your Episode & Outline Key Points
First, choose which podcast episode you want to promote. It doesn’t have to be the latest episode—maybe it’s an older episode that’s seasonally relevant again, or one that tackles a recurring topic. Once you’ve picked the episode, write down 3 main value points that will appeal to your audience.
If you’re not sure what those points are, ask yourself:
Does this episode teach something specific?
Does it evoke a strong emotion?
Does it answer a common question your listeners have?
Or maybe, does it just make people laugh?
Even making you laugh is a value! Jot down these 3 points, and let’s move to the next step.
Step 2: Start Filming Your Story
With your ideas ready, head to a spot with great natural light (bonus points for sunny days!). This part has three sub-steps, and you’ll focus on just one of your value points here (don’t worry—we’ll cover the other two later).
The Hook
Begin with a line that grabs attention. Try something like:
“I can’t believe I never shared this with you—[insert value point].”
“Ever feel like you’ve been here too? [describe the feeling or experience]”
“You know when you’re trying something new with [topic]? This is how it went for me…”
The goal is to make your audience curious so they’ll keep watching.
Your Story
Once they’re hooked, give them a taste of the story behind your point without spilling all the details—you still want them to listen to the episode! You might say something like, “I was working so hard on X but kept running into issues with Y.” Keep it relatable and personal.
The Value
Here’s where you share a quick tip or insight to build credibility and show the value of the episode. Try something like, “I know I’m not the only one who’s struggled with this, so here’s what helped me…”
Step 3: Drop the Link
Now, it’s time to pull it all together. Mention the episode title and a quick hint about the other two value points you outlined earlier. You could say, “I go into so much more detail about this in Episode X [title], plus I cover [mention the other 2 points].” Use the link sticker to add the direct link to your podcast episode so your followers can jump straight into listening.
Final Step: Share Your Success
Okay, I lied—there’s one more step! Once you’ve posted your stories using this formula, I’d love to hear how it went! Whether it’s tomorrow or three years from now, send me a DM on Instagram saying, “I used your story sequence, and here’s what happened.” I can’t wait to hear your success stories!
Using Stories effectively takes practice, but following this formula can make promoting your podcast feel easy and fun. Try it out and watch as your Stories turn casual viewers into dedicated podcast listeners!
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