Create Engaging This or That Instagram Stories Guide
Learn how to create engaging This or That Instagram Stories with trending topics, visual design tips, poll strategies, and posting schedules.
Create Engaging "This or That" Instagram Stories Guide
Instagram Stories are a powerful engagement tool, and one standout format is the "This or That" Instagram Stories game. With its quick polls and interactive style, this format sparks conversation and strengthens your connection with followers. Brands, creators, and marketers can leverage it to drive higher interaction rates, increase visibility, and keep audiences coming back.
This guide breaks down practical tips, design strategies, and posting tactics to create high-performing This or That Stories that perfectly align with your brand and audience interests.
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Understanding the "This or That" Format
"This or That" invites followers to choose between two options — for example, “Coffee or Tea?” or “Beach Vacation or Mountain Retreat?”
Why it works:
- Quick decision-making keeps the interaction simple.
- Boosts reach as the Instagram algorithm rewards high engagement.
- Inspires sharing and friendly debates between followers.
At its core, this format offers micro-conversations that are easy and fun.
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Research Trending Topics and Themes
To create polls that resonate, focus on trending and relevant themes for your audience.
Quick ways to find topics:
- Track trending hashtags in your niche.
- Use Google Trends to capture seasonal spikes.
- Look at competitors’ polls for inspiration.
- Ask your followers directly with question stickers.
Relevant topics — whether lifestyle-related, hobby-based, or industry-specific — generate stronger participation.
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Designing Visually Appealing Story Templates
An engaging This or That Instagram Story blends great questions with appealing visuals.
Elements to consider:
- Color palette: Match your brand colors for consistency.
- Typography: Use bold, clear fonts suitable for small screens.
- Layout: Allow enough spacing so poll options are easy to tap.
Visual coherence makes your Stories feel professional and on-brand.
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Using Instagram’s Poll Sticker
The native poll sticker is tailor-made for the This or That format.
- Open your story editor.
- Select the Poll sticker.
- Enter your two choices.
- Position it in a clean space on the slide.
Pro tip: Keep option text under 15 characters for clear readability.
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Creating 8–10 Slides Per Story
While engagement is often highest on the first few slides, a sequence of 8–10 polls can keep followers interacting.
Story length benefits:
- Increases opportunities for taps and answers.
- Captures different audience interests within one session.
Stay mindful of drop-off rates; avoid overwhelming viewers with too many polls.
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Blending Personal Brand Elements
Integrate brand identifiers such as your logo, consistent color schemes, or signature emojis.
Brand consistency impact:
- Helps followers instantly recognize your content.
- Builds trust and a familiar style.
The branding should complement — not crowd — your polls.
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Keeping Language Short, Fun, and Mobile-Friendly
Stories are fast-paced content. Your text should be light, engaging, and easy to grasp at a glance.
Tips:
- Use conversational wording (“Pancakes or Waffles?”).
- Avoid dense text or jargon unless your audience expects it.
- Limit each poll to a single concise sentence.
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Adding Subtle Animations or GIFs
Animations draw attention to the polls but should remain understated.
Ideas:
- Arrows pointing to poll options.
- Gentle glitter effects.
- Small reaction GIFs that add personality.
Keep the focus on the poll, ensuring the design doesn’t distract from interaction.
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Scheduling Posts Based on Audience Activity
Leverage Instagram Insights to determine when your audience is most active.
Common effective windows:
- Morning: 7–9 am
- Lunch break: 12–1 pm
- Evening: 7–9 pm
Test times over several weeks, then schedule regular Stories accordingly.
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Promoting Stories In-Feed and via Highlights
To broaden reach:
- Announce upcoming polls via in-feed posts.
- Save them in highlights labeled “Poll Games.”
Highlights offer evergreen engagement for new followers long after the Story expires.
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Tracking Poll Responses and Story Completion Rate
Metrics refine your strategy and reveal what resonates most.
| Metric | Purpose | Optimization Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Poll Response Rate | Indicates interaction per slide | Replicate popular question styles |
| Story Completion Rate | Shows audience retention | Adjust slide count or order |
| Taps Forward/Back | Tracks content pacing | Simplify layouts for smoother flow |
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Experiment with Seasonal or Niche-Specific Content
Seasonal themes:
- Summer: “Pool or Beach?”
- Winter: “Hot Chocolate or Mulled Wine?”
Niche focus:
- Fitness: “Cardio or Strength?”
- Books: “Fiction or Non-Fiction?”
Specific, relevant topics boost relatability and poll participation.
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Engaging Responders with Follow-Up Actions
Once polls close:
- Send thank-you DMs.
- Share interesting responses (with consent).
- Post a Story recap of popular results.
These follow-ups build deeper community connections and encourage ongoing engagement.
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Collaborating with Influencers or Brands
Collaborations add creative variety and reach:
- Host influencer-led This or That sessions.
- Partner with brands on themed polls tied to giveaways.
Such partnerships can attract new followers and fresh poll ideas.
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Conclusion & Next Steps
Crafting engaging This or That Instagram Stories requires a mix of smart question selection, strong visual design, strategic posting, and consistent branding. With regular testing and audience feedback, these polls can become a highlight of your social media presence.
Ready to boost your Instagram engagement? Start creating your next This or That Stories sequence today and watch your interactions grow.
