Instagram Highlights allow users to showcase essential stories on their profiles permanently. Unlike regular Stories, which disappear in 24 hours, Highlights help brands curate engaging content, making their profiles more professional and user-friendly. The right top Instagram highlight ideas can enhance brand identity, reinforce storytelling, and keep valuable content accessible.
Whether showcasing products, FAQs, or behind-the-scenes moments, Highlights drive engagement by keeping followers informed and entertained. A well-structured set of Highlights improves credibility, making it easier for visitors to connect with a brand’s message and offerings. Optimising Highlights is key to maintaining a strong Instagram presence.
Key Takeaways
The top 10 Instagram Highlights ideas that you can boost your social media presence are:
- Behind-the-Scenes Content
- Product or Services Showcases
- Customer Reviews and Testimonials
- FAQs and Quick Tips
- Tutorials and How-To Guides
- Event Recaps and Announcements
- User-Generated Content
- Team Introductions and Company Culture
- Seasonal and Promotional Highlights
- Inspirational Quotes and Motivational Messages
Why Instagram Highlights Are Important for Engagement
Image source: SkedSocial
Instagram Highlights is a powerful tool for brands and creators to engage their audience effectively.
Unlike Instagram Stories, which disappear after 24 hours, Highlights allows users to showcase evergreen content, keeping valuable information accessible at all times. This means businesses can highlight their best content—product tutorials, testimonials, FAQs, and promotions—ensuring followers can engage with key messages whenever they visit the profile.
Beyond preserving content, Highlights is crucial in improving brand credibility and storytelling. A well-organised set of Instagram Highlights helps businesses tell their brand story in a structured, visually appealing way.
For example, a fashion brand can have separate Highlights for collections, customer reviews, and behind-the-scenes content, giving visitors an instant understanding of the brand’s personality and offerings. This builds trust and keeps users engaged longer.
Instagram Highlights also directly impact the customer journey and decision-making process. When potential customers visit an Instagram profile, they often look for information to help them decide whether to follow, engage, or purchase. Dedicated Highlights for product features, tutorials, and customer testimonials provide instant social proof and reduce hesitation.
For service-based businesses, FAQs and success stories can answer common concerns and encourage conversions.
Ultimately, Instagram Highlights acts as a content hub, making it easier for followers to interact with a brand’s most valuable content. By curating and organising engaging Highlights, brands can create a seamless experience that drives higher engagement, strengthens credibility, and influences purchasing decisions.
How to Create Instagram Highlights (Step-by-Step Guide)
Instagram Highlights are a great way to showcase important content on your profile permanently. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to creating and managing your Highlights effectively.
Step 1: Go to Your Instagram Profile
Open the Instagram app and navigate to your profile by tapping your profile picture in the bottom right corner. Your Highlights section appears below your bio, displaying curated Story collections.
Step 2: Click the “+” Icon Under Highlights
Tap the “+” (New Highlight) button to create a new one. This allows you to select and group past Stories into a single Highlight category.
Step 3: Select Stories to Add
Instagram will display your archived Stories. Choose the Stories you want to include in your Highlight by tapping on them. You can select multiple Stories that fit a specific theme, such as product showcases, testimonials, tutorials, or FAQs.
Step 4: Customise the Highlight Name and Cover
After selecting your Stories, enter a relevant and engaging name for your Highlight. Keep it short and descriptive, such as “Tips,” “Reviews,” or “New Arrivals.” Then, choose or upload a custom cover image that aligns with your brand’s aesthetic. Using branded icons or colours makes Highlights visually appealing and easy to navigate.
Step 5: Organise and Update Highlights Regularly
Once created, your Highlight will appear on your profile. Regularly update your Highlights by adding new Stories or removing outdated ones. To edit, press and hold a Highlight and select “Edit Highlight” to modify content, name, or cover. Keeping your Highlights fresh ensures your audience sees relevant, engaging content that reflects your brand.
Following these steps, you can create compelling Instagram Highlights that enhance engagement, reinforce your brand identity, and provide valuable information to your audience.
Top 10 Instagram Highlight Ideas that Drive Engagement
Instagram Highlights allow brands to organise and showcase valuable content in an accessible way. They help visitors quickly find essential information and boost engagement. A well-curated set of Highlights enhances brand identity, credibility, and user experience. Here are 10 creative Instagram Highlight ideas to captivate your audience and strengthen your brand presence:
Behind-the-Scenes Content
Image source: Preview
Giving followers an exclusive look at your brand’s daily life helps build trust and authenticity. Behind-the-scenes (BTS) content humanises your brand and makes your audience feel like insiders. Consider sharing:
- Office culture and team activities: Show how your brand operates behind closed doors, whether through casual team meetings, fun work traditions, or company outings.
- The creative process – Take followers behind the scenes of a product launch, campaign creation, or content shoot.
- A day-in-the-life of your team – Let employees, founders, or influencers showcase their daily routines.
Why It Works: BTS content fosters a personal connection, making followers feel part of your brand journey.
Product or Service Showcases
Image source: EmbedSocial
Instagram Highlights are perfect for displaying your best-selling or newly launched products. Use this space to:
- Share detailed product descriptions – Highlight key features, pricing, and benefits.
- Add short demo videos – Show how your product works through quick, engaging clips.
- Include customer testimonials – Pair product Highlights with user reviews to boost trust.
- Highlight limited-time offers – Promote exclusive collections or seasonal deals.
For service-based businesses, showcase:
- Case studies and success stories – Show how your service benefited real clients.
- Before-and-after transformations – If applicable, display results to prove your service’s effectiveness.
Why It Works: A well-organised product Highlight acts as a mini sales page, making it easy for followers to discover and purchase from you.
Customer Reviews & Testimonials
Image source: Social Media Examiner
Social proof is a powerful trust-builder. A dedicated Highlight for customer testimonials showcases real customer experiences and helps convert visitors into buyers.
- Feature Instagram Story reviews – Repost customer Stories that mention your brand.
- Use screenshot testimonials – Display positive DMs, comments, or reviews from other platforms.
- Showcase UGC (User-Generated Content) – Share photos/videos of customers using your product.
Pro Tip: Encourage customers to tag your brand in their Stories and use a branded hashtag for easy sharing.
Why It Works: This Highlight boosts credibility and conversions by letting potential buyers see absolute customer satisfaction.
FAQs & Quick Tips
Image source: Plann
Answering frequently asked questions in a Highlight saves time and improves user experience. Some ideas include:
- Common customer inquiries – Address questions about shipping, returns, sizing, product usage, or booking policies.
- Industry-related quick tips – Share hacks, dos and don’ts, or troubleshooting guides relevant to your niche.
- Myth-busting content – Clarify misconceptions about your products/services.
Pro Tip: Use text overlays, video responses, or Q&A stickers to present your FAQs dynamically.
Why It Works: A well-organised FAQ Highlight reduces customer inquiries while providing instant value.
Tutorials & How-To Guides
Image source: Jarvee
Step-by-step tutorials add value by educating your audience. A tutorial Highlight can feature:
- How to use your product – Explain different ways to maximise its benefits.
- Styling tips or DIY hacks – Show creative styling ideas if you sell fashion, beauty, or home decor products.
- Industry-specific educational content – e.g., “How to edit Instagram photos” or “Best exercises for beginners.”
Pro Tip: Use carousel-style Stories (multiple slides) to break down steps.
Why It Works: Providing actionable tips positions your brand as a helpful resource, increasing trust and repeat visits.
Event Recaps & Announcements
Image source: Rival IQ
Events generate buzz, and Instagram Highlights keep that excitement alive. Share:
- Recaps of live events – Summarise key moments from product launches, trade shows, or webinars.
- Speaker lineups & schedules – Keep followers informed about upcoming events.
- RSVP links & countdowns – Add a CTA directing users to event signups.
Pro Tip: If you host regular events, update the Highlight to include both past recaps and future announcements.
Why It Works: This Highlight builds anticipation and encourages participation in future events.
User-Generated Content (UGC)
Image source: Later
UGC is one of the most effective engagement boosters. A UGC Highlight can feature:
- Reposts of customer Stories – Showcase followers who tag your brand.
- Customer-submitted photos/videos – Highlight how real users interact with your product.
- Contest winners or featured fans – Reward engagement by spotlighting loyal followers.
Pro Tip: Encourage more UGC by offering incentives like reposting the best submissions.
Why It Works: UGC Highlights build community and brand advocacy, making your audience feel valued.
Team Introductions & Company Culture
Showcasing your team adds a human element to your brand. Introduce employees through:
- Individual team bios – Include their role, fun facts, and expertise.
- Behind-the-scenes work moments – Share clips of your team in action.
- Employee spotlights – Feature interviews or fun Q&A sessions.
Pro Tip: Use this Highlight to showcase diversity and inclusivity within your company.
Why It Works: People connect more with brands that feel personal and relatable.
Seasonal & Promotional Highlights
Having a seasonal or promotional Highlight keeps followers informed about your latest deals.
- Holiday sales & limited-time offers – e.g., Black Friday, Christmas discounts.
- Themed product collections – e.g., “Summer Must-Haves,” “Back-to-School Essentials.”
- Time-sensitive coupon codes – Encourage urgency with expiring offers.
Pro Tip: Archive old promotions and update this Highlight with fresh deals.
Why It Works: This Highlight boosts conversions by making promotional content easy to find.
Inspirational Quotes & Motivational Messages
Motivational content is highly shareable, making it perfect for engagement. This Highlight can include:
- Industry-related quotes – e.g., business, fitness, wellness, or self-growth quotes.
- Encouraging messages – Inspire your audience with daily affirmations.
- Quotes from your founder or team – Share personal wisdom and insights.
Pro Tip: Pair quotes with aesthetic backgrounds to make them visually appealing.
Why It Works: Inspirational content resonates emotionally, leading to more shares and engagement.
Best Practices for Creating Engaging Instagram Highlights
Instagram Highlights serve as a permanent extension of your Stories, allowing you to showcase important content in an organised and engaging way. Here are the best practices for creating engaging and effective Instagram Highlights to maximise their impact.
1. Keep Highlights Visually Appealing with Branded Covers
First impressions matter! A cohesive and well-designed set of Highlight covers enhances your profile’s aesthetic and facilitates navigation.
- Use brand colours, fonts, or icons that align with your brand identity.
- Keep the design simple and recognisable to help users quickly identify categories.
- Ensure consistency across all Highlights to maintain a professional and polished look.
Custom Highlight covers will make your profile look organised and encourage visitors to explore your content.
2. Use Clear and Compelling Titles
Your Highlight titles should be short, clear, and descriptive so users instantly understand what each Highlight contains.
- Limit titles to one or two words (e.g., “FAQs,” “Testimonials,” “New Arrivals”).
- Use emojis sparingly to make titles more visually appealing.
- Prioritise clarity over creativity—avoid vague or overly complex words.
Clear and engaging titles make it easier for followers to find the content that interests them.
3. Keep Content Updated to Stay Relevant
Unlike regular Stories, Highlights remain on your profile indefinitely—so they must be refreshed regularly.
- Remove outdated content and replace it with new Stories.
- Add recent customer reviews, latest product launches, or updated FAQs.
- Rotate seasonal content (e.g., holiday promotions, special events) to maintain relevance.
Keeping Highlights up to date ensures visitors see fresh and valuable content.
4. Balance Promotional and Value-Driven Content
Instagram Highlights shouldn’t be purely promotional. To engage and retain followers, balance between:
- Promotional content: Sales, new arrivals, discounts, and brand updates.
- Value-driven content: Tutorials, FAQs, tips, behind-the-scenes, and UGC.
Tools and Resources for Creating High-Quality Instagram Highlight Covers
Image source: Canva
Creating visually appealing and professional Instagram Highlight covers helps establish a cohesive brand aesthetic. Below is a comparison of the best design tools for crafting custom Highlight covers and essential tips for maintaining a consistent Instagram look.
| Tool | Key Features | Best For |
| Canva | Pre-made templates, drag-and-drop editor, free icons and elements | Beginners and businesses needing quick, high-quality covers |
| Adobe Express | Advanced design tools, customisable templates, brand colour palettes | Professionals looking for more design flexibility |
| PicsArt | Stickers, effects, and creative tools for unique designs | Influencers and content creators who want artistic covers |
| Over (GoDaddy Studio) | Typography-focused design, aesthetic templates | Brands that prioritise text-based or minimalist designs |
| Figma | High-level customisation, vector-based editing | Designers and teams collaborating on branding |
Tips for Maintaining a Cohesive Instagram Aesthetic
To ensure your Instagram Highlights blend seamlessly with your profile, follow these best practices:
- Stick to a Color Palette – Use brand colours to make your Highlights visually cohesive with your overall Instagram feed.
- Use Consistent Icons & Fonts: To create a uniform look, Choose similar symbols, illustrations, or typography styles.
- Keep it Minimal – Avoid cluttered designs; opt for simple and clean cover images.
- Align with Brand Identity – Make sure your Highlight covers reflect your brand’s tone, style, and messaging.
- Test and adjust—Preview your designs in Instagram Stories before setting them as covers to ensure they look sharp and professional.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are Instagram Highlights necessary for engagement?
Instagram Highlights helps brands organise and showcase valuable content beyond the lifespan of 24-hour Stories. They provide easy access to key information, build trust, and encourage users to explore more of your content, leading to higher engagement.
What types of businesses can benefit from Instagram Highlights?
Any business—whether e-commerce, service-based, or personal branding—can use Instagram Highlights to showcase products, share testimonials, answer FAQs, or highlight user-generated content. They help businesses maintain an active and engaging Instagram presence.
How often should I update my Instagram Highlights?
Regular updates keep your Highlights fresh and relevant. Brands should refresh content whenever new product launches, promotions, testimonials, or events occur. Keeping them up-to-date ensures followers always find valuable and current information.
Can Instagram Highlights help convert followers into customers?
Yes! Highlights featuring product showcases, testimonials, and how-to guides provide direct value to potential customers. By integrating call-to-actions (CTAs) like “Shop Now” or “Learn More,” brands can drive conversions directly from Instagram.
How many Highlights should I have on my Instagram profile?
While there’s no limit, 5-10 well-organised Highlights work best. Too many can overwhelm users, while too few may not provide enough valuable content. Focus on the most engaging categories that align with your brand’s goals.
