Instagram changes the stories algorithm in 2025: How to leverage it to multiply your views

For months, thousands of creators and brands complained about the low reach of Instagram Stories. You’d post several in a row, and it felt like shouting into the void: fewer views, zero interaction, and engagement dropping fast.

The good news is that this is now in the past. Instagram admitted it was a bug in its algorithm and announced that the issue has been fixed. This means that, from now on, you can post as many Stories as you like without worrying about your views plummeting.

The story algorithm problem: Why your views dropped

If you noticed that your Stories barely got any views, it wasn’t your fault or your content’s fault. The algorithm was penalising those who posted many Stories in a row, which meant that followers saw fewer of your clips in their feed.

In practice, this caused three consequences:

Less overall reach	When posting several Stories back-to-back, only the first few would be strongly displayed. The rest were buried.
Lower interaction	With fewer people watching, you got fewer replies, reactions, or sticker clicks.
Feeling invisible	Many creators reduced their activity, posting just one Story a day to at least maintain some visibility.

Adam Mosseri, Head of Instagram, himself admitted that this was a bug. The algorithm was wrongly interpreting user behaviour and, as a result, limited the reach of those who uploaded content in sequence.

How the Instagram Stories algorithm works now

The 2025 update changes the rules of the game. The algorithm no longer penalises those who post lots of Stories in a row. Instead of hiding your content, Instagram now evaluates each clip according to the level of engagement it generates. This means that what matters is not how many Stories you post, but how much interaction they spark.

The main signals the algorithm now considers are:

Watch time	If users watch your Story all the way through, it’s a positive sign.
Tap backs (rewatches)	When someone rewinds to watch a clip again, the system sees it as valuable.
DM replies	Direct messages are a strong metric of engagement.
Shares	If your Stories get sent to others, they gain relevance.
Sticker clicks	Polls, links, questions, and music all count as interactions.
Profile visits	When a Story drives someone to your profile, the algorithm values it highly.

In short: it’s no longer about how many Stories you post, but about how much engagement you generate.

Strategies to increase your reach after the change

Now that Instagram has fixed the issue, it’s time to redesign your approach. Posting randomly can still be a mistake. To get the most out of the new algorithm, you need to plan your Stories as a narrative sequence rather than as isolated clips.

1. Think in content blocks

Instead of uploading one-off Stories, organise your posts into series of 3 to 5 clips with a clear goal. It could be explaining a process, telling a story, or showcasing a product.

2. Hook viewers with the first clip

The algorithm measures retention from the very beginning. If your first Story doesn’t catch attention, you’ll quickly lose viewers. Use engaging questions, on-screen text to spark curiosity and music that stops the scroll.

3. Mix up formats

Alternate between text, boomerangs, natural photos, short videos, and interactive stickers. Variety keeps attention and prevents boredom.

4. Use storytelling sequences

Storytelling is back at the centre. You can show a step-by-step, document behind-the-scenes moments, or narrate a full day. If you add value and keep the pace, followers will stay until the end.

5. End with a clear CTA

Close your sequences with a call-to-action such as: “reply if you want part two”, “click the link” and “tell me which stage you’re in”. This not only boosts interaction but also trains the algorithm to recognise that your Stories drive activity.

Story formats that work best in 2025

Instagram Stories have evolved a lot. Nowadays, users want more than polished photos: they want authenticity and value. These are the most effective formats based on current trends:

Polls and opinion stickers	They drive engagement and provide direct feedback.
Mini step-by-step tutorials	Teaching something useful in 3–4 clips boosts retention.
Selfie testimonials	Speaking straight to camera humanises your brand.
Raw behind-the-scenes	Showing reality connects more than over-edited content.
Reel-style Stories	Short, fast-paced videos keep attention.
Reality show style	Sharing your daily routine hooks those who want to follow your life.

Key metrics you should track in Stories

Posting more isn’t enough—you need to measure outcomes. Remember the digital marketing mantra: “No data, no party". The most relevant metrics in 2025 are:

Views per clip	Analyse where your audience drops off and restructure accordingly.
Tap forwards	Suggests boredom or low interest.
Tap backs	Shows content was engaging enough to rewatch.
Exits	Reveals where users stop watching your Stories.
Sticker clicks	Reflects the level of active engagement.
Direct messages	The strongest engagement signal.

Check your stats 24 hours after posting and look for patterns. Adjust your approach based on what truly resonates with your audience.

Practical examples you can apply today

To make this article actionable, here are some ready-to-use ideas:

• Post a sequence of 5 Stories showing a process:

  • Intro with a question

  • Step 1 as a video

  • Step 2 with text + sticker

  • Step 3 in selfie mode with an explanation

  • CTA for interaction or profile visit

• Run a mini reality show: share a “day in your life” split into morning, afternoon, and evening.

• Create a quick tutorial on something you’re skilled at. Example: “3 tricks to take better phone photos.”

• Launch a strategic poll: present two options and then produce extra content based on the result.

What this change means for creators and brands

In practice, this update opens a big opportunity:

• Independent creators can once again tell longer stories without fearing loss of visibility.

• Brands get more space to showcase products, testimonials, or behind-the-scenes sequences.

• Community managers can design complete daily storytelling strategies.

In other words: Instagram is once again betting on Stories as a space for genuine connection.

The Instagram Stories algorithm update is great news for everyone who relies on daily content. If posting a lot used to work against you, today you can do it freely—as long as you do it strategically. Remember these key points:

• Plan narrative sequences, not one-off clips.

• Mix up formats and start strong.

• Track your metrics and adjust based on your audience.

• Leverage the formats that work best in 2025.

The ball is now in your court. Had you noticed the drop in your Story views? Are you going back to posting more daily content? The opportunity is here: tell more, connect more, and let the new algorithm work in your favour.