Instagram Story Views Dropped and How to Fix It

There is nothing more discouraging than waking up to see your Instagram stories views dropped. Alright so there are some things worse than that 🤕  BUT… If you’re an influencer, brand, or social media manager declining story views or Reels views are a huge deal. Right? Here’s the good news, the ‘gram is not dead and you’re probably not shadowbanned. 

There are many reasons your Instagram story views may be declining.

Let’s dig into some of the major reasons your views might be decreasing and how you can start fixing that problem today. 

Reason #1 Previous Story Views Were Bot Generated

The most common reason your story views are declining is a previous spike in inauthentic engagement. This means you managed to land on a bot trigger, used an engagement app, purchase engagement (likes or follows), or invested in some weird blackhat software that auto engaged for you.

If you’ve noticed an increase in followers or likes from accounts that are clearly bot accounts or fake accounts you may have amassed fake views in the previous period, which is why story views are declining rapidly. Typically, you’ll know if you used software or purchased engagement. However, in some rare cases, you may have used a hashtag that spurred bot engagement.

Swap hashtags out Remove Inauthentic Followers

To correct this issue, identify the period prior to the decline and swap out the hashtags used in that period so that you don’t get an inauthentic spike in the future. Also, remove inauthentic users from your followers’ list. More importantly, if you’ve purchased engagement or used some sort of application avoid doing so in the future as it inflates your data leaving you with skewed information that does not correctly correspond to your organic data.

Reason #2 Stale or Status Quo Content

If your content is stagnant in the sense that it’s not evolving, keeping up with the trends in your niche, or hitting the right mark with your followers you may need to switch your creative strategy up. This may be one of the big reasons your Instagram story views dropped in 2020. 

If you’re struggling to come up with creative or trending content in your niche simple search what’s trending on the explore page provided that you are following similar accounts in your niche. Alternatively, you can also search for trending stories using location tags or hashtags on your IG.

To say it plainly, find out what content is working now, and shift your creative strategy. Research is your friend, not your enemy.

Reason #3 Neglecting Your Story Hashtags

Hashtags make your content more discoverable. Neglecting hashtags can be the culprit of declining story views. Keep in mind you can use 10 hashtags in each story. This includes 1 sticker hashtag, text hashtags, and a geo-hashtag.

Reason #4 Unengaging Content

It’s quite simple really. If you are posting stories that are with no strategy or medium for engagement it’s likely you’ll get fewer interactions and declining story views. Instead, create a storyline and give viewers a reason to engage with your stories. Quizzes, reveals, high-value give the viewer a reason to come back, interact, and share. 

Reason #5 Poor Timing Strategy

The most common mistake people make when posting stories is posting a lot of content at one time and then ghost followers for several days. In contrast, popular accounts frequently post without fail. However, you’ll notice timing and consistency are crucial to developing a strong engagement strategy.

Here are some things you should consider with regard to timing strategy: 

• Post stories when your followers are online
• Space them out appropriately.
  • For example, “reveal stories” may require 2 stories posted consecutively.
  • Whereas, a “day in the life” storyline will require you to post throughout the day.
• Don’t post excessive content for volume’s sake.

Always take timing into consideration when posting stories.

Reason #6 Lack of Reciprocation

Do not be that person who just wants someone to share or view your stories. People find this type of person very annoying and will soon stop following you for someone who does engage and share. Community reciprocation is like social karma. The more content you meaningfully engage with the more others will engage with you as well. 

Reason #7 Cancelled Culture

Canceled culture is a new online PR crisis, wherein brands or influencers provoke digital activism.  Dropping the ball on sensitivity and communication strategy can result in an audience spiral on organic Instagram growth. Remember, social media content is forever, you can’t turn back time, once it’s online it’s available for the world to see. Glossier is a good example of powerful Instagram brands that can be canceled by the internet. 

Final Thoughts on Declining Story Views

If you follow the tips above you should be able to determine why your story views are declining and what path you need to walk down to maintain your reach on Instagram. Remember trial and error is essential to uncovering what’s behind your story views declining on Instagram. It’s best not to try to game the system or attempt to beat the algorithm.