In the middle of 2012, Instagram burst into the lives of 70% of internet users. Its popularity grew rapidly. However, in early 2016, the social network began to lose its users to the new app, Snapchat. The solution to this problem was found with the launch of stories in the middle of the same year. The development of the app led to animated stories becoming an integral part of the life of an advanced Instagram user. Every year, new features are created and old ones are updated to promote the account.
Animated stories: what to choose – a standard template or a creative approach?
If the account is intended only for close friends and family, there is no need to come up with anything fancy. A close audience is very grateful viewers and happy with any videos and photos. To gain subscribers and promote the page, imagination is necessary.
Using templates to make animated stories does not negate the fact that the story should have a well-thought-out concept, plot, climax, and resolution. An Instagrammer is a screenwriter, director, cameraman, lighting designer, and performer of the main role. Application templates are only used as auxiliary tools.
How to create an animated element for stories
A simple text animation can completely transform a photo or video. The principle of operation is simple: choose a GIF in the template, give it the necessary size, place it on the selected background color, and remove excess with the “eraser” tool.
Bright stickers can be used for a more pronounced effect. It is better to use author’s inscriptions. The application templates have clear instructions on how to make your own sticker. All the flaws of a beginner’s uncomplicated design can be smoothed out by a witty or unconventional idea written in animated text.
The sequence of steps:
- template selection;
- design creation;
- animation of the story;
- publication.
Animation creation apps
Static pictures on Instagram quickly become boring. Learn how to use animation, video, and “bringing to life” photos. Animation apps are designed to make this work easier. The options in the templates can be used intuitively. All programs are adapted for Android, iPhone, or both at once.
The names of the apps are “speaking”, it is immediately clear what animation “tricks” can be done with their help.
Adobe Spark Post
The main screen of the application has two sections. One section contains the user’s own posts, while the other contains templates.
There are three options for wallpapers:
- original photos;
- template photos;
- colored fill.
Combined wallpapers can be created by combining several options. Videos or images can be adapted to the desired size directly in the application. Text can be added to the video using the editing function, and there are several options for its placement.
The “Effects” button opens a set of tools for animating the poster. There is a set of logos and icons available.
Storybeat
It’s much more interesting to see photos from a beach vacation with the sound of the sea overlaid, rather than “silent” shots. This application will teach you how to add sound to video or photo materials. You can use template music or sound effects, or record your own.
You can also create a slideshow, panoramic video, or make video animations in the program.
The application is available for free download on Google Play or the App Store.
Canva
The service is extremely easy to use and is suitable for beginners in design. Images are constructed from ready-made elements. It is not possible to create an image from scratch in this application. However, there is an option to upload custom elements.
Even the free version has about 8,000 templates of graphics and animation elements. The offered functions are sufficient for creating Instagram stories without downloading the paid premium version.
The main functionality of the basic version includes:
- Filters for photo editing.
- A catalog of stock photos with a search function by topic.
- Editable templates, banners, logos.
- A function to connect with other users for team design work.
It should be noted that not all fonts are adapted for Cyrillic. To use the service, a large amount of RAM is required, as a lot of traffic is used.
Vimage
The trend of bringing pictures to life using cinematographs is gaining popularity. This application helps to create a video avatar and add moving elements to any static photo. Using the “+” button in the program interface, photos or videos can be animated. The application library contains about 100 moving design elements, which is constantly updated. There are various editing functions available, such as changing the background, color fill, transparency, and more.
Zoetropic” (There is no direct translation as it is a proper noun and may refer to a brand name or a specific product)
The program allows you to turn photos into videos. You can add motion only to a part of the image, stabilizing the rest of the picture. There is a wide selection of templates to create animated effects. The basic version of the application has a limited set of tools. The full functionality for professional videos in stories can be purchased through a subscription to the PRO version.
Mojo
The service offers around 40 templates and 50 types of font or ready-made text. The program can be downloaded without registration, but a paid, extended version is also available. The interface is extremely simple, you just need to select a template with animation, adjust the size if necessary, add text, a banner or a sticker, and publish it on Instagram or any other social network. All templates are editable. Quality content is always valued. Nowadays, it’s not enough to just have a beautiful photo or video. All posts should convey a message, whether it’s a selling text or a philosophical one. Animated stories help to attract attention to the originality of thought, making the content atmospheric and creating a certain mood among followers. Businesses actively use social media platforms. Creating animated stories for Instagram is an excellent advertising move for promoting a product.