Why are stories such a big trend?

I’m an old. I don’t like stories. But clearly they drive content consumption in a way that marketers and publishers can see, and that’s why they are trending.

I’ve clicked around and my best guess is that it’s the speed of transitioning from one story to the next that triggers increased consumption.

A cynic could suggest that the realization is that for millions of people, scrolling is too much work.

But in the 5 minutes I spent clicking through Instagram “reels” and getting bummed out at what is popular, I ‘engaged’ with dozens of stories. I doubt I would have waded so deep if it wasn’t as instantaneous. Like greased rails.

Stories have in common that they disappear after 24 hours.

It makes people more inclined to post content that is relevant now, but might not be in a week.

- Usually, very short attention span is needed

- Use of rich media like video makes them even more attention-grabbing

- Can be highly addictive

Short -> fun/interesting stuff in it condensed -> stronger and more dopamine hits in a shorter time -> low attention dopamine addicts (most of the population) love it -> use the product more -> more ad revenue -> profit

You forgot VScode stories!

https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=benawad....

I like it. I don't use facebook/instagram very often (open maybe once a week?), all my interactions with people have been through stories this year.

I like that it is a DM when I reply and that I can easily skip, I also like that they're "now" and someone is more likely to reply back or that I do not need to scroll endlessly to see someone's life.

I post stories myself probably once per quarter, it is a good way of people interacting with you without leaving too much of an online footprint.

IMO is a welcome trend.

I feel it has to do with a distorted concept of privacy, people want to share something right now with their friends, but they don't want to be judged in the long run by this content, they don't want people to be on your profile and see a thousand pictures of your parties, maybe you looking ridiculous.

I usually feel that instagram posts are meticulously planned and reviewed and edited, while the stories are something authentic and ephemeral.

It's good UI for videos - that's it really.