Instagram Stories are a powerful, ephemeral marketing tool allowing Australian businesses to share authentic, engaging content that disappears after 24 hours, fostering a sense of immediacy and encouraging frequent viewing. As of early 2026, Stories are integral to maintaining audience engagement and driving conversions within the Instagram ecosystem.
- Interactive Stickers: Current systems include advanced poll, quiz, question, and countdown stickers, allowing direct audience interaction and valuable data collection.
- Story Ads: Businesses can now feature targeted advertisements directly within users’ Stories feeds, reaching specific demographics and interests across Australia.
- Link Stickers (for all accounts): In 2026, link stickers are universally available, enabling direct traffic to websites, product pages, or booking systems – a significant improvement for driving sales.
- Collaborative Collections: Businesses can co-create Stories with influencers or other brands, expanding reach and building credibility.
- Professional Dashboard Analytics: Instagram now features a comprehensive professional dashboard providing detailed insights into Story performance, including reach, impressions, replies, and sticker interactions.
Australian businesses need to be mindful of ACCC guidelines regarding transparency in advertising when utilising Story Ads and influencer collaborations. Ensuring clear disclosure of sponsored content is crucial for maintaining consumer trust and avoiding penalties. Furthermore, optimising content for mobile viewing – given the predominantly mobile-first nature of Instagram usage in Australia – is paramount for maximising engagement.
Instead of navigating these technical complexities and compliance requirements yourself, let ROI.com.au handle your Instagram Story strategy. We can take care of all this for you.
