Highlight covers for Instagram Stories are visual elements used to categorize and present collections of archived stories on a user’s profile. These covers, paired with story highlights, allow viewers to access curated content beyond the standard 24-hour lifespan of ephemeral stories. An “aesthetic” approach to these covers entails employing design principles that prioritize visual harmony, stylistic consistency, and alignment with a brand or individual’s overall presentation. For example, a travel blogger might use miniature photos of landmarks as their covers, each meticulously edited to share a common color palette.
The strategic implementation of visually appealing highlight covers provides a significant advantage in enhancing user engagement and brand recognition. They facilitate navigation, enabling profile visitors to quickly identify and access content of interest. Furthermore, consistent and well-designed covers contribute to a professional and polished profile aesthetic, fostering a positive first impression and strengthening brand identity. Before the implementation of this feature, stories vanished, leading to loss of engagement and views.