Instagram Stories vs. Reels: Which One Grows Your Birth Business Faster?
You’re putting in the effort to market your birth business on Instagram, but are you using the right tools to maximize your reach? Stories and Reels each play a unique role in growing your audience and converting followers into clients—but knowing when (and how) to use them can make all the difference.
Let’s break it down so you can stop guessing and start using Instagram more strategically in 2025.
The Key Differences: Stories vs. Reels
FeatureStoriesReelsLifespan24 hours (unless saved to Highlights)Permanent (stays on your profile)ReachShown mostly to current followersShown to both followers & new audiencesEngagement StyleQuick, behind-the-scenes, interactiveHigh-energy, shareable, discoverableBest ForNurturing & connecting with your audienceReaching new people & growing your account
Source: Instagram Business Insights, 2025
When to Use Stories
Stories are your best friend for engagement and building trust with your current followers. Since they disappear in 24 hours (unless saved to Highlights), they create a sense of urgency and encourage people to check in daily.
✅ Use Stories for:
Behind-the-scenes moments (your daily work, client wins, or a glimpse of your life)
Quick updates (event reminders, product launches, or last-minute openings)
Interactive content (polls, Q&As, and quizzes to get people involved)
Exclusive offers (flash sales or limited-time promotions)
Pro Tip: Use engagement stickers (polls, question boxes, sliders) to boost interaction! The more people engage with your Stories, the more Instagram prioritizes showing them your content.
When to Use Reels
If you want to grow your audience, Reels are the way to go. They get pushed to a wider audience through the Explore page and Reels feed, meaning more potential clients can discover you.
✅ Use Reels for:
Educational content (quick tips, myth-busting, or answering FAQs)
Trending audio & challenges (when relevant to birth work!)
Client testimonials & success stories (social proof is powerful!)
Mini storytelling (your journey as a birth pro, why you started, or an inspiring client story)
Pro Tip: Hook people in the first 3 seconds! Use bold text or an intriguing question to grab attention before they scroll past.
How to Use Both for Maximum Growth
For the best results, use Reels to attract new people and Stories to nurture and convert them into clients. Think of it like this:
1️⃣ Post a Reel to introduce a topic (e.g., “3 Myths About Birth You Need to Stop Believing”). 2️⃣ Follow up in Storiesby expanding on that topic and using a poll or Q&A to encourage interaction. 3️⃣ Use DMs to personally connect with those who engage in your Stories and turn them into clients!
Source: Social Media Examiner, 2025
The Bottom Line
Both Stories and Reels are powerful—but they serve different purposes. If you want higher engagement and to build trust, focus on Stories. If you need to grow your audience and reach new clients, prioritize Reels. When used together, they create a winning Instagram strategy that helps your birth business thrive.
🚀 Want more Instagram marketing tips for birth pros? Check out our BirthPro Stock Photo Library—high-quality, birth-related images that help you create standout content and attract your ideal clients effortlessly!
