On most social media, Instagram Stories have been among the most powerful means of communication and expression. For the energetic and imaginative youth of Bangladesh, Stories represents yet another ‘social media’ tool which helps them showcase their lives, culture, and ideas. Now, for the youth, Glory Casino is here to experience the ‘fun’ in online gaming.
But, in a sea of content, how do you ensure yours is unique? This blogpost will highlight the most current trends and ideas in the local context so that you can create Instagram Stories which are engaging as well as authentically Bangladeshi.
The Importance of Instagram Stories
Before we begin, it is important to note: Stories are meant to disappear and thus, are ideal for showcasing unprofessional everyday activities. They are very prominent, and thus hard to miss, (located above the app), and have numerous ways in which a user can actively engage. For Bangladeshi users, it is a tool to engage with distant relatives and friends, as well as express their patriotism or even develop a personal brand.
Top Trends of the Moment (Global & Local)
The Interactive Sticker Feature
Don’t just post. Ask!
- Polls & Sliders: These focus on quick and enjoyable turnouts. Obtain answers from questions like “Which fuchka is better? Nanna’s or Golpata’s?” and “How excited are you for Eid? (slider)”
- Quiz Sticker: This is the best for testing knowledge. Quizzes for Bengali music, sports, or random questions from Dhaka are pieces of cake. “Who sang this song?” “Who was Man of the Match in the 2019 SAFF final?”
- Question Box: This is the most useful tool you have. “Best coffee place in Banani?” are questions unlike “Ask me anything.” You then place the responses in the Story, resulting in a seamless story generation.
- Emoji Slider: This is a poll aimed at gauging the degree of the person’s like on the subject. “How much do you love Iftar? 😋” is better phrased “I love Iftar 😋.”
Real and Authentic Content
Out are feeds that have content which is curated. Moments that are raw and real are in.
- Behind-The-Scenes (BTS): Highlight the work that goes into capturing that one perfect photo. It can even be anything as personal as the funny chaos of preparing a meal with the family, the tedious traffic you have to endure to admire the view at Cox’s Bazar, or getting the stage for the Pohela Boishakh ready.
- Day-in-the-Life: Describe the course of a day to your followers. It can be anything from the morning cha ritual to your commute ( for example, a time-lapse of a rickshaw ride in Old Dhaka is beautiful) or your work to the time you go out with friends in the evening.
Epic Transition Videos
This trend is big all over the world and you can add a Bangladeshi twist to it.
- Idea: Record yourself at the start wearing a traditional shari or panjabi and at the end of the recording with a snap of your fingers or a clap change into a fancy dress. Or, go from a busy city with all the commotion in Gulshan to a calm, peaceful tea garden in Sreemangal.
- How to do it: You need two clips, and you need to start with the first one. Then, for the second one, make sure that your camera is exactly at the same position as the first one. Then use the same motion or action that you used to start the video to mask or cover the cut in the two videos. You can use CapCut or InShot to help you with the following.
Trending Music and Sound
Sound matters. The ideal audio clip could help your Story be found by more users.
- Global Trends: Check out the ‘Trending’ segment of the music sticker. Tacking on a well-known foreign song may expand your reach.
- Local Flavors: Here is where you really excel! Incorporate popular songs from Bangladeshi singers such as Ayub Bachchu, James, Nemesis, or Minar. A snippet of your companions jamming to a Warfaze song or a latest track from Habib will hit home for a local crowd. Use old Eid songs for the season during Eid to use for the Eid spirit.
Text Focused Stories and Big Fonts
When you need to get your point across, sometimes less really is more.
- Use the ‘Type’ Mode: You may relay a funny idea, a profound line from a Bengali poet like Kazi Nazrul Islam or Rabindranath Tagore, or an important announcement.
- Make It Interesting: Use bold full of color. Don’t simply have the text be static, use the effects to disperse the words to get the viewer to stay till the end of the entire sentence.
Bangladeshi-Specific Story Ideas
One of the ways you can integrate the local culture into your Stories.
Foodie Adventures
Bangladesh is a food paradise. Don’t just post a picture of your biryani; do a poll: “Which is better? Fakruddin or Star Kabab?”.
- Review or Stories: Go to a popular street food destination in Dhanmondi and do a mini-review series of Stories. Give a rating to the fuchka, chotpoti and jhalmuri.
- Iftar Series: Every day during Ramadan, take a picture of your Iftar platter. Use the quiz sticker and ask: “Guess how many piayju I ate today?”
Cultural Celebration Stories:
- Pohela Boishakh: Use a festive Rabindra Sangeet background and show the steps of getting dressed: putting on the shari, drawing the alpana, and getting the panta ilish ready.
- Eid: Document the frenzy of shopping at New Market, home-cooking, praying at the mosque, and family Eid reunions. Ask a quiz: “Eid er bonus koto paisos?”.
Showcase Your City:
- Hidden Gems: Take a video of a new adorable café in Bashundhara R/A, the lovely book stalls at Nilkhet, or the ancient part of Dhaka.
- Support Local: Put the spotlight on a nakshi kantha maker or a home-based mishti maker.
Cricket Fever:
When the Bangladesh cricket team is playing, you should match the national enthusiasm in your Stories! Make live reactions to the wickets and sixes. Use polls to try to guess the winner, and keep your videos to celebrate the victory!
Pro Suggestions for the Ideal Story
- Lighting is Important: Bangladesh is blessed with good natural light. Film during the golden hour which is in the early morning and late afternoon for the best glowing light.
- Use GIFs with Bangladesh Themes: Search for GIFs on GIPHY and include tags like #Bangladesh, #Dhaka, #Bengali. You can find GIFs, like the national flag, maps, or popular sayings in the area.
- Stay Relevant: It would help to try and post Stories in a timely manner so your audience is sure to receive the posts.
- Interaction with Other Users: Send other people a thoughtful reply to their Stories. This will help in getting their attention on your profile, and your Stories in particular, in return.
Conclusion: Be You, Be Bangladeshi
The best tea, stories, and moments are the ones which are original. You don’t need professional equipment, just your phone and outlook. Incorporate international fashion and trends to local Bangladeshi culture. Express your devotion to cricket and cha adda and shower the marvelous city with reverence. Remember, out of your own life springs the finest content. So, get hold of your camera and Insta and tell your story to the world.