Storytelling for Instagram, TikTok, and Reels

A learning material on telling short stories through Instagram posts, TikTok videos and Reels. It covers story structure for vertical video, on-screen text, voiceover scripts and captions that support the visuals. Examples show how to turn everyday moments, products or ideas into clear, well-paced stories for short formats.

Levels4

Starting from185 credits

Choose a level

About this study guide

Short videos and image posts still need a story, even when there are only a few seconds to tell it. This learning material shows how to build that story for Instagram, TikTok and Reels. It starts with simple structures such as problem and solution, before and after, and a single moment told in three beats. From there it covers writing on-screen text, short voiceover scripts, captions that add context, and carousel posts that tell a story across several slides. You will also look at pacing, choosing what to leave out and keeping a consistent voice across a series. The material has four levels, Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced and Expert, moving from single posts to planned story series. It suits creators, brands and marketers, and every level can be studied at your own pace.

Each level is unlocked on its own

Choose a level

Compare the levels below and add the one that fits you to your cart

Level 1 / 4

Beginner

What you will study

You will study the basic beginning, middle and end of a short story, simple on-screen text, short voiceover lines, captions that support the visuals and ways to find story ideas in everyday moments.

Who this level is for

This first level is for anyone new to telling stories in short vertical formats. It explains what makes a story work in a few seconds and how words, images and sound share the job.

What you will be able to do

You should be able to outline a simple short story for Instagram, TikTok or Reels and write the on-screen text, voiceover and caption so that all three work together clearly and support the visuals.

Level 2 / 4

Intermediate

What you will study

Topics include story formats such as before and after, day in the life and behind the scenes, pacing across cuts, writing hooks for the first seconds, carousel storytelling and turning products or ideas into simple narratives.

Who this level is for

With the basics in place, this level helps learners tell stories more regularly and with more variety. It suits creators who post already but want clearer structure and stronger pacing in each piece.

What you will be able to do

You will be able to choose a suitable story format for each idea, write a strong opening and pace a short video or carousel so the story stays clear from start to finish.

Level 3 / 4

Advanced

What you will study

You will study multi-part story series, recurring characters and formats, adapting one story for Instagram, TikTok and Reels, combining humour and emotion, collaborating on scripts with others and reviewing which stories hold viewers' attention.

Who this level is for

Intended for experienced creators, this level treats short stories as part of a larger body of content. It focuses on recurring characters, story series and making deliberate choices about tone and structure.

What you will be able to do

You should be able to plan a connected story series, adapt it for each platform without losing its core idea, and judge which structures and tones suit your audience best based on how people respond.

Level 4 / 4

Expert

What you will study

Topics include developing a signature storytelling style, sharing personal and client stories responsibly, disclosure for sponsored content, building long story arcs across many posts and reviewing a large body of work to refine voice and structure.

Who this level is for

The expert level is for storytellers who want to refine a recognisable style in short formats. It covers difficult judgement calls, such as balancing personal stories with privacy and entertainment with honesty.

What you will be able to do

You will be able to tell short stories in a consistent personal style, handle sponsored and personal content honestly and shape long story arcs that keep viewers following along across many posts.

Levels are unlocked with credits from your balance. You can buy more credits whenever you need them.