In this article, we’ll tell you all you need to know about “This or That” and supply you with various options on how you can use this idea to boost your Instagram profile.
What is the “This or That” Trend on Instagram?
“This or That” are Instagram story games people can play on Instagram, based on the simple premise of choosing your favorite between two different options. Through the game, Instagram users can learn about their friends’ and followers’ personalities, tastes, or opinions on a given subject. The game can be played on both stories and timeline posts, in different formats.
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Story lists
In order to play the story list format, a viewer must screenshot the template for a double list of options (like the one below). Then, they repost it in their stories and circle the options they prefer, in a “build your own answers” style. Additionally, they can tag friends to take part in the challenge, who must then follow the same steps.
The benefit of creating this type of “This or That” list is getting more visitors on your profile, as each person who’s participating needs to take a screenshot of the template on your profile. To make things easier for new followers, create a Story Highlights section on your profile with the templates, so they can easily grab them.
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Story polls
To play “This or That” on story polls, the viewer must simply choose between two options on a poll when watching a Story on Instagram.
The benefit of creating this kind of post is raising the engagement rate on Instagram stories, in addition to getting to know your audience a little better!
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Timeline post
The timeline “This or That” works very similarly to the Story polls one. However, in the timeline post, followers are expected to reply in the comments which option from the image they prefer.
Other than getting more people than usual to comment on your post and rising its engagement rates, this is also the type of game that allows you to talk to your followers and start conversations around your content or products!
Popular Examples of “This or That” on Instagram
The combinations for “This or That” games are endless. Here are a few examples of how brands and influencers have successfully used them to increase engagement:
How to Do Instagram’s “This or That” for Your Brand
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Pick a subject:
To start creating a “This or That” adaptation for your profile, first think about topics that might be interesting to your followers. Start with the subjects of your most liked posts and most popular stories and go from there.
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Choose a format:
How do you want your community to engage with your content? Keep in mind that different kinds of posts drive different traffic, and trying new post formats can reveal what your particular audience responds better to. Once you find what’s working for you, keep doing more of that!
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Choose a design:
When picking the design for your post or story, keep in mind your profile or brand overall aesthetics, so that your followers quickly recognize who they’re talking to. If you’re having trouble having ideas, you should get inspired by browsing Pinterest or the #thisorthat hashtag on Instagram. Related articles: How to brand your Instagram | Personal Branding
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Create your template:
You can make your template from scratch using your favorite editing software, or you can try websites that provide post and story templates, like Canva or Snappa, for free. If you’re using pre-made Instagram story templates, remember to make them your own by adding your images and brand colors! Don’t forget to add your Instagram handle somewhere so people know where to find you!
Tip: you don’t have to stick to the formats shown here, you can change and expand the game in any way you want to suit your vision and content!
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Call To action:
While the interactive Instagram story options are very inviting and practical for the viewer to engage in, timeline posts require extra effort to reply to. That being, work questions into your captions to encourage your followers to start talking and post a comment. Additionally, include your personal opinion on the subject to give it a personal touch and start the game. You can still ask for followers to share the content and tag a friend to answer as well!
Ideas for Instagram “This or That”
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Food:
- Build your breakfast
- This or That food (Pizza x Burguer / Coffee x Tea)
- Favorite toppings
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Travel:
- Travel destinations
- Build your perfect holiday destination
- Beach or city
- Build a staycation
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TV and entertainment:
- Favorite TV shows
- Movies you watched
- Favorite character
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Beauty:
- Beauty brands
- Choose your beauty routine
- This or That look
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Fashion:
- Who wore it better
- Favorite style
- Build your own style
- Favorite fashion brands
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Lifestyle:
- Date ideas
- Create your perfect date
- Plan a party
- Favorite things to do on a weekend
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Architecture and design:
- Choose a furniture style
- This or that color palette
- Favorite house style