If you’ve ever struggled to get someone to stop scrolling and pay attention to your post, you’re not alone. Studies suggest that the average person scrolls the length of the Eiffel Tower (and then some!) every single day. That means your post, story, or reel is competing with thousands of other pieces of content for a few seconds of attention.
So how do you make sure your message cuts through the noise?
The answer: social media storytelling.
What Is Social Media Storytelling?
Social media storytelling is the practice of sharing your message in the form of a story. It’s about more than just posting facts or updates – it’s about creating an emotional connection with your audience.
A good story often has:
- A Challenge – what happened that created tension or a turning point
- The Change – how things shifted or improved
- The Outcome – what happened in the end
When you take your audience on this journey, you make them feel something – and that’s what makes your content memorable.
Why Storytelling Matters for Social Media Marketing
People scroll for many reasons – to be entertained, to learn something new, to escape daily life, or to connect with others. But one thing is universal: they aren’t scrolling to be bored.
That’s why engaging content is crucial for reach and engagement in 2025.
Posts that resonate with your audience – that inspire emotion, spark curiosity, or make them smile – are the ones that:
- Stop the scroll
- Get likes, comments, and shares
- Build trust and connection
- Lead to clicks, conversions, and sales
In short: storytelling drives engagement, and engagement drives visibility.
Example: Storytelling in Action
Here’s an example of the difference between a simple update and a story that connects.
Story A (with storytelling):
Last year, I published a children’s book with a powerful message about believing in yourself. The main character, a crocodile called Ellie, repeats a mantra whenever she feels scared:
“I think I can, I think I can.”
Months later, I’m doing a park run with my daughter. Halfway through, she’s struggling and thinking about stopping. Then I hear her whisper to herself:
“I think I can, I think I can.”
In that moment, she remembered Ellie’s courage – and pushed herself to finish the race, beaming with pride at the finish line.
Story B (without storytelling):
I recently ran a race with my daughter, and even though she found it hard and didn’t win, she kept at it and crossed the finish line, proud as punch.
Which one made you feel something? Chances are, it was Story A.
That’s the power of storytelling – it gives context, emotion, and meaning to an otherwise simple update.
How Storytelling Boosts Social Media Engagement
When you create posts that trigger an emotional response – whether it’s inspiration, excitement, curiosity, or even frustration – people are more likely to stop scrolling and engage.
That engagement sends positive signals to social media algorithms, which increases your visibility and helps more people see your content.
In other words, storytelling helps you:
- Build stronger relationships with your audience
- Increase your organic reach
- Turn casual followers into loyal fans (and eventually, customers)
Storytelling for Your Business
For businesses, storytelling is a powerful marketing tool. It allows you to:
- Share the why behind your products or services
- Show your audience the impact of your work
- Build trust by letting them see the real people behind the brand
When your audience feels connected to your story, they’re more likely to engage, share, and buy.
The Next Step: How to Tell Better Stories
Now that you know what social media storytelling is and why it matters, the next step is learning how to craft great stories that connect with your audience.
I’ll be sharing a follow-up blog post soon with a practical, step-by-step guide to creating stories that resonate – so stay tuned!
