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It’s no secret that Stories have become huge on Facebook and Instagram.
That’s why back in October of this year, Facebook started testing them out within Facebook Groups.
Group Stories proved to provide one more way to let Group admins engage with their community, while the community could also interact more with each other.
It did so well, Facebook is rolling out Group Stories globally now. Community members will be able to add to the Group’s story and react to other's stories quickly with a range of lightweight emojis, but there’s both good and bad with this.
Community Is The Name Of The Game
Many businesses have already added Groups to their digital marketing plan as a great way to foster engagement, support each other, and actually show up in feeds organically to its members. (Ahem...are you part of IMPACT Elite yet!?)
But wow they have one more tool to work with.
By multiple members adding to a story, they are creating a living piece of content that ebbs and flows and never has a predictable narrative. It’s dynamic, fun, and further creates a sense of community as it’s only visible to those in the group.
“With group stories on Facebook, you can see, feel and experience different points of view and connect more personally with other members in your group,” says Facebook.
Stories allow those people to now engage with each other in a whole new way.
How Do Group Stories Work Exactly?
As of right now, you will only be able to add to Group Stories via iOS and Android.
Admins and group members can create a story by tapping “Create Story” under the group story section at the top of the group.
Group members can also add to a group story in the story tray at the top of newsfeed on the app and selecting the 'add' button.
To manage stories, you simply go to group settings for story posting permissions and approvals.
Select “admin tools” on mobile or “moderate group” on desktop to manage pending and reported stories.
That being said….
Can Anyone Put Anything In Group Stories?
The short answer is no.
The longer answer is that Group moderators are able to approve story content before it posts, deeming it appropriate or not. Group administrators can also mute members and pick a setting that allows only admins to post or contribute to stories.
Sure, It’s Fun, But Group Stories Do Have Their Challenges
Stephanie Baiocchi, Director of Audience Engagement & Community for IMPACT (and Elite’s Overlord) raises some concerns that may come with Group Stories:
"I love Stories because they give an authentic, in-the-moment glimpse into a person or business. However, I think adding Stories to Groups will put a significant additional burden on Group Administrators to be constantly watching the stories and making sure the posts are appropriate or approving posts before they're posted. I do think Group Stories could be especially useful during in-person events."
Stephanie brings up a great point -- actually managing communities are a critical part of having them. This is one more reason why having tight Standard Operating Procedures in place are so important. Shiny new tools are great—as long as you’re prepared to use and maximize them.
Stories Aren’t Going Anywhere
Back in May Facebook released user numbers for Facebook Stories and it has a 150 million daily active users and a whopping 2.2 billion monthly. With the feature also hitting LinkedIn and YouTube this month, they’re clearly a force to be reckoned with.
Facebook is making sure Stories become part of your life one way or another and I’m excited to see how they pan out in Groups.
Video and Photo provided by Facebook.
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