How to use StoryShot
A step-by-step guide on how to create and use story cards for Instagram, KakaoTalk profile, and blog thumbnails.
1. What moments work well as a card?
StoryShot works best not with fancy quotes but with short lines that help you look back on your day. Think about a moment you want to remember later or a single sentence you would like to tell yourself.
For example: “That's enough for today. I still did well.” to close the day, “I am working today for tomorrow's me.” as a small resolution, or “A brief moment of peace in the corner of a café.” to capture a specific scene.
2. How to write a better one-line
Your one-line does not need to be long. Focusing on one or two images or feelings often makes it more memorable. Instead of just writing “I'm tired”, try something like “My steps were heavy, but I kept walking anyway.” to evoke a clear scene.
Think about the time of day, where you were, who you were with, and what sounds you heard, then choose words around those details. Don’t aim for a perfect quote—just write your state of mind as it is.
3. Tips for choosing backgrounds and ratios
If you plan to post on Instagram stories or reels, 9:16 is the most natural choice. For blog thumbnails or card-style posts, 4:5, 3:4, or 1:1 also work very well.
When you use a photo background, prioritize text readability over the photo's original colors. Use the “Darken background” slider in StoryShot until the text is clearly readable, and keep your text color white or light gray in most cases.
4. How to use your cards on Instagram, KakaoTalk, and blogs
On Instagram stories, you can post the card alone or layer it over a photo you took today like a collage. For profile photos, creating your card in a 1:1 or 4:5 ratio helps prevent awkward cropping.
On blogs, many people use a StoryShot card as the first image and then explain the story behind that one-line in the body text. The short line grabs attention first, and the post elaborates on it.
5. Notes when sharing to the gallery
When you share your card to the StoryShot gallery, other users can see your one-line. Please be mindful of privacy, portrait rights, and copyright when uploading photos that include yourself or others.
If sharing feels too personal, start with cards that are more like private notes. You can fully enjoy StoryShot by saving PNGs just for yourself without ever posting them to the gallery.