> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://storekit.com/docs/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Stories Strategy & Best Practices

> Embed Instagram-style vertical videos on your storekit menu to showcase dishes, drive engagement, and convert undecided guests into paying customers.

Stories bring your menu to life with Instagram-style vertical videos embedded directly in your ordering experience. They're the most engaging way to showcase your food and connect with customers at the moment they're deciding what to order.

<video autoPlay muted loop playsInline className="w-full rounded-xl shadow-lg" src="https://ucarecdn.com/87409ef0-c71a-4419-9b43-67f245349b01/storeis.mp4" />

## How Stories Work

Stories appear as a horizontal carousel at the top of your menu. When a customer taps a story, it opens in a full-screen viewer where they can:

* **Watch** - Swipe through multiple pages per story
* **Tap** - Navigate forward/back by tapping left or right
* **Hold** - Pause the video by holding down
* **Act** - Tap call-to-action buttons to add items or view more

Each story can contain multiple pages (videos), and each page can have its own call-to-action button.

## Call-to-Action Types

Every story page can include a CTA button to drive customer action:

| CTA Type          | Description                                                  |
| ----------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------ |
| **Add to Basket** | Instantly adds the featured item to the customer's basket    |
| **View Item**     | Opens the item detail modal for customisation                |
| **View Category** | Navigates to a specific menu category                        |
| **External URL**  | Links to external content (your website, social media, etc.) |

<Tip>
  **Add to Basket** is the most powerful CTA - it creates a frictionless path from discovery to purchase. Use it for hero items that don't require customisation.
</Tip>

## Content Recommendations

### Hero Items

Feature your signature dishes and bestsellers. These are the items that define your brand and drive the highest margins.

* **Show the sizzle** - Capture the steam, the cheese pull, the pour
* **Keep it short** - 5-15 seconds is the sweet spot
* **End with the hero shot** - Leave them hungry

### Behind the Scenes

Give customers a window into your kitchen and team. Authenticity builds trust and loyalty.

* **Prep work** - Show ingredients being prepared fresh
* **The team** - Introduce your chefs and staff
* **The process** - From raw ingredients to finished dish

### Limited Time & Seasonal

Create urgency with time-sensitive content.

* **Daily specials** - "Today only" drives immediate action
* **Seasonal menus** - Build anticipation for what's new
* **Last chance** - Ending soon? Let them know

### Social Proof

Leverage your best content from social media.

* **Customer reactions** - Real people enjoying your food
* **Reviews come to life** - Visual testimonials
* **Busy service** - Show the energy of a packed restaurant

## Best Practices

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Vertical Format" icon="mobile">
    Always shoot in 9:16 portrait orientation. This fills the entire screen and feels native to mobile users.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Sound Optional" icon="volume-xmark">
    Videos start muted. Make sure your content works without sound - use visually compelling footage.
  </Card>

  <Card title="First Frame Matters" icon="image">
    The thumbnail is the first frame. Start with an appetising shot, not a black screen or logo.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Keep It Fresh" icon="rotate">
    Update stories regularly. Stale content gets ignored. Aim to refresh weekly.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## The Future of Ordering

Stories aren't just a feature - they're a glimpse into how guests will order in the future.

Traditional menus are static lists. Stories transform your menu into a **discovery experience** where customers browse visually, get inspired by what looks delicious, and add items without ever scrolling through categories.

<Note>
  We're building toward a radically different menu experience where video-first browsing becomes the primary way guests explore and order. Stories are the foundation.
</Note>

Think about how you browse Instagram or TikTok - you don't search, you discover. The best content finds you. That's where food ordering is headed, and stories put you ahead of the curve.

## Getting Started

Stories are managed through the storekit dashboard. To add your first story:

1. Go to **Menu** → **Stories** in your dashboard
2. Click **Create Story**
3. Upload your vertical video (9:16 aspect ratio)
4. Add a title and choose your CTA type
5. Link to a product, category, or URL
6. Publish and watch engagement soar

<Info>
  Need help creating video content? Check out our guides on [Product Photography](/guides/menu-engineering/product-photography) and [Videos](/guides/menu-engineering/videos).
</Info>