How to Design Instagram Highlights That Instantly Elevate Your Brand

Your Highlights are more than storage; they’re silent sales signals.

If your Instagram profile is the front cover, your Highlights are the chapters people preview before deciding if you’re worth their time.

And here’s the truth:
Messy highlights = low perceived value.
Even if your content is great.

Most creators treat Highlights like a digital junk drawer of random clips, old story archives, and inconsistent covers. But with a few smart changes, Highlights can boost your visual credibility instantly.

Let’s break it down.

1. Think of Highlights as Visual Proof

You don’t need 20. You need 4–6 solid ones.
Each should showcase a key part of your brand:

• About (you, the brand story, mission)

• Wins (testimonials, results)

• Offers (your services/products)

• Value (educational tips, behind the scenes)

• Media (press, podcasts, speaking)

You’re curating trust. Not dumping content.

2. Use Neutral, Clean Covers

Avoid emojis, clutter, or stock icons.
Instead, choose one brand color and stick to it. Use minimal icons or even simple text (1 letter or word).
Tip: Canva templates work well just make sure they don’t look templated.

When someone lands on your profile, your Highlights should feel like a branded experience. Not like random saved stories.

3. Keep Each Highlight Short and Strategic

Don’t overload them with 50 stories.
Curate. Refresh monthly. Remove outdated launches or irrelevant updates. Each Highlight should be scrollable in 30 seconds or less.
Attention spans are short.
Respect them.

4. Lead With the Most Compelling One

Put your strongest Highlight first client wins, press, or your “Start Here.”
The left-most Highlight gets the most taps.
Use that real estate with intent.

5. Use Titles That Signal Value

Avoid titles like: “✨Fun” or “🧠Stuff”
Use clean, clear words like:

• Start

• Results

• Services

• Tips

• Behind

• Media
  These are clarity signals. They show you take your audience seriously.

Highlights Aren’t Just for Organization, They’re Positioning

A great feed pulls people in.
But strong highlights anchor trust.
They say:
✔ You’ve been doing this
✔ You know what matters
✔ You care how you present

That’s what earns followers from high-quality people, clients, press, partners, and collaborators.

Once your Highlights are polished, it’s time to focus on the grid itself, especially the first three posts everyone sees.
👉 Here’s how to create Instagram pinned posts that actually convert.

P.S.

If your Highlights don’t reflect the quality of your work, we help creators, founders, and experts redesign their Instagram presence so it looks as premium as their brand actually is. First impressions count. Let’s make yours land.