How to Add NGL to Your Instagram Story: A Step-by-Step Guide
NGL, short for “Not Gonna Lie,” has taken the social media world by storm, especially among Instagram users. This anonymous Q&A app allows you to receive honest (sometimes brutally honest!) feedback and questions from your followers, adding a layer of intrigue and engagement to your Instagram Stories. If you’re wondering how to jump on the bandwagon and integrate NGL into your Instagram presence, you’ve come to the right place. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the entire process, from downloading the app to crafting engaging prompts that will spark interesting conversations.
## What is NGL and Why Use It on Instagram?
Before we dive into the how-to, let’s briefly understand what NGL is and why it’s so popular on Instagram. NGL is an anonymous question and answer app. You create a unique link within the NGL app and then share that link on your Instagram Story. Your followers can then click the link and anonymously send you messages. You can then respond to these messages on your story, revealing the questions and your answers, but not the identities of the question askers.
The appeal of NGL lies in its anonymity. People often feel more comfortable asking potentially sensitive or personal questions when shielded by a veil of secrecy. This can lead to more candid and engaging interactions than you might otherwise have. For Instagram users, NGL offers a fun and interactive way to:
* **Boost Engagement:** Answering questions and sharing responses keeps your audience entertained and coming back for more.
* **Gather Feedback:** Get honest opinions on your content, products, or anything else you’re curious about.
* **Increase Followers:** The interactive nature of NGL can attract new followers interested in participating in your Q&A sessions.
* **Add a Fun Element:** It’s a playful way to connect with your audience and inject some spontaneity into your stories.
## Step-by-Step Guide to Putting NGL on Your Instagram Story
Here’s a detailed breakdown of how to integrate NGL with your Instagram Story:
**Step 1: Download and Install the NGL App**
First things first, you’ll need to download the NGL app from your device’s app store:
* **For iOS (iPhone/iPad):** Open the App Store, search for “NGL: anonymous q&a,” and tap “Get” to download and install the app.
* **For Android:** Open the Google Play Store, search for “NGL: anonymous q&a,” and tap “Install” to download and install the app.
Ensure that you’re downloading the official NGL app to avoid potential security risks or fake applications. Look for the app developed by NGL App.
**Step 2: Create Your NGL Account**
Once the app is installed, open it and follow the on-screen instructions to create your account. The process is straightforward and typically involves:
1. **Entering Your Instagram Username:** NGL needs your Instagram username to generate a unique link that directs people to your anonymous question box. This link will be what you share on your story.
2. **Agreeing to the Terms of Service:** Read the terms and conditions carefully before accepting them. It’s essential to understand the app’s policies regarding anonymity, content moderation, and data privacy.
**Step 3: Generate Your Unique NGL Link**
After creating your account, NGL will automatically generate a unique link specific to your profile. This is the link you’ll be sharing on your Instagram Story. The link usually looks something like `ngl.link/your_instagram_username`.
* **Copy the Link:** The NGL app will have a button that allows you to easily copy the link to your clipboard. Tap this button to copy the link. Make sure you see a confirmation message or visual cue indicating that the link has been successfully copied.
**Step 4: Add the NGL Link to Your Instagram Story**
Now comes the crucial part: adding the NGL link to your Instagram Story. There are two primary methods for doing this, depending on your Instagram account status and the features available to you:
**Method 1: Using the Link Sticker (For Accounts With the Link Sticker Feature)**
This is the most straightforward and recommended method if you have access to the Link Sticker feature. Instagram has gradually rolled out this feature to all users, replacing the old “Swipe Up” functionality.
1. **Open Instagram and Create a Story:** Open the Instagram app and tap the “+” icon at the bottom of the screen or swipe right from your feed to create a new story. You can take a photo, record a video, or upload media from your camera roll as the background for your story.
2. **Access the Sticker Tray:** Tap the sticker icon (a square with a smiley face) at the top of the screen to open the sticker tray. This is where you’ll find all the available stickers for your story.
3. **Find the “Link” Sticker:** Scroll through the sticker options until you find the “Link” sticker. It usually has a chain icon.
4. **Paste Your NGL Link:** Tap the “Link” sticker. A text field will appear where you can paste the NGL link you copied from the NGL app. Paste the link into the field.
5. **Customize the Sticker Text (Optional):** You can customize the text displayed on the Link sticker. By default, it might show the full NGL link, which can look a bit clunky. Instead, you can write something like “Ask Me Anything!” or “Send Me Anonymous Questions!” to make it more engaging.
6. **Position and Resize the Sticker:** Drag the Link sticker to position it where you want it on your story. You can also pinch to zoom in or out to resize it.
7. **Add Context and Visual Appeal:** Add some context to your story to encourage people to use the NGL link. You can write a caption like “I’m answering anonymous questions today! Click the link below to ask me anything!” You can also use other stickers, GIFs, or drawings to make your story more visually appealing.
8. **Post Your Story:** Once you’re happy with your story, tap the “Your Story” button to publish it to your followers.
**Method 2: Using the Text Tool and Manual Link Entry (For Accounts Without the Link Sticker Feature)**
If you don’t have access to the Link sticker, you can use the text tool to manually type out a call to action and direct people to your bio.
1. **Open Instagram and Create a Story:** Follow the same steps as in Method 1 to create a new story.
2. **Use the Text Tool:** Tap the text tool icon (usually represented by “Aa”) at the top of the screen.
3. **Write a Call to Action:** Write a compelling call to action that encourages people to ask you questions on NGL. For example, you could write: “Ask me anything anonymously! Link in bio!”
4. **Explain how to find the link:** Since they cannot directly click in your story, clearly explain where they can find the link. Say “Link in Bio” very clearly.
5. **Position and Style the Text:** Position the text where it’s easily visible on your story. You can change the font, color, and size to make it stand out.
6. **Update Your Instagram Bio with the NGL Link:** This is the crucial step! Open your Instagram profile and tap “Edit Profile.” In the website/link field, paste the NGL link you copied from the NGL app. Save the changes.
7. **Add Visual Cues (Optional):** You can add visual cues in your story to draw attention to the fact that the link is in your bio. Use arrows, GIF stickers pointing downwards, or text animations to guide people to your bio.
8. **Post Your Story:** Publish your story.
**Step 5: Monitor Your NGL Inbox**
Once your story is live, open the NGL app regularly to check your inbox for anonymous questions. You’ll see a list of questions that people have submitted through your link.
**Step 6: Respond to Questions on Your Instagram Story**
This is where the fun begins! You can now respond to the questions you’ve received on your Instagram Story.
1. **Select a Question to Answer:** In the NGL app, choose a question you want to answer. Consider selecting questions that are interesting, thought-provoking, or relevant to your audience.
2. **Tap the “Reply” Button:** Tap the “Reply” button next to the question you’ve selected. This will automatically create a new Instagram Story draft with the question displayed as a sticker.
3. **Add Your Answer:** Record a video of yourself answering the question, type out your answer using the text tool, or create a combination of both. Be authentic and engaging in your responses.
4. **Customize Your Story (Optional):** You can add other stickers, GIFs, or drawings to make your story more visually appealing and engaging.
5. **Post Your Response:** Once you’re happy with your answer and the overall look of your story, tap the “Your Story” button to publish it.
**Important Considerations for Using NGL Responsibly**
While NGL can be a fun and engaging tool, it’s important to use it responsibly and be aware of its potential drawbacks:
* **Content Moderation:** NGL has content moderation policies in place to filter out offensive or harmful messages. However, it’s not foolproof, and you may still receive inappropriate content. You have the option to report and block users who send abusive messages.
* **Anonymity and Cyberbullying:** The anonymity afforded by NGL can sometimes embolden people to engage in cyberbullying or harassment. Be prepared to deal with potentially negative or hurtful messages. Don’t hesitate to block or report users who are harassing you.
* **Privacy:** While NGL claims to protect the anonymity of users, it’s important to be mindful of the information you share in your responses. Avoid revealing too much personal information that could compromise your privacy.
* **Be Mindful of Your Mental Health:** Reading potentially negative or critical feedback can be emotionally challenging. Take breaks from NGL if you start feeling overwhelmed or stressed. Remember that anonymous opinions don’t define your worth.
## Tips for Engaging NGL Prompts and Questions
To maximize engagement and get the most out of your NGL Q&A sessions, consider these tips for crafting compelling prompts and questions:
* **Be Specific:** Instead of asking generic questions like “Ask me anything,” try more specific prompts like “What’s your favorite thing about my Instagram account?” or “What kind of content would you like to see more of from me?”
* **Make it Relevant:** Tailor your prompts to your niche or area of expertise. If you’re a food blogger, ask questions about cooking tips or restaurant recommendations. If you’re a fitness enthusiast, ask about workout routines or healthy eating habits.
* **Ask Open-Ended Questions:** Avoid yes/no questions that limit the scope of responses. Instead, ask open-ended questions that encourage people to elaborate and share their thoughts.
* **Use Fun and Playful Prompts:** Don’t be afraid to inject some humor and personality into your prompts. Ask questions like “What’s the most embarrassing thing that’s ever happened to you?” or “What’s your favorite dad joke?”
* **Offer Incentives:** Encourage participation by offering incentives for asking good questions. You could promise to answer the best questions in a dedicated story or even give a shout-out to the user who asked the most interesting question.
* **Use Polls and Quizzes:** Use polls within your stories to gather quick feedback or create fun quizzes related to your NGL Q&A session.
* **Share Behind-the-Scenes Content:** Offer a glimpse into your personal life or your creative process to make your audience feel more connected to you.
* **Create a Theme:** Every week, create a different theme for your Q&A. This can help to spark new ideas and get people thinking outside the box.
## Troubleshooting Common NGL Issues
Here are some common issues you might encounter when using NGL and how to troubleshoot them:
* **Problem:** I can’t find the Link sticker on Instagram.
* **Solution:** Make sure your Instagram app is updated to the latest version. The Link sticker is a relatively new feature, and older versions of the app may not have it. If you still don’t see it after updating, it’s possible that Instagram hasn’t rolled it out to your account yet. In this case, use Method 2 (the text tool and manual link entry).
* **Problem:** My NGL link isn’t working.
* **Solution:** Double-check that you’ve copied the link correctly from the NGL app. Make sure there are no typos or extra spaces. Also, ensure that your Instagram bio is updated with the correct NGL link.
* **Problem:** I’m not receiving any questions on NGL.
* **Solution:** Make sure your Instagram Story is visible to your followers. If you have a private account, only your approved followers will be able to see your story and access the NGL link. Also, try promoting your NGL link more actively. Use compelling prompts and encourage people to ask questions.
* **Problem:** I’m receiving inappropriate or offensive messages on NGL.
* **Solution:** Report and block the users who are sending abusive messages. NGL has content moderation policies in place, and reporting inappropriate content helps them improve their filtering system. You can also adjust your NGL settings to filter out certain keywords or phrases.
* **Problem:** My NGL app is crashing or not working properly.
* **Solution:** Try restarting your device or clearing the cache and data for the NGL app. If that doesn’t work, try uninstalling and reinstalling the app.
## Alternatives to NGL
While NGL is a popular choice, several other anonymous Q&A apps offer similar functionality. Here are a few alternatives to consider:
* **Tellonym:** Similar to NGL, Tellonym allows you to receive anonymous messages from your followers. It has a strong focus on providing constructive feedback and promoting positive interactions.
* **Sarahah:** Sarahah is another anonymous feedback app that gained popularity a few years ago. It’s designed to help you discover your strengths and areas for improvement.
* **Ask.fm:** Ask.fm is a long-standing Q&A platform where users can ask and answer questions, both anonymously and publicly.
* **Honest:** Functions similarly to NGL, providing a platform for anonymous questions to be answered on social media.
## Conclusion
Adding NGL to your Instagram Story is a simple yet effective way to boost engagement, gather feedback, and add a fun element to your social media presence. By following the step-by-step guide outlined in this article, you can easily integrate NGL into your Instagram strategy and start receiving anonymous questions from your followers. Remember to use NGL responsibly, be mindful of your mental health, and craft engaging prompts that will spark interesting conversations. Good luck, and happy questioning!