Get ready to expand your storytelling horizons with the new StoryMaps frames. Frames are short, engaging stories with photos and maps that are optimized for on-the-go creation and viewing in a way that brings the art of storytelling right to your fingertips. Frame templates distill the very best elements of StoryMaps into the mobile app where the time and place set the stage for your stories.

In this article, I’ll introduce you to this innovative storytelling format and demonstrate how it works. I’ll guide you through the simple steps of creating frames and effortlessly bringing your experiences to life. Join us as we explore the endless possibilities that StoryMaps Frames offers for elevating your storytelling experience on-the-go.

Frames in a nutshell

StoryMaps frames is a mobile-focused storytelling format that allows you to create captivating narratives directly on your phone with the StoryMaps mobile app. Frames are told through a series of text, photos, and maps that create engaging and visually stunning narratives. Whether you want to share funny stories about your day, insights from your latest adventures, or document life’s interesting moments, frames make it simple. You choose what you want to share and create it with frames!

Telling your stories with frames is fun and easy. Ready-to-use templates and themes simplify the creation process so you can focus on the content instead of the layout. And you get all of the other benefits that come from using StoryMaps with things like

• Editing frames after you have published and shared them (so it’s no stress to fix a typo or add another slide at any time)
• Visibility options where you get to pick who can see your frame (Just me, Anyone with link, or Everyone)
• Sharing across social media sites and viewing frames on the web (the StoryMaps app is nice, but not required to see these stories)
• You have full ownership of all your content, and we don’t sell your data (we believe your stories are yours)

To get started, open up the StoryMaps app on your phone. Let’s do this!

Create a timeline frame

Timelines are ideal for chronological picture-focused storytelling. If your story involves a series of events, choosing the Timeline template is a good idea.

Here are some examples of Timeline frames you can take a look at. Check them out below!

To create a timeline frame:

1. Tap the + button and select Timeline to create a timeline frame. Allow the app to access your device gallery so you can start adding photos.
2. Pick a few photos you want to include in your story and tap Next to preview your timeline.
3. Tap Edit to edit the timeline title, description, and text for each photo.
4. Or, update the look and feel of your frame by taping Design.
5. When you’re happy with the edits, tap Publish to publish your timeline. Don’t forget to add topics in your frame to make your story stand out from others.
6. Finally, share your frame link to social media so more people can enjoy it!

You don’t have to stress over finishing your story all at once. Just save it as a draft and return to it at your convenience. You can even make changes to previously published sections if necessary.

Create a Journey story with Frame

If you’re looking to share a story connected to specific locations, the Journey template is the perfect option. Journeys are perfect for telling short, engaging stories that take your audience on a tour through significant spots, landmarks, and points of interest. Every place has a story, and Journey helps bring those stories to life.

Here are some examples of Journey frames you can take a look at. Check them out below!

To create a Journey frame:

1. Tap the + button and select Journey to create a journey frame. Allow the app to access your device gallery so you can start adding photos.
2. Pick a few photos (preferably have location information) you want to include in your story and tap Next to preview your journey.
   • For photos that do not have a location, you will be asked to add a location first before previewing the journey
3. Tap Edit to edit the journey title and description. You can also edit the location label for each photo.
4. Or, update the look and feel of your frame by taping Design.
5. When you’re happy with the edits, tap Publish to publish your journey. Don’t forget to add topics in your frame to make your story stand out from others.
6. Finally, share your frame link to social media so more people can enjoy it!

Similarly, a journey frame can be saved as a draft, and a published journey frame can be edited and republished for updates.

One of the coolest features of the Journey template is that with Journey, images are seamlessly integrated with the map. It not only allows your audience to read about different places, but they can also interact with a map while doing so.

Check out these frames!

Time to show off your own

Now, it is time for you to show us what you’ve got. Your publicly published frames will be displayed on your profile. Moreover, if your stories become popular, everyone will see them from the Feed page! As usual, you have the option to share the link to your frame with anyone or on your preferred social media platform to reach a larger audience.

With frames, your next unforgettable storytelling adventure is just a tap away. Download the StoryMaps mobile app and try it out today.

Download StoryMaps mobile app from the App Store or Google Play.

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