Instagram Stories have become a ubiquitous part of the social media landscape, offering a quick and engaging way to share snippets of your life, promote your brand, or simply connect with your audience. While the platform offers a plethora of creative tools, mastering the art of customizing your story’s background can significantly elevate its visual appeal and impact. This comprehensive guide will walk you through various methods to change your Instagram Story background, providing detailed steps and creative tips to help you create captivating content.
Why Change Your Instagram Story Background?
Before diving into the ‘how-to,’ let’s explore why changing your Instagram Story background is a worthwhile endeavor:
- Enhance Visual Appeal: A well-chosen background can transform a bland story into a visually stunning one, grabbing the attention of viewers and keeping them engaged.
- Brand Consistency: For businesses and influencers, using branded colors or patterns as backgrounds helps maintain brand consistency and reinforce brand recognition.
- Highlight Text and Stickers: A contrasting background makes text, stickers, and GIFs stand out, improving readability and overall clarity.
- Set the Mood: The background can evoke specific emotions or create a particular atmosphere, enhancing the storytelling aspect of your story.
- Creativity and Personalization: Customizing your background allows you to express your creativity and personalize your stories, making them uniquely yours.
Method 1: Using the Color Picker Tool
The simplest way to change your Instagram Story background is by using the built-in color picker tool. This method allows you to select a solid color as your background.
- Open Instagram and Start a Story: Launch the Instagram app and swipe right from the home screen or tap the ‘+’ icon at the bottom and select ‘Story.’
- Take a Photo or Upload Media: Capture a new photo or video, or select one from your camera roll. This initial media will be covered by the background color.
- Access the Drawing Tool: Tap the three dots ‘…’ located in the top right corner of the screen. A menu will appear. Select ‘Draw.’ (Alternatively, some versions of Instagram may have a direct pencil/drawing icon on the top right.)
- Choose a Color: At the bottom of the screen, you’ll see a row of color options. Tap on a color to select it.
- Use the Color Picker: If you want a specific color not shown in the default palette, tap and hold on any of the color circles. This will bring up a color picker that allows you to select any color imaginable. Drag your finger around the spectrum to find the perfect hue.
- Fill the Screen with Color: Once you’ve selected your color, tap and hold anywhere on the screen for a few seconds. The entire screen will fill with the chosen color, effectively creating a solid background.
- Erase to Reveal the Underlying Media (Optional): If you want to reveal parts of the original photo or video, select the eraser tool (next to the drawing tools). Adjust the eraser size using the slider on the left side of the screen. Then, simply swipe over the areas you want to reveal. This allows you to create interesting effects and highlight specific elements.
- Add Text, Stickers, and GIFs: Now that you have your background, you can add text, stickers, GIFs, and other elements to enhance your story.
- Post Your Story: Once you’re satisfied with your creation, tap the ‘Your Story’ button at the bottom left to share it with your followers.
Method 2: Using a Photo from Your Camera Roll as a Background
Another great way to change your Instagram Story background is by using a photo or image from your camera roll. This is particularly useful for using branded backgrounds, patterns, or specific images that align with your aesthetic.
- Open Instagram and Start a Story: Launch the Instagram app and swipe right from the home screen or tap the ‘+’ icon at the bottom and select ‘Story.’
- Add a Photo or Video (Initial Media): Similar to the previous method, start by taking a photo or video, or uploading one from your camera roll. This will serve as the initial layer.
- Access the Stickers Menu: Tap the sticker icon at the top of the screen (it looks like a square with a peeled-up corner).
- Select the Photo Sticker: In the sticker menu, look for the photo sticker icon. It usually displays a miniature version of your most recent photo. If you don’t see it immediately, scroll through the available stickers.
- Choose Your Background Photo: Tapping the photo sticker icon will open your camera roll. Select the photo you want to use as your background.
- Resize and Position the Background Photo: Once the photo is added to your story, you can resize it by pinching in or out with two fingers. You can also drag it around the screen to position it exactly where you want it. Enlarge the photo to cover the entire screen, effectively making it the background.
- Add Your Main Content: Now, add the main photo or video you initially wanted to share on top of the background. You can also add text, stickers, and GIFs.
- Adjust Layers (If Necessary): Instagram automatically layers the items you add to your story. If you want to bring a specific element to the front, you might need to delete and re-add it.
- Post Your Story: When you’re happy with the result, tap ‘Your Story’ to share it.
Method 3: Using the Create Mode (Text-Based Backgrounds)
Instagram’s ‘Create’ mode offers a quick and easy way to create text-based backgrounds for your stories. This is ideal for sharing quotes, announcements, or simple messages with a visually appealing backdrop.
- Open Instagram and Access Create Mode: Launch the Instagram app and swipe right from the home screen or tap the ‘+’ icon at the bottom and select ‘Story.’ At the bottom of the screen, you’ll see various options like ‘Live,’ ‘Story,’ and ‘Reels.’ Swipe left until you reach ‘Create.’
- Choose a Background Style: In Create mode, you’ll see various pre-designed background templates or the option to use a solid color. Tap the color circle at the bottom to cycle through different background styles.
- Customize the Background (If Possible): Some templates allow you to customize the colors or patterns. Look for customization options on the screen.
- Add Your Text: Tap the ‘Tap to type’ area on the screen to add your text. You can change the font, size, and color of the text using the options at the top and bottom of the screen.
- Add GIFs and Stickers (Optional): Enhance your text-based story with GIFs and stickers from the sticker menu.
- Post Your Story: Once you’re satisfied with your text and background, tap ‘Your Story’ to share it.
Method 4: Using Third-Party Apps
For more advanced customization options and creative freedom, consider using third-party apps specifically designed for creating Instagram Stories. These apps often offer a wider range of background templates, editing tools, and design elements.
- Choose a Suitable App: Research and download a reputable Instagram Story editor app from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android). Some popular options include Canva, Adobe Spark Post, and Over.
- Create Your Design: Open the app and create a new project or select a pre-designed template.
- Customize the Background: Most apps offer extensive background customization options, including:
- Solid Colors: Choose from a vast color palette or use a color picker.
- Gradients: Create smooth color transitions for a visually appealing effect.
- Patterns: Select from a library of patterns or upload your own.
- Images: Use photos from your camera roll or access stock photo libraries.
- Add Text, Stickers, and Other Elements: Enhance your design with text, stickers, GIFs, illustrations, and other creative elements.
- Export Your Story: Once you’re happy with your design, export it in a format compatible with Instagram Stories (usually a JPEG or PNG image).
- Upload to Instagram: Open Instagram and create a new story. Select the image you exported from the app and upload it to your story.
Creative Tips and Tricks for Instagram Story Backgrounds
Here are some additional tips and tricks to help you create stunning Instagram Story backgrounds:
- Use Gradients: Gradients can add depth and visual interest to your backgrounds. Experiment with different color combinations and gradient styles.
- Incorporate Textures: Textures like wood, marble, or fabric can add a realistic and tactile feel to your backgrounds.
- Use Abstract Shapes and Patterns: Abstract shapes and patterns can create a modern and artistic look.
- Match the Background to Your Content: Choose a background that complements the subject matter of your story. For example, if you’re sharing a travel photo, you might use a background with a map or a beach theme.
- Keep it Simple: Sometimes, less is more. A simple, uncluttered background can be more effective than a busy one.
- Use Brand Colors: If you’re a business or influencer, use your brand colors as your background to reinforce brand recognition.
- Experiment with Different Effects: Many apps offer filters and effects that can enhance your backgrounds. Experiment with different options to find what works best for you.
- Create Animated Backgrounds: Use GIFs or short video loops as your background for a dynamic and eye-catching effect.
- Use Transparent Overlays: Create a subtle overlay with a transparent color to add a unique touch to your background. You can do this with editing apps or by cleverly using the Instagram story tools.
- Stay Consistent: While experimenting is good, try to maintain a consistent visual style across your stories to create a cohesive and professional look.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
While changing your Instagram Story background is generally straightforward, you might encounter some issues. Here are some common problems and their solutions:
- Color Picker Not Working: Ensure that your Instagram app is up to date. Sometimes, older versions of the app may have bugs that affect the functionality of the color picker. If the issue persists, try restarting your phone or reinstalling the app.
- Photo Sticker Not Appearing: Make sure you’ve granted Instagram access to your camera roll. You can check this in your phone’s settings under ‘Privacy’ or ‘Permissions.’ If access is already granted, try restarting the app or your phone.
- Background Image Quality is Low: Use high-resolution images for your backgrounds to avoid pixelation. Also, ensure that you’re exporting your stories from third-party apps in the highest possible quality.
- Layers are Out of Order: Instagram automatically layers items you add to your story. If you want to bring an element to the front, try deleting and re-adding it. Alternatively, some third-party apps offer more precise layer control.
- App Crashing: If you’re using a third-party app and it’s crashing frequently, try clearing the app’s cache and data. If the problem persists, contact the app developer for support.
Examples of Creative Instagram Story Backgrounds
To inspire your creativity, here are some examples of creative Instagram Story backgrounds:
- A Coffee Shop Promoting a New Drink: Use a background image of coffee beans or a cozy coffee shop interior. Add text describing the new drink and a sticker of a coffee cup.
- A Fashion Influencer Sharing an Outfit: Use a solid color background that complements the colors of the outfit. Add text describing the outfit details and links to purchase the items.
- A Travel Blogger Sharing a Travel Tip: Use a background image of a stunning landscape from the travel destination. Add text with the travel tip and a sticker of a map pin.
- A Fitness Instructor Promoting a Workout Class: Use a dynamic background with animated shapes and patterns. Add text with the class schedule and a sticker of a fitness icon.
- A Food Blogger Sharing a Recipe: Use a background image of the finished dish. Add text with the recipe instructions and stickers of the ingredients.
Conclusion
Changing your Instagram Story background is a simple yet powerful way to enhance the visual appeal of your content and engage your audience. Whether you’re using the built-in tools or third-party apps, the possibilities are endless. By mastering the techniques outlined in this guide and experimenting with different creative ideas, you can create captivating Instagram Stories that stand out from the crowd. So, go ahead, unleash your creativity, and transform your stories into visually stunning masterpieces!
By utilizing these methods, you’ll elevate your Instagram stories from basic to brilliant, captivating your audience and making your content truly memorable.