When you’re crafting an Instagram Story using a template from the Create option, the default background color is a hot pink to purple gradient.
But what if those hues don’t match your Story’s theme? Or what if you want to stand out from the “default,” so you can generate more interest and more Story views?
Well, you can! All you have to do is learn how to change the background color on your Instagram Story.
There are only a couple of ways to do it – one that’s straightforward, but that comes with some limitations, and one that’s a bit tedious. We’ll explain the benefits of both as we guide you through each process.
How To Change the Background Color on Instagram Stories Using Create
The most straightforward way to change the background color on your Instagram Story is by using the Create button.
The Create button is a feature that you can use to build content on top of a colorful background for your Story. To add content to the background, you simply tap the Stickers icon (the button that looks like a sticky note with a smiley face on it) at the top of the screen or select a template at the bottom of the screen.
The only drawback of using this method is you can’t take a new picture or video while using the Instagram app and then add it against a background. Rather, you can only use pictures or videos that you’ve already saved to your phone’s gallery.
If you already have your media ready in your phone gallery, or if you want to create a Story that doesn’t show your own photo or video, here’s how to access the background and the color-changing tool.
Step #1: Open the Instagram app.
Step #2: Tap the large + button at the bottom of the screen.
Step #3: Scroll over to Story.
Step #4: Tap the Aa button on the left-hand side of the screen.
Step #5: To change the color of the background, use one of these methods:
>> Tap the circle icon in the bottom right-hand corner of the screen. Keep tapping it until you find a background color scheme that you like.
>> Tap the Stickers icon at the top of the screen and add a sticker of your choice.
For example, you can select the photo sticker – the round one with two rectangles inside it, one of which has a + sign inside of it – and choose an image from your phone gallery to display.
Once the sticker is on your screen, you’ll notice new icons displayed at the top of the screen. Tap the three horizontal dots and select Draw from the dropdown menu. Scroll the colors at the bottom until you find one you like, tap it, and then hold your finger down on the background. This action will cause the color you selected to fill the background.
How To Change the Background Color on Instagram Story for a New Photo
What if you’re dead set on taking a picture for your Story while using the Instagram app, and then adding a colored background to it right away?
You certainly can do so. But just be aware that this process is a bit tedious and imprecise compared to using the Create button.
Let’s get to it.
Step #1: Open the Instagram app.
Step #2: Tap the large + button at the bottom of your screen.
Step #3: Scroll over to Story.
Step #4: Take your photo.
Step #5: Using two of your fingers, pinch the photo to shrink it and create a gap around all four sides for the background to show. It should be a neutral color to start out.
Step #6: Tap the three horizontal dots at the top of the screen and select Draw from the dropdown menu.
Step #7: Select the color you want the background to be from the bottom of the screen.
Step #8: Hold your finger down on the screen to fill it with the color. The color will fill the entire screen and block out your photo.
Step #9: Tap the Erase tool at the top of your screen, increase its size with the slider on the left side of the screen, and then use your finger to erase the color from the picture, leaving color around it only.
Step #10: Add text, stickers, and effects as you like to complete your Story before posting it.
Like we said, this method is imprecise. But it will get the job of adding a colored background to your new Instagram Story photo done.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Change Instagram Story Background Color?
Yes, you can change the background color on your Instagram Story. We explain how to do that above.
Conclusion
With a little bit of know-how, you can quickly and easily change the background color of your Instagram Story to make it more unique. Don’t forget to add stickers, GIFs, and effects to really make it jump off the screen!
