Have you ever noticed those Instagram stories that just pop out at you?
Maybe it’s a vibrant background behind an inspirational quote, a whimsical setting for a fun meme, or a sleek backdrop that makes a product shine.
If you’ve ever wondered, “How can I make my stories stand out like that?” the secret lies in changing the background color.
Instagram isn’t just a social platform; it’s a canvas for creativity. Instagram stories offer the second-best ROI for marketers, and nearly half of Instagram marketers use this feature to engage their audience. By customizing your story backgrounds, you can elevate your content, making it eye-catching and more likely to engage and connect with your followers.
In this blog, I’ll walk you through various methods to effortlessly change your Instagram story’s background color. Plus, I’ll share some actionable tips to help you create striking posts that boost engagement and enhance your brand’s presence.
Why Should You Customize Your Instagram Story Background?
Instagram stories disappear fast, so grabbing attention is crucial. A unique background color helps cut through the noise and catch the viewer’s eye. Here’s why it works:
1. Stand Out Instantly
A customized background ensures yours doesn’t blend in with a sea of stories. Changing the background color adds a personal touch, distinguishing your story in a crowded space.
2. Strengthens Brand Identity
For businesses, consistent background colors reinforce brand identity. Customizing your story’s background makes your content recognizable and strengthens your brand’s visual presence on Instagram.
3. Improve Aesthetics and Boost Engagement
Have you ever noticed how a splash of color can instantly change the vibe of a story? Changing the background color on an Instagram story sets the stage for your message. When the background complements your content, engagement naturally follows.
Basics to Know Before You Change the Background Color on an Instagram Story
Before customizing your Instagram story, here’s a quick rundown of what you need to know. Thankfully, Instagram offers simple tools that simplify the whole process, and they work on Android and iOS devices:
Instagram’s Built-In Tools for Customization
i) No need for third-party apps. Instagram provides all the tools you need right within the app.
ii) You can choose from solid colors, gradients, and even transparent overlays to give your story a personal touch.
iii) These tools are user-friendly, making it simple to switch up your background color in a matter of taps.
Available for Android and iOS Users
i) Whether you’re team Android or iPhone, these customization features are available to all Instagram users.
ii) No need to worry about compatibility issues—the process is the same on both platforms.
Steps to Change the Background Color on an Instagram Story
We all know the power of a great first impression, especially on Instagram. And let’s face it, a boring background color makes even the best content fall flat. Want to make your audience actually stop and take notice? It’s all about that background color!
If you’re tired of the same old backgrounds and want to add flair to your content, you’re in the right spot!
Let’s explore the following methods to change the background color on an Instagram story and find the one that suits you best:
Method 1: Using the Create Mode for Simple Backgrounds
The Create mode in Instagram stories is one of the quickest and easiest ways to change the background color on an Instagram story. This method is ideal if you want a solid color background, especially when focusing on text-based content. Check out these easy steps:
1. Open Instagram: Open the Instagram app on your phone and either swipe right or tap the story icon at the top of your feed to start a new story.
2. Select Create Mode: Tap the “Create” option at the bottom of the screen. This gives you a blank background to start fresh.
3. Pick a Background Color: Tap the color circle at the bottom right of your screen. This opens a color palette where you can either pick a preset color or use the slider to choose a custom shade.
4. Add Your Content: Once you’ve chosen your background color, add text, stickers, GIFs, or other creative elements to personalize your story.
5. Click Done: When satisfied with your story, click “Done” to save your changes. Then, tap “Your Story” at the bottom to share your newly customized story.
Method 2: Applying a Solid Color with the Draw Tool
Using Instagram’s draw tool, you can apply a full-screen solid color for a more flexible approach. This method is perfect for overlaying a color over an image or video. Here is the simple process of using the draw tool option to change the background color on an Instagram story:
1. Upload Your Photo or Video: Open Instagram and upload an image or video to your story. Whether it’s a personal photo or a product shot, choose what you want to feature.
2. Open the Draw Tool: Tap the pen icon in the top-right corner of your screen to open the drawing options.
3. Pick Your Color: Select a color from the color palette at the bottom of the screen. You can even use the color picker to choose a shade from your image or video.
3. Apply the Color: Press and hold your screen to cover it with the color. Adjust the opacity by dragging the slider to control how bold or subtle the color is.
Now, you can move on to adding text, stickers, and other fun elements to finish your story!
Method 3: Adding a Transparent Overlay for Subtle Effects
Another way to change the background color on an Instagram story is by adding a transparent overlay using the highlighter tool. This creates a soft, translucent effect that allows the image beneath to remain visible:
1. Upload Your Image or Video: Open Instagram and select the content you want to feature in your story. It could be a photo or video you’ve taken or something you’ve uploaded.
2. Select the Highlighter Tool: Tap the highlighter tool, which is located next to the draw tool at the top of the screen.
3. Choose Your Color: Pick a color from the palette that fits your vibe. The highlighter tool will apply this color with a transparent effect so the image or video underneath stays visible.
4. Draw Over the Screen: Use your finger to draw across the screen and create your translucent overlay. You can highlight specific areas or create a soft background without fully covering the image.
Method 4: Customizing Backgrounds for Shared Posts
When sharing posts to your Story, Instagram allows you to customize the background color while keeping the post visible. This is especially useful to highlight a particular post while adding your creative touch.
1. Share a Post to Your Story: Find the post you want to share from your feed. Tap the “Send to” option (the paper plane icon), and then select “Add Post to Your Story.”
2. Change the Background Color: Once the post appears in your story, tap the background color option (usually at the top or bottom of the screen) to pick a new color that complements the post.
3. Add Text or Stickers: Once you’ve set the background, you can personalize the story further by adding text, GIFs, stickers, or anything else to make the post stand out.
Method 5: Using Branded Colors for Your Background
If you want your Instagram story to reflect your brand identity, using branded* colors as your background is a smart choice. This method helps maintain consistency and reinforces your brand’s visual identity across your content. Here’s how you can easily add your brand’s colors to change the background color of an Instagram story :
1. Open Instagram: Start a new story by uploading a photo or using a blank background.
2. Add the Brand Color Palette: Use the Sticker feature to import your brand’s color palette image into the story.
3. Select a Color: Tap the three dots in the upper-right corner and choose “Draw.” Use the pen tool and the dropper to pick the exact color from your brand palette.
4. Apply the Background: Long press on the screen to fill the background with the selected color.
5. Remove the Palette: Once the color is applied, you can delete the palette image by dragging it to the trash icon.
6. Customize the Story: Add text, stickers, or other elements to complete your branded look.
| *Note: Prepare Your Brand Colors: Save your brand’s color palette as separate images on your phone. Ensure these are the colors you’re allowed to use for your social media posts. |
Method 6: Changing the Background for Video Stories
Ready to get creative with your Instagram videos? The green screen effect lets you swap out the background behind your video with anything you like, adding a fun or professional vibe to your content. Here’s how to do it:
1. Open Instagram Stories: Swipe left on your feed or tap the “+” icon to create a new Story.
2. Find the Green Screen Effect: Swipe through the effects at the bottom of the screen until you see a magnifying glass. Tap on it, search for “green screen,” and pick the effect you like.
3. Choose Your Background: Tap “Add Media” and select the image or video you want as your background from your gallery.
4. Record Your Video: Film your video with the new background behind you. You can adjust the background’s size and placement to fit perfectly.
5. Finish Your Story: Add text, stickers, music, or extra touches to make your story pop.
Advanced Techniques to Change the Background Color on an Instagram Story
The latest Instagram algorithm is all about customization, and AI is helping bring your stories to the next level. With tons of fresh options for background colors, effects, and overlays, there’s no excuse for boring content anymore. Ready to see how you can use these features to make your Instagram Story shine? Let’s take a closer look at the following features:
1. AI-Generated Backgrounds with the AI Backdrop Tool
Instagram offers an AI Backdrop tool, allowing you to replace the background of your image with an AI-generated scene. This feature is perfect for those looking for dynamic, custom backgrounds. Here’s how to use it:
i) Upload your photo to Instagram stories.
ii) Activate the AI Backdrop tool by tapping the icon that resembles a person in front of a sparkling square.
iii) Generate the background by typing a prompt (such as “sunset over the ocean”), and the AI will create a background to match your theme.
iv) Edit and fine-tune the output if necessary, and remove the interactive sticker once you’re satisfied.
2. Gradient Backgrounds
Instagram lets you apply color gradients as backgrounds for a more polished or artistic look. To create one:
i) Open Instagram stories and upload your photo.
ii) Tap the text icon to bring up color options and select the circle in the corner to cycle through gradient options.
iii) You can also manually adjust the gradient using the color palette.
3. Custom Image Backgrounds
You can upload your own custom images or branded assets as a background for a truly unique story. Here’s the process:
i) Upload your image to Instagram stories.
ii) Resize the image to fit the entire background.
iii) Add text, stickers, or other elements to personalize your story
Common Issues and Quick Fixes
We’ve all been there, trying to change the background color on an Instagram story, only to run into a glitch or issue that stops us. But don’t worry! These problems are more common than you think, and I’m here to help you fix them quickly. Let’s go through some of the most frequent hiccups and how to get past them:
1. Colors Not Saving
Issue: Sometimes, Instagram may fail to save the selected color, causing it to revert to the default background.
Fix: Close and reopen the app or clear your app’s cache.
2. The Draw Tool Doesn’t Work Properly
Issue: If the Draw tool isn’t responding or acting glitchy, it may be due to a bug or outdated app version.
Fix: Ensure you have the latest Instagram update or reinstall the app.
3. Color Picker Not Showing
Issue: If the color picker (the circle for selecting custom colors) doesn’t appear or is malfunctioning.
Fix: Try restarting Instagram, switch to a different tool (like the Highlighter), and then return to the color picker.
4. App Crashing During Story Creation
Issue: If the app crashes when you’re editing your story background.
Fix: Check for any available app updates or clear the app cache. If needed, restart your device.
5. Background Color Looks Different After Posting
Issue: The background color you see while editing your Story might not look the same after it’s posted.
Fix: This is often due to Instagram’s compression algorithm, which can alter colors slightly. Try choosing more subtle shades.
Pro Tips for Creating Engaging Stories
Creating visually engaging Instagram stories is all about the details, and the background color plays a big role in grabbing attention. But sometimes, picking the right background or knowing how to use it effectively can feel challenging.
Don’t worry. Here are some practical tips to help you change the background color on an Instagram story and make your content more impactful:
1. Use Contrast to Make Text Stand Out
When you change the background color on an Instagram story, you must ensure that the text you add is legible. Opt for contrasting colors that make your text pop!
For example, dark background colors (like black or navy blue) work well with light-colored text (like white or light yellow), and vice versa. This improves readability.
2. Stay Consistent with Your Brand’s Visual Identity
If you’re a brand or business, using consistent background colors that align with your brand palette helps reinforce your identity. Choose colors that reflect your brand’s voice and values.
3. Avoid Overcomplicating Things
While it’s great to experiment with background colors and features, try not to overwhelm your audience with too many colors or cluttered designs. Sometimes, less is more, and a minimalist background allows your content and message to shine.
4. Use Background Colors to Highlight Important Information
Use background colors to draw attention to key elements in your Instagram stories. For example, a bold background color can help the important message stand out if you share a sale or an announcement. You can also use softer, pastel colors to create a calm backdrop for stories focusing on product features or personal moments.
5. Test and Track What Works
What works for one story might not work for another. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different color combinations and styles to see what works for your audience. Monitor engagement metrics, such as views, replies, and shares, to determine which color backgrounds perform best.
Don’t Just Blend In—Stand Out with a Splash of Color
Let’s face it: the background color on your Instagram story makes or breaks your content. The right shade can turn a simple post into a scroll-stopper. But choosing the wrong one? Well, that’s how your brand goes colorblind in a sea of monotony.
Don’t stress about picking the perfect color or figuring out how to change the background color on an Instagram story—that’s where INSIDEA comes in. We’ve got the tricks, the tools, and the expertise to help your brand stand out. Our team of experts knows exactly which color combos and palettes will make your brand unforgettable and your success inevitable. Let’s ditch the guesswork and make your content memorable.
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