How To Change Background Color On Instagram Story: A Step-by-Step Guide

Aug 31, 2023 10 min read

If you're anything like me, you know how crucial it is to keep your followers engaged and entertained on the gram. And, what’s better than Insta Stories?

The power of Instagram is undeniable, and Stories make it even more exciting with their short yet impactful features.

Whether you're sharing your mouth-watering food pictures, showcasing your travels, or simply pulling off some epic dance moves - you can express it all with Stories!

But, to keep those thumbs tapping for more - “just good content” isn’t going to cut it. You gotta make them pop!

86.6% of Instagram users post Stories - do you tap through each and every story of a user? No, right?

What makes you stop, then? Obviously, those aesthetically pleasing stories with beautiful backgrounds and effects - right?

People are drawn to colors, creativity, and uniqueness like moths to a flame! By adding some cool backgrounds, you can make your Instagram Stories stand out from the crowd and make a lasting impression.

But, but, but - let's be real for a second: those default background colors on Instagram are so yesterday!

We all know them too well - white, black, and a handful of other basic hues. But hey, we're anything but basic, right?

That’s where our creativity comes in. The good news is that we can customize the background of our Insta stories - in a whole lot of ways - yes, it’s possible if you know how to change background on instagram story!

In the following sections, we'll show you how to change background color on instagram story and break free from these creative limitations to customize the background colors of your Insta stories like a pro.

Choosing the Right Background Colors to Change Instagram Story Background Color

Consider Your Content

Let your background color support your content's message and theme. For serene and calm content, use soft pastel colors, while bold and energetic content can benefit from vibrant and contrasting colors.

Maintain Aesthetics

Make sure the background color complements your images or videos, allowing them to stand out while maintaining a cohesive and harmonious look.

Keep Branding Consistency

If you're using Instagram for business or personal branding as almost 50% businesses does, stick to a color scheme that aligns with your brand's identity. Consistency creates brand recognition and strengthens your visual presence.

Evoke Emotions in Your Audience

Leverage color psychology to influence how your audience feels about your content. Warm colors like red and orange can create excitement, while cool colors like blue and green promote a sense of calm.

Use Contrasting Colors

Use contrasting background colors to highlight important elements in your Stories. A pop of color behind a call-to-action or essential message can draw attention and increase engagement.

Respect Cultural Considerations

Keep in mind that the emotional impact of colors can vary across cultures. Be sensitive to your global audience and research color meanings in different regions.

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Change Background Color on Instagram Story

Here is a step by step guide for you to change Instagram story background color:

Start a New Instagram Story

Open the Instagram app and access the Stories camera by tapping on your profile picture or swiping right from your feed.

Capture or Upload Content

Capture a photo or record a video using the circular capture button, or choose a photo/video from your phone's gallery by swiping up and selecting the desired media.

Access Drawing Tools

Access Drawing Tools

Once your content is added to the Story, look for the marker icon or the squiggly line icon with a color circle next to it. Tap on it to access the solid color options.

Choose Your Background Color

Choose Your Background Color

Instagram will display a color palette with various color choices. Tap on the color you want to use as your solid background.

Apply the Solid Color

Apply the Solid Color

To apply the chosen color as your background, tap and hold anywhere on the screen for a few seconds until the entire screen is filled with the selected color.

Fill With the Selected Color

Once you have applied the solid color, go ahead, add your image (you can also add multiple images to your Instagram story) again on top of your desired background color, and add your favorite music to it!

Show Industry Expertise

How to Change Background Color on Instagram Story with Third-Party Apps

While Instagram's built-in features are great, there are some third-party applications that can help you change instagram story background color and add some creativity to it.

Unfold

Unfold is a fantastic app that offers a variety of templates and backgrounds to choose from. You can select a template, add your content, and customize the background color to make your Stories look sleek and professional.

  • Install the Unfold app from your app store and open it.

  • Pick a template that suits your content and style.

  • Import your photos or videos into the template by tapping on the "+" icon and selecting your media from the gallery.

  • Once your content is added, tap on the "Palette" icon or the background to access the color options.

  • Choose your desired background color from the available choices.

StoryArt

With StoryArt, you get access to a plethora of templates, filters, and background colors. The app provides easy-to-use tools to change the background color and add stunning visual effects to your Stories.

  • Install the StoryArt app from your app store and open it.

  • Choose a template that catches your eye or start with a blank canvas to create your Story from scratch.

  • Import your photos or videos into the template or blank canvas by tapping on the "+" icon and selecting your media from the gallery.

  • Tap on the "Background" option or the background area to access the color choices.

  • Pick the color that best suits your content.

Over

Over is a powerful design app that allows you to create custom graphics and add solid background colors effortlessly. It provides a wide range of editing options, including opacity adjustments and gradients.

  • Download the "Over" app and open it.

  • Tap on the "+" sign or the "Create New Project" option to start a new project.

  • Choose the "Instagram Story" option or manually enter the dimensions for an Instagram Story (1080 x 1920 pixels).

  • By default, Over will create a blank canvas with a transparent background.

  • To change the background color, tap on the "Background" option at the bottom of the screen.

  • Choose the "Solid Color" option and pick the color you want for the background.

  • After selecting the color, tap "Apply" to set it as the background color for your Instagram Story.

  • You can also add text, stickers, illustrations, and other elements to your Story using Over's design tools.

Time-Saving Tips and Tricks on How to Change Background Color on Instagram Story

Customizing backgrounds for your Instagram Stories doesn't have to be time-consuming. Here are some time-saving tips and tricks to change instagram story background color and achieve stunning results:

Pre-Designed Branded Templates

Pre-Designed Branded Templates

Create a library of branded templates with your preferred instagram story background color, fonts, and elements. Save them as images on your phone, so you can quickly add content on top whenever you need a new Story.

Use Background Apps

Explore third-party apps specifically designed for Instagram Story backgrounds. These apps offer a wide range of templates and customizable options, saving you time on manual design.

Copy and Paste Backgrounds

Copy and Paste Backgrounds

If you have a background design you love from a previous Story, you can easily reuse it to change instagram story background color. Simply copy the previous Story with the background, open a new Story, and paste the background to start creating your new content.

Batch Create Content

Dedicate specific times to create multiple Stories in one sitting. This way, you can apply the same instagram story background color customization to all related content, maintaining consistency while saving time.

Plan Ahead

Outline your Story ideas and content themes in advance. This planning allows you to select or create suitable background colors and templates, streamlining the customization process.

Use Instagram's Built-in Features

Make use of Instagram's built-in features like the color picker, neon glow effect, and drawing tools. These quick customization options add visual flair without extensive effort.

Duplicate and Edit

Once you have a customized background you like, duplicate the Story and edit the content as needed. This way, you keep the same background design without starting from scratch.

Save Color Codes

If you have specific brand colors, save their corresponding color codes for easy reference. This saves time searching for the exact colors in the color picker each time.

Explore Gradient Libraries

Instead of creating gradients from scratch, look for online gradient libraries or apps. You can find pre-designed gradients that match your brand or content theme, ready for instant use.

Repurpose Backgrounds

Modify your existing background designs to suit different content types. A simple change in opacity, color overlay, or adding patterns can create a fresh look without starting over.

Collaborate and Share Templates

If you work with a team or have creative friends, collaborate and share background templates. This exchange can inspire new ideas and save everyone time in the long run.

Using Background Colors Strategically to Promote Your Brand and Products Effectively

Your instagram story background color play a crucial role in drawing attention to your products and promoting your brand effectively on Instagram Stories because 49% of Gen Z consumers use stories to find products and services. By using the backgrounds strategically, you can create visual impact and reinforce your brand identity. Here's how:

Highlight Product Features

Use contrasting background colors to make your products stand out. For instance, if you have a white product, use a bold and vibrant background color that complements the product to draw attention.

Match Brand Colors

Batch Create Content

Incorporate your brand's primary and secondary colors as background hues. Consistency in using brand colors reinforces your brand identity and makes your content easily recognizable.

Create Mood and Emotion

Select background colors that evoke the desired mood or emotion you want your audience to associate with your products. Warm and bright colors can evoke excitement, while cool tones can create a calming effect.

Use Color Psychology

Use Color Psychology

Consider the psychological impact of different colors. For instance, red can evoke urgency or excitement, blue can represent trust, and green can signify nature or health. Choose colors that align with your product's messaging.

Create Visual Consistency

Use a consistent instagram story background color or theme in your product promotion Stories. This establishes a cohesive look that ties all your content together, strengthening your brand presence.

Seasonal Themes

Tailor your background colors to match seasonal or festive themes. Seasonal promotions with appropriate color choices create a sense of relevance and timeliness.

Play with Gradients

>Play with Gradients

Experiment with color gradients in your backgrounds. Gradients can add depth and visual interest, drawing attention to your products and creating a captivating visual experience.

A/B Testing

Try different background colors for similar product promotions and run A/B tests to see which colors resonate best with your audience. Analyze the engagement metrics to identify the most effective color choices.

Use for Brand Storytelling

Use background colors as part of your brand storytelling. For example, use different colors to depict different brand values or aspects of your product story.

Create a Signature Look

Develop a signature instagram story background color or theme for your product promotions. This consistency helps build brand recognition and fosters a sense of familiarity with your audience.

By using background colors strategically, you can effectively draw attention to your products, create a strong brand identity, and enhance the impact of your Instagram Stories. With thoughtful color choices, your promotions will stand out and leave a lasting impression on your audience.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Background Color Doesn't Change

If you're having trouble changing the background color in Instagram Stories, try the following:

  • Double-check that you are using the correct method to change the background color. Use the drawing tools to access the color palette and select the desired color.

  • If the color is not changing, close the app completely and relaunch it. Sometimes, restarting the app can resolve temporary glitches.

  • Ensure that you have the latest version of the Instagram app installed. Outdated versions may have bugs or compatibility issues.

App Crashes when Adding Custom Backgrounds

If you encounter app crashes while trying to add custom backgrounds, follow these steps:

  • Ensure that the custom background image is in a compatible format (JPEG or PNG) and within the recommended size for Instagram Stories (1080 x 1920 pixels).

  • Check if the image size is too large; large images can sometimes cause performance issues. Resize the image if necessary.

  • Restart your device and relaunch the app to clear any temporary glitches that may be causing the crashes.

Imported Background Appears Blurry or Distorted

If your custom background appears blurry or distorted in your Story, consider the following:

  • Make sure that your custom background image is of high resolution and suitable for the dimensions of Instagram Stories (1080 x 1920 pixels).

  • Avoid stretching or resizing the image within the app, as this can lead to distortion. Use a third-party design tool to ensure the proper size and resolution.

  • If your image is a vector graphic, convert it to a raster image format (JPEG or PNG) to prevent distortion.

Background Colors Look Different on Different Devices

If your background colors appear differently on different devices, consider the following:

  • Stick to popular color choices or basic colors like white or black, which are less likely to show drastic variations.

  • Preview your Stories on multiple devices before posting to see how they look on different screens.

Incompatibility with Third-Party Apps

If you face issues with third-party apps not working as expected:

  • Check for app updates or reinstall the app to resolve any bugs or compatibility issues.
  • Try using a different third-party app that offers the desired background customization features.

Takeaway

By following these simple steps on how to change background color on instagram story, you now have the creative freedom to change the background color of your Instagram Stories. Adding a personalized touch to your Stories has never been easier.

Experiment with different colors to match your mood, style, or branding, and watch as your Stories stand out and captivate your audience in a whole new way.

If you want to schedule Instagram posts for multiple accounts, engage with your audience's comments and DMs from a unified inbox, and get detailed analytics to understand which Instagram strategy is working and which isn't, then Statusbrew is the tool for you.

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Baishaly Roy

Baishaly Roy writes content for SaaS brands that use social media. She creates helpful and engaging content that can catch the reader’s interest and help the brand make a mark.

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