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How To Change the Background on an Instagram Story When Sharing a Post

You’ve stumbled upon a gem of a post, and you’re itching to share it with your Instagram followers, but that default story background? Let’s just say it lacks pizzazz. Fear not, my friends! Changing the background on an Instagram story when sharing a post is simpler than you think. In short, there are several ways to elevate your shared post’s background:

Using the Color Picker Tool: After sharing the post to your story, tap the draw tool (pen icon) at the top. Choose a color from the palette at the bottom or use the color picker to select a color from the shared post itself for a cohesive look. Then, tap and hold on the screen to flood the entire background with your chosen color. After this you can use the eraser tool to bring the shared post back into view.
Adding a Photo from Your Gallery: Tap the sticker icon and select the photo sticker (it looks like a picture icon). Choose an image from your camera roll to use as the background. You can resize and reposition the shared post on top of your chosen photo.
Using a Gradient Background: While Instagram doesn’t offer a direct gradient tool, you can achieve a similar effect. Use two different colors with the draw tool and use the eraser tool to blend them for a gradient.
Utilizing GIFs as Backgrounds: Tap the sticker icon and search for relevant GIFs that match the theme of the shared post. You can layer GIFs and adjust their size to create a dynamic and engaging background.

Now, let’s dive deeper into each method and explore some pro tips to make your Instagram stories truly stand out!

Mastering Background Customization on Instagram Stories

Beyond the basics, there’s a whole world of creative possibilities when it comes to customizing your Instagram story backgrounds. The key is to experiment and find what works best for your brand or personal style.

Utilizing the Color Picker and Solid Colors

This method is the cornerstone of background customization. It’s quick, effective, and allows for precise color matching.

Share the Post: Start by tapping the paper airplane icon below the post you want to share and select “Add post to your Story“.
Access the Draw Tool: Once the post is in your story editor, tap the draw tool icon (the squiggly line) at the top right of the screen.
Choose Your Color: Select a color from the preset palette at the bottom or tap the eyedropper icon to use the color picker. Hover the eyedropper over the shared post to sample a color directly from it. This ensures a harmonious color scheme.
Flood the Background: With your chosen color selected, tap and hold anywhere on the screen for 1-3 seconds. This will fill the entire background with the selected color.
Reveal the Shared Post: Now, tap the eraser tool (next to the draw tool). Carefully erase the color from over the shared post to reveal it. You can adjust the eraser size for precision.
Fine-Tune and Add More: You can re-flood parts of the screen by repeating the color-filling steps and add text, stickers, or other elements to further enhance your story.

Importing Photos for Unique Backgrounds

Using photos from your gallery opens up a vast array of creative possibilities. You can use personal photos, stock images, or even screenshots of textures or patterns.

Share the Post: Again, start by sharing the desired post to your story.
Access the Sticker Menu: Tap the sticker icon at the top of the screen (the square with a smiley face).
Select the Photo Sticker: Look for the photo sticker icon. It’s usually represented by a small picture frame. If you’ve recently used a photo sticker, it might appear as a shortcut directly on the sticker menu.
Choose Your Photo: Your camera roll will open. Select the photo you want to use as your background.
Resize and Reposition: The photo will appear on your story. You can pinch to zoom to resize it and drag it around to position it correctly. Make sure it covers the entire background.
Adjust Layering (If Needed): Sometimes, the photo sticker might appear on top of the shared post. If this happens, tap and hold on the photo sticker, then select “Send to Back“. This will place the photo behind the shared post.

Utilizing GIFs for Dynamic and Eye-Catching Backgrounds

GIFs add movement and personality to your Instagram stories. They’re perfect for grabbing attention and conveying emotions.

Share the Post: Share the post to your story.
Access the Sticker Menu: Tap the sticker icon.
Search for GIFs: In the sticker menu, use the search bar to find relevant GIFs. Keywords like “background“, “aesthetic“, “sparkles“, or themes related to the shared post can be helpful.
Add and Position GIFs: Tap on a GIF to add it to your story. You can resize, rotate, and reposition it just like any other sticker.
Layer GIFs for Complexity: Don’t be afraid to add multiple GIFs! Layer them to create a more complex and visually interesting background.
Consider GIF Placement: Be mindful of where you place the GIFs. You want them to enhance the story, not distract from the shared post.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use a video as the background of my Instagram story when sharing a post?

While Instagram doesn’t directly allow using a video as a background in the same way as a photo, you can achieve a similar effect. Record a short video in your camera roll and then use the photo sticker feature to add it as a background, just like with a regular photo. Remember that the video will loop continuously.

2. How do I create a custom gradient background on Instagram story?

Instagram doesn’t have a dedicated gradient tool, but you can manually create one! Use two different colors with the draw tool, filling the entire background with one color first. Then, select the second color and use the eraser tool with a soft brush to blend the two colors together. Experiment with different brush sizes and eraser opacity for varied gradient effects.

3. Can I save a background I created to use again later?

Unfortunately, Instagram doesn’t offer a feature to save custom backgrounds directly within the app. A workaround is to create your desired background on a blank story and then take a screenshot of it. You can then use that screenshot as a photo sticker background in future stories.

4. Is there a way to blur the background behind the shared post?

Yes! Use the draw tool and select a color. Flood the background as usual. Then, use the eraser tool and tap the icon that looks like three circles blending together. This activates a blur eraser. Erase the color around the shared post to reveal a blurred background.

5. How do I make the shared post transparent against my custom background?

While you can’t make the shared post fully transparent, you can reduce its opacity slightly. Tap the shared post to cycle through different styles. One style reduces the opacity, giving a semi-transparent look. Experiment with different background colors to see which opacity level works best.

6. Can I add music to my Instagram story with a custom background?

Absolutely! Once you’ve created your custom background and positioned the shared post, tap the sticker icon and select the music sticker. Choose a song from the Instagram music library and customize the snippet and visual representation of the song.

7. How do I ensure my background doesn’t clash with the colors of the shared post?

The color picker tool is your best friend! Use it to sample colors directly from the shared post and then use those colors for your background. This creates a cohesive and visually appealing aesthetic. Alternatively, stick to neutral background colors like white, gray, or black, which tend to complement most posts.

8. Are there any apps that can help me create more advanced backgrounds for Instagram stories?

Yes, several apps offer advanced design features for creating custom backgrounds. Canva, Adobe Spark Post, and Unfold are popular choices. These apps provide templates, graphics, and editing tools that can take your Instagram story backgrounds to the next level.

9. How can I add a border to my shared post on top of the custom background?

You can add a border using the draw tool. Choose a color and a pen style (the solid line is usually best). Carefully draw a border around the shared post. Alternatively, you can use a border GIF by searching “border” or “frame” in the GIF sticker library.

10. What’s the best way to make my Instagram story background stand out without being too distracting?

Subtlety is key! Avoid overly busy or cluttered backgrounds that will detract from the shared post. Opt for simple colors, gradients, or textures. Consider using a blurred background or a GIF with minimal movement. Focus on creating a visually appealing backdrop that complements the shared post without overpowering it.

11. Can I use multiple photos as a collage for my Instagram story background?

Yes, you can! Use the layout sticker (found in the sticker menu) to create a collage of photos. Select the layout you want and then choose the photos from your camera roll. You can adjust the size and position of each photo within the collage.

12. How do I remove a background I don’t like after I’ve already added it?

The easiest way is to simply undo your actions. Use the undo arrow at the top of the screen to step back through your edits until you reach the point before you added the unwanted background. Alternatively, if you’ve used a photo or GIF as a background, you can simply tap and hold on it and select “Delete“. You can then start again with a fresh background.