How to Change Background Color on Instagram: A Pro’s Guide

Want to jazz up your Instagram Stories and Reels with custom background colors? You’ve come to the right place! The ability to change the background color on Instagram depends on what you are creating. For Instagram Stories, you can easily change the background color using the color picker tool. When creating a Reel, changing the background is achieved by adding a layer or using a green screen effect within the app. This article is your comprehensive guide on mastering these techniques and injecting personality into your Instagram content.

Understanding Background Customization on Instagram

Instagram, with its ever-evolving features, offers various avenues for creative expression. Changing the background color of your posts is a key element in crafting visually appealing and engaging content. Whether you are sharing a story, creating a reel, or posting feed content, customizing backgrounds can significantly enhance your message and brand image.

Changing Background Color in Instagram Stories

Instagram Stories provide a fast and engaging way to connect with your audience. Changing the background color is a simple yet effective way to emphasize text, showcase products, or simply add a touch of style.

Method 1: Using the Color Picker Tool

The color picker is your go-to for a solid background color in Stories. Here’s how to wield it:

1. Open Instagram Stories: Swipe right from your Instagram feed or tap your profile picture with the “+” sign.

2. Take a Photo or Upload One: Capture a new image or select one from your camera roll. It doesn’t matter what the image is, as you will be covering it up.

3. Select the Drawing Tool: Tap on the scribble icon, which is usually located at the top right corner of the screen.

4. Choose a Color: A color palette will appear at the bottom. Select your desired color. For more options, press and hold on a color to reveal a gradient slider.

5. Tap and Hold the Screen: Now, the magic happens! Tap and hold anywhere on the screen. The entire screen will fill with the color you selected.

6. Erase Parts of the Background: Want to reveal parts of the original image? Use the eraser tool (also in the drawing menu) to selectively remove portions of the colored background.

Method 2: Using the Eyedropper Tool

The eyedropper tool allows you to pick a color directly from your photo, creating a harmonious and cohesive look.

1. Open Instagram Stories and upload an image as described above.

2. Select the Drawing Tool: As before, tap the scribble icon.

3. Select the Eyedropper Tool: This tool looks like a dropper and is next to the color palette.

4. Choose a Color from Your Image: Tap anywhere on your image to select that color. The color picker will now reflect that color.

5. Tap and Hold the Screen: Just like with the standard color picker, tap and hold the screen to fill it with the selected color.

Changing Background Color in Instagram Reels

Reels, with their dynamic video format, require a different approach to background customization. While you can’t simply fill the screen with a color like in Stories, you can use layers and the green screen effect to achieve the desired look.

Method 1: Adding a Layered Background

This technique involves adding a separate image or video as a background layer to your Reel.

1. Start a New Reel: Tap the “+” icon at the bottom, then select “Reel”.

2. Record Your Video: Capture the primary content for your Reel.

3. Add a Background Image or Video: After recording, tap the “Edit Video” button. Then select the “Add Media” button and select a background image or video from your camera roll.

4. Adjust the Layer: Resize and position the video or image to act as the background. You may need to use third-party apps to crop or resize for a perfect fit.

Method 2: Using the Green Screen Effect

The green screen effect is a powerful tool for seamlessly replacing the background of your video.

1. Start a New Reel: As before, tap the “+” icon at the bottom, then select “Reel”.

2. Access Effects: Tap the effects icon (sparkle icon) on the left side of the screen.

3. Search for “Green Screen”: Use the search bar to find the “Green Screen” effect.

4. Select a Background: Choose a background image or video from your camera roll. It will now replace whatever is behind you in the camera’s view.

5. Record Your Video: With the green screen effect active, record your Reel.

Advanced Tips for Background Customization

• Brand Consistency: Use your brand colors consistently to maintain a cohesive visual identity.
• Accessibility: Ensure sufficient contrast between the background and text for readability.
• Experimentation: Don’t be afraid to try different colors and techniques to find what works best for your content.
• Third-Party Apps: Utilize apps like Canva or Adobe Spark for more advanced background design options.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I change the background color of my Instagram feed posts?

No, you cannot directly change the background color of your Instagram feed posts within the app. Feed posts are designed to display images or videos without a customizable background.

2. How do I find the exact hex code of a color for my Instagram background?

Use a color picker tool online or in a design app like Adobe Photoshop or GIMP. These tools allow you to upload an image and identify the hex code of any color within it. Once you have the hex code, you can match that color in Instagram Stories by manually adjusting the color slider until you find a visual match.

3. Is it possible to use a gradient as a background color in Instagram Stories?

While Instagram doesn’t offer a built-in gradient tool, you can create a gradient image using a third-party app and then upload it as a background in your Story.

4. Can I animate the background color in my Instagram Reel?

Yes, you can animate the background color in your Reel by using video editing apps that allow you to create dynamic backgrounds. You can then upload the animated background as a layer in your Reel.

5. How do I remove a background from an image to use as a sticker on Instagram Stories?

Use a background removal tool like Adobe Photoshop Mix or online tools like Remove.bg. These tools automatically detect and remove the background, allowing you to save the image as a PNG with transparency. You can then upload it to your Stories and use it as a sticker.

6. Can I change the background color of text I add to my Instagram Stories?

Yes, when you add text to your Instagram Story, you can change the color of the text itself. However, this is different from changing the overall background color of the Story. To change the text color, simply tap the color palette at the bottom of the screen while the text box is selected.

7. What are some creative ways to use background colors in Instagram Stories?

Use contrasting colors to highlight important text, create a mood or atmosphere with specific color palettes, use the eyedropper tool to match colors in your photo, and incorporate your brand colors for consistency.

8. How can I ensure my background color choices are accessible to all users?

Choose background colors that provide sufficient contrast with text and other elements. Use tools like WebAIM’s Contrast Checker to ensure your color combinations meet accessibility guidelines. Avoid using color alone to convey important information.

9. Are there any limitations to the colors I can use for backgrounds on Instagram?

While Instagram’s color picker offers a wide range of colors, it may not have the precision of professional design software. You might not be able to perfectly match a specific hex code, but you can get very close.

10. Can I save custom color palettes for future use in Instagram Stories?

Unfortunately, Instagram does not offer a feature to save custom color palettes within the app. You’ll need to keep track of your preferred color codes separately, or create pre-made images with your desired colors.

11. How do I use the “Create” mode on Instagram Stories to change the background?

The “Create” mode allows you to share text-based updates, quizzes, or polls. When using “Create” mode, the background color automatically changes with different style options. You can also tap the color circle at the bottom to choose a specific background color.

12. How can I use a GIF as a background in my Instagram Story?

You can’t directly set a GIF as a background to your story, however, there are a few workarounds:

• Upload a GIF to a third-party app like Canva and set it as the background to an image or design. Then, upload the finished creation to your Instagram Story.
• Use a sticker that is a GIF element on top of a flat colour background.

Mastering background customization on Instagram is a simple but powerful way to elevate your content and captivate your audience. By utilizing these techniques and tips, you can create visually compelling and engaging stories and reels that stand out from the crowd.