How to Change the Color of the Background on an Instagram Story: A Visual Storyteller’s Guide

So, you want to jazz up your Instagram Stories with a snazzy new background color? Good choice! A vibrant or complementary background can instantly elevate your content, making it more engaging and visually appealing. Here’s the lowdown on exactly how to achieve this, along with some insider tips to make your stories shine.

The most direct way to change the background color on an Instagram Story is by using the drawing tool. After uploading a photo or video (or selecting a plain background), tap the drawing icon (usually a squiggly line or a pencil icon at the top-right corner of your screen). Choose a color from the palette at the bottom. Then, press and hold down on the screen for a few seconds. This will flood the entire background with your chosen color. You can then use the eraser tool to reveal portions of the original image or add text and stickers to create a unique design.

Diving Deeper: Mastering the Background Color Change

While the basic method is straightforward, there are nuances that can significantly enhance your storytelling.

Utilizing the Color Picker for Precision

The color palette isn’t exhaustive, but Instagram offers a color picker that allows for far more precise color selection. Simply tap and hold on any of the pre-set colors. A gradient will appear, allowing you to drag your finger around to select almost any color imaginable. This is incredibly useful for matching your background to your brand’s color scheme or the colors in your photo or video.

Layering Colors and Effects

Don’t limit yourself to a single background color. Experiment with layering different colors and using the eraser tool strategically. You can create gradient effects, abstract designs, or even highlight specific areas of your image by revealing the original image underneath a colored layer. Consider using different brush sizes and opacities to achieve unique textures and visual interest.

Incorporating Gifs and Stickers

Once you’ve set your background color, use GIFs and stickers to add personality and flair. Position them thoughtfully to complement your background and draw the viewer’s eye to key elements of your story. Animated stickers, in particular, can add a dynamic element to your visually striking backdrop.

Leveraging Background Templates

Keep an eye out for background templates shared by other users or brands. These templates often incorporate pre-designed backgrounds, fonts, and layouts that you can adapt for your own stories. Searching for relevant hashtags like #InstagramStoryTemplate or #StoryTemplate can reveal a wealth of options.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Sometimes, things don’t go according to plan. Here are a few common issues and their solutions:

• The background doesn’t fill completely: Ensure your finger is continuously pressing down on the screen. Sometimes, brief interruptions can prevent the color from spreading evenly.
• The color looks different than expected: Screen calibration and lighting can affect how colors appear. Test the color on different devices to ensure consistency.
• I accidentally covered up the whole image: Don’t panic! Simply use the eraser tool to reveal the original image, or tap the undo arrow to revert to the previous state.

FAQs: Mastering Instagram Story Backgrounds

Here are 12 frequently asked questions that address all aspects of changing background colors on Instagram Stories.

1. Can I change the background color of an existing Instagram Story after posting it?

No, you cannot change the background color of an Instagram Story after it has been posted. Once a story is live, you can’t edit its visual elements. You’ll need to delete the story and recreate it with the desired background color.

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

While there’s no dedicated gradient tool, you can create a gradient effect manually. Use the drawing tool to flood the background with one color. Then, choose a different color and apply it partially over the first color. Use the eraser tool to blend the two colors together, creating a subtle gradient effect. Experiment with brush size and opacity for smoother transitions.

3. Is there a way to match the background color to a specific color in my photo?

Yes! Use the color picker. Tap and hold on any of the pre-set colors, and the color picker will appear. Then, hover your finger over the area of your photo containing the color you want to match. Instagram will sample that color, and you can use it as your background. This is perfect for creating a cohesive and visually appealing story.

4. Can I use a custom color code (hex code) for the background?

Unfortunately, Instagram doesn’t directly support entering hex codes for specific colors within the app. The workaround is to find a photo with the desired color online, save it to your phone, upload it to your Instagram Story, and then use the color picker to sample the color from that photo.

5. How do I make the background transparent or semi-transparent?

While you can’t make the background completely transparent, you can achieve a semi-transparent effect by using the drawing tool with a low opacity setting. Select a color and then adjust the slider at the bottom of the screen to reduce the opacity before filling the background. This allows some of the underlying image or video to show through.

6. Can I change the background color of text in an Instagram Story?

Yes, you can change the background color behind the text you type. When you add text, a small colored circle will appear above the keyboard. Tap this circle to cycle through different background colors for the text box. You can also tap the “A” icon with stars around it to toggle a solid background for the text on and off.

7. Is there a limit to how many times I can change the background color in a single story?

There’s no technical limit to how many times you can change the background color within a single story segment. However, repeatedly changing the color may be distracting for viewers. It’s generally best to plan your story in advance and choose a background color that complements the overall theme and content.

8. How do I remove a background color I’ve already added to my story?

If you’ve made a mistake or want to start over, the easiest way to remove a background color is to tap the undo arrow at the bottom of the screen. This will revert the last action, effectively removing the added color. You can also use the eraser tool to selectively remove portions of the background color.

9. Can I use a video as a background instead of a solid color?

Yes, absolutely! Simply upload a video clip to your story, and it will serve as the background. You can then add text, stickers, and GIFs on top of the video to create an engaging story.

10. Are there any apps that offer more advanced background color options for Instagram Stories?

Yes, there are several third-party apps available that offer more advanced background customization options for Instagram Stories. Apps like Canva, Over, and Unfold provide a range of pre-designed templates, color palettes, and graphic elements that can elevate your stories.

11. How can I use background colors to enhance my brand’s Instagram Story aesthetic?

Consistency is key. Choose a color palette that aligns with your brand’s overall aesthetic. Use these colors consistently in your Instagram Stories to create a cohesive and recognizable brand presence. Consider using brand colors as backgrounds for text, stickers, and product announcements.

12. Can I save a specific background color for future use on Instagram Stories?

While Instagram doesn’t have a built-in feature to save specific color palettes, you can easily work around this limitation. One simple method is to create a photo with swatches of your desired colors, save it to your device and upload it into your Instagram Story. Use the color picker to sample colors directly from the image when creating subsequent stories.