How to Add or Change an Instagram Background

Easily tweak your instastory background colors

By
Brad Stephenson
Brad Stephenson - Lifewire Writer
Brad Stephenson
Freelance Contributor
  • Western Sydney University
Brad Stephenson is a freelance tech and geek culture writer with 12+ years' experience. He writes about Windows 10, Xbox One, and cryptocurrency.
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Updated on October 23, 2022
Reviewed by
Christine Baker
Reviewed by Christine Baker
    Christine Baker is a marketing consultant with experience working for a variety of clients. Her expertise includes social media, web development, and graphic design.
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    Instagram

    What to Know

    • To change background color: New post > Story > Create > color circle > add content > share to Your Story.
    • To use an image: New post > Story > Gallery > select image > add content > share to Your Story.

    This article explains how to add a solid background color to an Instagram story, change the background color, and use a pattern or image instead.

    How to Change an Instagram Story’s Background Color

    Using a solid color background in an Instagram Story can be done natively within the iOS and Android Instagram apps. Here's how:

    1. Open the Instagram app and tap the new post icon.

    2. From the bottom menu, select Story.

    3. From the bottom menu, select Create.

      New Post button, Story button, and Create in Instagram

    4. Tap the small circle icon in the lower-right corner to cycle through your available background color options.

    5. Tap Tap to type and type a message as usual.

      Your color options are limited by the font style used for your text.

    6. While the typing option is active, tap the top middle button to cycle through the different font styles. This also changes your background color options.

      Color button, Tap to type, and font styles in Instagram.

    7. After each font style change, tap the small circle icon to view additional cool colorful backgrounds.

    8. When you’re ready, tap Done to confirm your text and minimize the keyboard.

    9. You can now add additional text, stickers, and gifs to your Instagram Story. You can also add music to your Instagram Story. Tap the checkmark when finished.

    10. Tap Your Story when you're ready to publish.

      Formatting background and sharing to Story

    How to Add Cool Colorful Backgrounds to an Instagram Story

    If you want to use something a bit more dynamic than a solid color background in your Instagram Story, you can change the background color to a pattern by uploading your own custom image.

    A variety of websites provide a plethora of textured and patterned background images for you to use such as FreePik, Pexels, and PixaBay.

    Here’s how to use a custom image as a background in an Instagram Story:

    1. Open the Instagram app and tap the new post icon.

    2. From the bottom menu, select Story.

    3. Swipe up on the screen. This opens a photo gallery within the Instagram app.

      Accessing the gallery in Instagram

    4. Find and tap the image you want to use as an Instagram Story background.

      If needed, use two fingers to resize the image so it fills the entire screen.

    5. Add any text, gifs, stickers, or music to your Instagram Story.

    6. Tap Your Story to publish. Your newly styled Instagram is now viewable on your feed.

      Adding an image for an Instagram Story background
    FAQ
    • Why is my Instagram background black?

      If your Instagram background is black, your device is likely in dark mode. To check your device's brightness settings, go to Settings > Display & Brightness and see if your device is in Light or Dark mode.

    • How do I change the Instagram background color without covering the photo?

      To change the background color on Instagram without covering a photo, you'll place your photo on top of the background color. Open your Instagram story and take any photo. Add a background color, save the image, and delete that story. Next, load the colored image you saved into your Instagram story. Select Sticker > Photo Sticker and choose your photo.

    • How do I get a white background on Instagram?

      If you're on an iPhone, the Instagram app mirrors your device's settings. If you're on light or dark mode on your iPhone, the Instagram app will be light or dark. Go to Settings > Display & Brightness to change it. On Android, open Instagram and go to Settings > Theme and select the Light theme to get a white background.

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