The quickest way to change your story background

To change your Instagram story background, open Instagram, tap your profile picture or the camera icon to start a new story, then tap the smiley face icon at the bottom of the screen. From there, tap "Create" and choose from solid colors, gradients, or preset designs. If you want to use a photo or video as your background, take or upload your content first, then swipe left through the color options at the bottom — the last option lets you access your camera roll to select an image.

The method changes slightly depending on whether you're starting from scratch or adding effects to existing content. Starting fresh gives you the most background options upfront. If you've already recorded or uploaded a photo, you'll need to apply the background effect after the fact, which limits some of the design choices available.

Key Takeaways

  • Tap the smiley face icon at the bottom of the story camera, then "Create" to access solid colors, gradients, and preset background designs.
  • Swipe left on the color bar at the bottom of the camera screen to find the camera roll option and use your own photos as a background.
  • Gradient backgrounds let you blend two colors together, and you can customize the angle by dragging across the screen before posting.
  • If you've already recorded content, you can still add a background by swiping through the effects menu, though fewer options appear than when starting fresh.

Using solid colors and gradients

Solid color backgrounds are the simplest option. After tapping the smiley face and selecting "Create," you'll see a row of color circles at the bottom. Tap any color to fill your entire story background with that shade. The colors change based on Instagram's current palette, which updates periodically.

Gradient backgrounds blend two colors together. Tap and hold any color circle to see gradient options that pair that color with others. Once you select a gradient, you can rotate it by dragging your finger across the screen before you add text or stickers. This lets you control whether the color transition runs vertically, horizontally, or diagonally.

Uploading a photo or video as your background

To use an image from your phone as a story background, start recording or taking a photo in the story camera. After you've captured or selected your content, swipe left through the color options at the bottom until you reach the end — the final option shows a small image icon. Tap it to open your camera roll and select any photo or video stored on your device.

The photo or video you choose will appear behind any text, stickers, or drawings you add. Keep in mind that very busy or detailed backgrounds can make text hard to read, so consider adding a semi-transparent overlay or placing text in a clear area of the image. You can also use the text tool's background feature to add a colored box behind your words for better contrast.

Accessing preset designs and themes

Instagram offers preset background designs beyond solid colors. In the story camera, tap the smiley face icon and then "Create" to see these options. Scroll through the available designs — they typically include patterns, textures, and themed backgrounds that change seasonally or based on trending topics.

These preset designs are different from filters, which modify how your photo or video looks. Designs are purely background elements that sit behind your content. If a preset design appeals to you, tap it once to apply it, then add your text, stickers, or other elements on top.

Adding text and stickers over your background

Once you've set your background, tap the "Aa" icon to add text. The text will appear on top of your background color or image. If your background is dark, use a light text color for readability, and vice versa. You can also tap and drag text around the screen to position it where it's most visible.

Stickers work the same way — tap the smiley face icon (different from the one that opens background options) to access stickers, GIFs, and interactive elements. These layer on top of your background. Combine multiple stickers and text elements to create a more complex story, but avoid overcrowding, which can make the story hard to read or look cluttered.

Changing your background after recording

If you've already recorded a video or taken a photo for your story, you can still change the background. After capturing your content, look for the effects or editing menu — this usually appears as icons along the bottom or side of the screen. Swipe through the available effects until you find background or color options, then select one to apply.

The background options available after recording are more limited than when you start fresh. You typically get access to solid colors and some gradients, but not all preset designs. If you want the full range of background choices, it's easier to select your background first, then add your content on top of it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a blurred version of my photo as a background?

Instagram doesn't have a built-in blur tool for story backgrounds, but you can blur a photo in a separate editing app before uploading it to your story. Apps like Snapseed or your phone's built-in photo editor let you blur an image, save it, then use it as your story background by selecting it from your camera roll.

Why don't I see all the background colors on my phone?

Instagram updates its color palette regularly, and the available colors may differ between devices or accounts. If you're not seeing certain colors, try closing and reopening the Instagram app. The color options also depend on which story creation method you're using — starting fresh shows more options than editing an existing photo.

Can I save a background I like and use it again later?

Instagram doesn't have a saved backgrounds feature, but you can screenshot a story with a background you like, then use that screenshot as your background in future stories by uploading it from your camera roll. Alternatively, note the color code if you're using a solid color, and recreate it by selecting the closest matching color from the palette.

What's the difference between a background and a filter?

A background is a solid color, gradient, image, or preset design that sits behind your content. A filter changes how your entire photo or video looks — adjusting brightness, contrast, saturation, or adding effects. You can use both a filter and a background on the same story.