Instagram has built-in templates you can find in the Create tab, and third-party sites offer thousands more
Instagram's own templates live in the Reels and Stories sections of the Create tab — the plus sign icon at the bottom of your screen. When you tap Create, you'll see options for Reels, Stories, or Feed posts. For Reels and Stories, Instagram shows you template options right away: tap the template icon (it looks like overlapping squares) to browse layouts, transitions, and music combinations that are already set up. For Feed posts, templates are less obvious — Instagram doesn't offer them directly in the Feed creation flow, but you can find pre-made layouts through third-party apps like Canva, PicCollage, or Adobe Express, which let you download images sized for Instagram and post them directly.
The difference between Instagram's built-in templates and third-party ones matters. Instagram's templates are fastest because they're already in the app and often come with music and effects included. Third-party templates give you more control over text, colors, and design — useful if you're building a consistent brand look across multiple posts. Both routes are free, though some third-party apps offer paid versions with more options.
Key Takeaways
- Instagram's own templates for Reels and Stories are found by tapping the Create tab, then selecting the template icon that looks like overlapping squares.
- Feed post templates aren't built into Instagram directly, but Canva, PicCollage, and Adobe Express offer free templates you can customize and download as image files.
- Instagram templates come with music, transitions, and effects already chosen, while third-party templates let you change colors, fonts, and layouts to match your brand.
- All templates mentioned here are free to use, though some apps offer paid versions with additional design elements or higher resolution downloads.
How to access Instagram's built-in Reels templates
Open Instagram and tap the plus sign at the bottom center of your screen. This opens the Create menu. Tap "Reels" to start a new Reel. At the bottom of the screen, you'll see several icons — one of them looks like overlapping squares. That's the template button. Tap it, and Instagram shows you a grid of pre-made Reels templates organized by category: trending sounds, transitions, effects, and themes.
Each template shows a preview of what it looks like in motion. Tap any template to open it, and Instagram loads the layout, music, and effects. You then record your own video clips in the spaces Instagram has set up for you. The template handles the timing and transitions automatically — you just film your content and let the template piece it together. When you're done recording, you can edit the text, add stickers, or adjust the music before posting.
How to access Instagram's built-in Stories templates
Tap the plus sign and select "Stories." Swipe left on the icons at the bottom of the screen until you see the template icon (overlapping squares). Tap it. Instagram shows you Stories templates organized by style: animated backgrounds, text layouts, countdown timers, and interactive elements like polls or question boxes.
Stories templates work the same way as Reels templates — you pick one, and Instagram loads the layout. You then add your own photo, video, or text. Stories templates are useful if you post regularly and want a consistent look without designing each one from scratch. Many templates include animations that play automatically when someone views your Story.
Using Canva for Feed post templates
Canva is the easiest third-party option for Feed post templates because it's designed specifically for social media. Go to canva.com or open the Canva app, then search "Instagram post" in the template search bar. Canva shows thousands of templates organized by category: quotes, product announcements, behind-the-scenes, promotions, and seasonal themes.
Click any template to open it. You can then change the text, swap out images, adjust colors, or rearrange elements. Canva's free version includes thousands of templates and design elements. When you're done editing, click "Download" and choose "PNG" or "JPG" — both work for Instagram. Download the image to your phone, then open Instagram, tap Create, select Feed, and upload the image you just made.
Canva's paid version (Canva Pro) unlocks more templates, higher resolution downloads, and the ability to resize designs for multiple platforms at once. For most people, the free version has more than enough templates to choose from.
Using PicCollage for multi-image layouts
PicCollage specializes in layouts that combine multiple photos into one image — useful if you want to show several products, before-and-after shots, or a series of related images in one post. Open the PicCollage app or go to pic-collage.com. Tap "Create" and select "Collage." PicCollage shows you grid layouts: two-photo splits, three-photo rows, four-photo squares, and more complex arrangements.
Choose a layout, then tap each section to add your own photos from your phone or computer. You can add text, stickers, or backgrounds to the spaces between photos. When you're done, tap "Save" and download the image. Then post it to Instagram the same way you would any other image — through the Create tab, selecting Feed, and uploading the file.
PicCollage's free version includes basic layouts and design elements. The paid version adds more templates, fonts, and background options. For simple multi-photo posts, the free version is usually sufficient.
Using Adobe Express for branded templates
Adobe Express is useful if you want to build a consistent look across multiple posts — the same fonts, colors, and layout style each time. Go to express.adobe.com or open the Adobe Express app. Search "Instagram post" to see templates. Adobe Express organizes templates by industry and style: fashion, food, fitness, business, and creative services.
Select a template and customize it. You can change colors, fonts, and images, and Adobe Express remembers your choices. This means if you create one post with your brand colors and fonts, the next template you open will suggest the same colors and fonts automatically. This feature is especially useful if you post regularly and want people to recognize your content at a glance.
Adobe Express is free, though it includes ads in the free version. Adobe Express Premium removes ads and unlocks more templates and design elements. For most people building a small social media presence, the free version works fine.
What to do if Instagram's templates don't match your brand
If you've tried Instagram's built-in templates and they don't fit your style, third-party apps give you more control. The trade-off is that you have to download the image and upload it separately — it takes an extra step compared to creating directly in Instagram. But if you're posting multiple times a week and want consistency, that extra step is worth it.
Start with Canva if you want the easiest experience and the most templates to choose from. Use PicCollage if you specifically need multi-photo layouts. Use Adobe Express if you want your posts to look like they come from the same brand. All three are free to start, and you can switch between them depending on what you're posting that day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Instagram templates on my phone or only on a computer?
Instagram's built-in templates work on both phone and computer. Third-party apps like Canva and PicCollage have mobile apps, so you can create templates entirely on your phone if you want. Adobe Express also has a mobile app. All three let you download the finished image and post it directly from your phone.
Do Instagram templates cost money?
Instagram's own templates are completely free. Canva, PicCollage, and Adobe Express all offer free versions with thousands of templates included. Each has a paid version that unlocks more templates and features, but you don't need to pay to use templates — the free versions are robust enough for most people.
Can I edit a template after I post it?
No. Once you post to Instagram, you can't change the template or layout — you can only delete the post and create a new one. This is why it's important to review your post before hitting "Share." If you're using a third-party app, make sure you're happy with the design before downloading and uploading to Instagram.
What's the difference between a template and a filter?
A template is a pre-made layout or design structure that you fill in with your own content — text, photos, or video. A filter is a visual effect that changes the colors or tone of a photo or video without changing the layout. Instagram templates include both structure and often come with filters or effects built in.
Can I save a template I create so I can use it again?
Canva and Adobe Express both let you save custom templates you create. In Canva, click the three dots on your design and select "Save as template." In Adobe Express, look for a save or bookmark option. Instagram doesn't have a save-template feature for designs you create in the app, but if you use third-party apps, you can save your custom versions and reuse them.