Instagram Stories have evolved from a fun feature to an essential tool for engagement and brand building. With over 500 million daily active users, the format is now a top-tier medium for brand updates and storytelling. Whether you're an influencer, small business, or just a creative soul, knowing how to change your insta story background color in 2025 can make your stories pop.
Why Change Your Instagram Story Background Color?
The default white or gradient backgrounds on Instagram Stories are functional, but boring. By customizing the background, you can:
Ensure brand consistency: Align Stories with your brand’s color palette.
Segment longer stories: Visually separate story elements using different backgrounds.
Increase engagement: Stand out in a sea of generic posts.
1. How to Add a Solid Color Background (with a Photo or Video)
This method is perfect when your image or video doesn’t fill the screen and you want to add a consistent, stylish color backdrop.
Steps:
Open Instagram and tap the “+” at the bottom, then select Story.
Choose a photo or video from your camera roll.
Tap the three-dot icon in the top right and select Draw.
Choose the Pen tool (far left) and pick a color from the bottom toolbar or use the eyedropper to match a color in your media.
Press and hold anywhere on the screen to fill it with your chosen color.
Tap the Eraser tool (far right) and drag your finger to reveal parts of the underlying image, like scratching a lottery ticket.
Use Undo if you make a mistake. Add text or stickers and post.
2. How to Change the Background Color Using Instagram’s Create Tool
For Stories that feature polls, timers, questions, or just text, Instagram’s Create mode makes background color changes even easier.
Steps:
Open Instagram and tap “+” > Story.
Swipe to Aa Create on the left.
Tap the color circle at the bottom right to cycle through gradient background options.
Add your content (text, stickers, GIFs).
Tap Photo to add an image as a sticker if needed.
3. Use a Photo as the Background
Sometimes, solid colors just don’t cut it, especially when branding or storytelling visually.
Steps:
Open the Story editor and swipe up to access your camera roll.
Select your custom background image (size it at 1080 x 1920 px for best results).
Use Stickers, GIFs, or text overlays to add content.
Add effects or filters as desired and post.
4. Add a Color Tint Over Photos
If you want to enhance a photo with a creative tint rather than a full overlay:
Steps:
Upload a photo or video in Story mode.
Tap the three-dot icon > Draw.
Select the highlighter tool and choose a color.
Tap and hold the screen:
Once = light tint
Twice = medium tint
Thrice = solid fill
Add text or other design elements over the tinted image.
5. Use External Tools Like Canva or Photoroom for Backgrounds
Instagram’s built-in tools are great, but if you want maximum customization, external editors like Canva or Photoroom open up a whole new level of creativity.
How It Works:
Upload your photo to Photoroom or Canva (mobile or desktop).
Use background remover or Instant Backgrounds.
Add a solid color, gradient, or dynamic background using generative AI.
Use the Instagram Story template.
Download and upload it to your Story.
6. Add Dynamic Video Backgrounds Using Instagram’s Green Screen
Instagram Stories aren’t just for still images. You can also change video backgrounds using Instagram’s Green Screen effect.
Steps:
Tap “+” > Story.
Swipe through effects until you find the magnifying glass icon.
Search for “green screen” and pick a tool.
Upload the background you want.
Record your video, and Instagram will automatically place you in front of the chosen background.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
How do I change the background color on Instagram Story in 2025?
To change your Instagram Story background color, either use the Draw tool to overlay a solid color or the Create tool to toggle gradients.
How do I get a black background on my Instagram Story?
Use the Draw tool, select black, and tap and hold on the screen to fill it. Then erase parts if you're layering it over a photo.
What’s the best method to change Insta Story background color for brand posts?
Use the eyedropper tool to match brand colors and apply them with the Pen tool. For advanced control, create Stories in Photoroom or Canva and upload them directly.
Can I change the Instagram Story background on videos too?
Yes! Use the Green Screen effect to replace video backgrounds. This adds a dynamic layer and helps maintain visual consistency.
