How to Change the Background Color of an Instagram Story

How to Change the Background Color of an Instagram Story

Let’s say that you’re about to post something on your Instagram story, a quote, photo, or simply a tag for a friend. You’ve identified what you’re going to share… But now you’re left with that boring background Ins tagram chose for you. It just doesn’t match. It looks a little off. And you just want something that feels more like you.

Well good news, changing the background color is incredibly straightforward. You don’t have to be a graphic designer, and it literally only takes a couple taps.

So in the moments of posting a simple text update, resharing someone else’s reel, or responding to a question sticker, this is how to change your background so you can make it feel more like … you.

1. Do you want to put a story with text only? Start here.

If you’re posting just a quote or a quick message, nothing with a photo, that’s totally fine. Instagram still lets you change the background color. You just have to know where to tap.

Here is how to do it:

1. Open Instagram and swipe right to create a new story.
2. Click “Aa” (Create mode).

3. Type out your message. You want something short and fun.
4. Open the top-right corner. You will see a colored circle. Click it.

5. Every time you click, it will change to a different background color.

Keep clicking until you find a color that works. Some are solid. Some are gradients. Sometimes you’ll even see seasonal colors, depending on the time of year. That’s it. Super simple.

And here’s a bonus: After you pick the color, you can still add more stuff. Stickers, music, GIFs, even a little doodle, whatever makes it feel more like you.

Changing the background when reshare a post or reel

This is probably the most common of the situations you’ll find yourself in. You’re scrolling, you’ve seen a post you love, and you want to share it to your story. Instagram automatically adds a background, but sometimes, it is just… not cute. Luckily, we can change that.

Here is what to do:

1. Tap the paper airplane icon under the post and select “Add to your story.”
2. Once it opens, tap the squiggly line at the top (that is the draw tool).

3. Choose a color from the bar below.
4. Now, hold your finger anywhere on the background (though not on the post itself). Your scree n will turn that color.

If you want something more custom, try the eyedropper tool (next to the color bar). That will allow you to match any color from the post itself.

Adding a color behind stickers such as polls or question boxes

Using a poll? Or a question box? Maybe a countdown? Instagram puts them on a plain white background. Here’s how to change that.

Option A: You can use a solid color fill

1. Add your poll or sticker to the story.

2. Tap on the squiggly line icon.

3. Pick the color you want.
4. Tap and hold on the background. That will fill the screen.

Option B: Add a photo as a background

1. Go to your phone photo gallery.
2. Copy the photo you want to use.

3. Go back to Instagram, and paste.

4. Your photo appears.
5. Move/resize the sticker/poll over the photo.

This works great if you’re using a countdown. Or if you’re doing a Q&A with your followers. You can pick a b ackground that fits the topic. Makes it feel more fun and personal.

4. How to use the eyedropper tool for better background matching

Sometimes the default colors just don’t work. But if the post you’re sharing has a color you love, maybe from an outfit or a design, you can still match it. Use Instagram’s eyedropper tool. It lets you grab that exact color.

Here’s how:

1. When you tap the draw tool, look for the eyedropper icon (a small pipette).
2. Tap it, then move your finger to the color you want to match in the post.
3. Now, tap and hold on the background. Instagram will use that exact shade. This is perfect if you want your story to feel seamless and coordinated.

5. Creating custom backgrounds with gradient effects

Instagram automatically gives you solid or pre-set colors. But if you want something more aesthetic, that’s possible too. You can create your own gradient background. Just use third-party apps like Canva or Mojo.

Here’s how:

1. Open Canva or any design app you like.
2. Choose “Instagram Story” format.
3. Add a gradient background you like and export it.
4. Upload it to your story and then add stickers, posts, or quotes over it.

It takes a minute longer, but looks much more unique.

6. Combine a plain background with a photo

Want to post a picture on a colored background instead of the full-screen photo? Instagram lets you do that right in the story editor.

Here’s how:

1. Open Instagram and tap “Aa” to start a text story.

2. Tap the color circle at the top to choose a background color you like.

3. Now, tap the photo icon in the bottom-left corner.
4. Select the image you want to add, it will appear like a floating photo on top of the backgro und.

5.Move or resize it however you want.

This gives you a clean, custom look.

7. What to avoid when changing background colors

A few things can go wrong if you’re not careful:

• Covering the post by accident when tapping the background.
• Using too dark colors which make text or stickers hard to read.
• Tapping undo after changing background, this reverts everything!

Tip: Always finalize the background first. Do it before adding polls, text, or stickers. That way, you won’t have to start over.

So…

Changing the background color of your Instagram story isn’t hard. But it really makes a difference! Next time you’re posting, try swapping around the colors. It takes just a few seconds, but it makes your stories feel more like you, fun, personal, and a little more creative.