Changing the background color of your Instagram Story can give it a personal touch and make your content pop, but what if you want to do this without covering the image you’re using? Thankfully, there are several easy methods that allow you to do this while keeping your picture visible. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the most popular and effective ways to change your Instagram Story’s background color without obscuring your photo.
Method 1: Use the Draw Tool for Custom Backgrounds
One of the simplest methods to change the background color on your Instagram Story without covering the picture involves using the Draw tool.
Here’s how you do it:
- Open your Instagram Story and take or upload a picture.
- Tap the three dots in the top right corner and select the Draw option.
- Choose the brush icon and then select a color from the available palette or hold your finger down on any color to reveal a rainbow palette for more options.
- Hold your finger on the screen for a few seconds until the background color changes. This will not cover your picture, but you can adjust the opacity or use transparent layers for a more creative effect.
This method allows you to change the background color while keeping the photo or video front and center. You can also add extra layers of design, such as text or stickers, on top without affecting the background color.
Method 2: Create a Transparent Background
Want something a bit more subtle? You can opt for a transparent background where the color shows up faintly behind the image.
Follow these steps:
- Open your Story and choose a photo or video.
- Tap the three dots and select Draw.
- Use the brush tool to pick any color, and then press and hold on the screen for a few seconds.
- Adjust the opacity of the color to make it transparent, so your image shows through while still giving you a colored background.
This technique is great for adding a splash of color while maintaining the focus on your image, creating a soft and stylish look for your Story.
Method 3: Use a Color Gradient
If a solid background color feels too basic, why not try a color gradient for a more dynamic background?
- Open your Instagram Story and take or upload a picture.
- Tap the Aa icon for more editing options.
- In the bottom right corner, tap the circle icon repeatedly until you find a gradient you like.
Gradients can give your Story a cool, modern feel and work especially well with photos that have neutral tones. Plus, it keeps the focus on your picture while adding an interesting background without cluttering your Story.
Method 4: Add a Custom Image as Your Background
If solid colors or gradients aren’t doing it for you, Instagram also allows you to upload your own image as the background.
- Open your Instagram Story.
- Swipe up to open your Camera Roll, and select the image you want to use as the background.
- Tap the sticker icon (the smiley face), then select the photo sticker option.
- Add a second photo on top of the background by selecting the picture you want to highlight.
This is perfect if you want to use a personal or branded image as your background while featuring another picture on top. It’s a creative way to make your Stories stand out and adds a unique touch that’s great for brand promotion or special occasions.
Method 5: Use Third-Party Apps for Advanced Background Options
If you’re looking for even more customization options, you can use third-party apps such as Canva, StoryLuxe, or Fotor. These apps provide professional templates and allow you to tweak every aspect of your background, from gradients to textures, giving you a polished look that’s hard to achieve with Instagram’s built-in tools.
Simply create your background in the app, save it, and then upload it to your Instagram Story. You can then use the photo sticker feature to place your picture on top.
FAQs
1. Can I change the background color without covering my photo?
Yes, using the Draw tool or transparent background options lets you change the color without covering your picture.
2. Are there third-party apps that help with custom backgrounds?
Yes, apps like Canva and StoryLuxe offer advanced tools for creating custom backgrounds and templates for Instagram Stories.
3. Can I use a color gradient for my Instagram Story background?
Yes, Instagram allows you to choose from preset color gradients, which can make your Stories more dynamic.
4. How can I make my Instagram Story more creative?
You can add stickers, GIFs, text, and even draw on your Stories to create unique and engaging content that captures attention.
Conclusion
Changing the Instagram Story background color without covering the picture is a great way to elevate your Story content and give it a more polished, creative look. Whether you prefer a solid color, gradient, transparent background, or custom images, these methods will help you stand out on Instagram. Don’t forget to experiment with stickers, text, and other features to make your Stories even more engaging for your audience!
