Let’s talk about changing the background color of your Instagram Story. It sounds pretty straightforward, and thankfully, it usually is! Whether you’re using a plain background or need to spruce up a photo or video, there are a few reliable ways to get it done.
The Quick and Easy: Using the Drawing Tool
This is probably the most common and fastest method for creating a solid background color behind your text or images.
Painting the Entire Screen
When you start a new Story, Instagram often gives you a plain white background by default. You can easily change this.
- Tap the Pen Icon: At the top right of your screen, you’ll see a set of drawing tools. Tap the one that looks like a pen or marker.
- Select Your Color: At the bottom of the screen, there’s a row of color options. You can swipe left to see more. Tap the color you want to use.
- Tap and Hold: This is the key step for a solid background. Instead of drawing, press and hold your finger anywhere on the screen. The whole screen will fill with your selected color.
This method is perfect for when you just want a clean, colored backdrop for your text or a sticker.
Adding Color to Existing Content
You can also use this drawing tool to add a colored background behind existing photos or videos you’ve added to your Story.
- Add Your Media: First, upload or take your photo/video.
- Access Drawing Tools: Tap the pen icon as before.
- Choose Color and Press/Hold: Select your desired color and then press and hold on the screen. The entire background will change to that color.
It’s important to note that this will cover your original photo or video unless you’ve already added it as a layer. We’ll get to layering soon.
Overlaying a Solid Color on Photos and Videos
Sometimes, you want to keep your photo or video but tint the background with a color. This method is great for achieving a mood or simply making your content pop.
The “Aa” Text Tool Method
This is a clever workaround that uses the text tool to create a solid color overlay.
- Start with Your Media: Upload your photo or video first.
- Tap the “Aa” Icon: This brings up the text editor.
- Select a Color: At the bottom, choose the color you want for your overlay.
- Type a Single Space: In the text box, just type a single space. This is crucial; if you type actual letters, they’ll remain.
- Tap the Screen: Tap anywhere on the screen to place that single-space text box.
- Resize and Position: Pinch and zoom to make the text box cover your entire photo or video. Drag it to fill the space.
- Repeat if Necessary: If the color isn’t quite opaque enough, you can repeat this process, adding another space-text box on top with the same or a different color.
This method gives you fine-grained control over the transparency if you’re feeling experimental.
Using the Eraser Tool for Partial Overlays
Once you’ve created a solid color overlay using the text tool method, you can then remove parts of it to reveal your original media underneath.
- Create Your Solid Overlay: Follow the steps above to fill the screen with a color.
- Tap the Drawing Tool (Pen Icon): Now, select the pen tool again.
- Choose Your Color (Optional but Recommended): You can choose the same color you used for the overlay, or a different one if you’re aiming for a dual-tone effect.
- Tap and HOLD the Screen: This fills the entire screen with your newly selected color.
- Switch to the Eraser: Look for the eraser icon near the pen icon. Tap it.
- Erase to Reveal: Now, “draw” with the eraser over your photo or video. As you erase the solid color, your original media will reappear from underneath.
This technique is fantastic for creating artistic gradients or highlighting specific parts of your image by letting the original show through.
Applying Backgrounds to Existing Photos and Videos Directly
Instagram offers some direct ways to change the vibe of your media, even if it’s not a plain color.
The Drawing Tool with a Twist
We’ve touched on this, but let’s re-emphasize for clarity when applied to media.
- Add Your Photo/Video: Place your media on the Story canvas.
- Tap the Pen Icon: Select your drawing tool.
- Choose Your Color: Pick a color from the bottom palette.
- Tap and HOLD: Press and hold anywhere on the screen. The entire screen, including your media, will be washed over with that color.
This is ideal for when you want to tint your entire photo or video with a specific hue. It’s a quick way to change the mood.
Layering with Stickers and GIFs
This is where things get a bit more creative and interactive.
- Upload Your Media: Start with your photo or video.
- Tap the Sticker Icon: You’ll find this at the top of the screen (usually a smiley face).
- Search for “Color” or “Background”: Browse through the sticker categories or use the search bar. You’ll find solid color blocks, transparent color blocks, and even animated gradient stickers.
- Select and Resize: Tap on a color sticker you like. You can then resize and drag it to cover your photo or video.
Using a solid color sticker allows you to place it precisely. If you use a slightly transparent sticker, you can still see a hint of your original media. This opens up possibilities for textured or gradient backgrounds.
Using GIFs for Dynamic Backgrounds
The GIF library is a treasure trove for creative backgrounds.
- Add Your Media: Upload your photo or video.
- Tap the Sticker Icon: Access the sticker menu.
- Search for “Background,” “Gradient,” “Pattern,” or Specific Colors: Be creative with your search terms! You can find animated gradients, subtle textures, or even repeating patterns.
- Find and Add: Browse until you find a GIF that fits your desired aesthetic.
- Resize and Position: Drag the GIF to cover your media. You might need to pinch and zoom to get the perfect fit.
This is fantastic for adding a bit of movement and interest to your Story without needing complex editing.
Advanced Techniques and Creative Uses
Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can start combining methods for more sophisticated results.
Creating Gradient Backgrounds
While Instagram doesn’t have a dedicated gradient tool, you can simulate one.
- Start with a Blank Story: Don’t add any media initially.
- Tap the Pen Icon: Select your drawing tool.
- Choose Your First Color: Pick a color and press and hold to fill the screen.
- Tap the “Aa” Text Tool: Select the text tool and choose a different color.
- Type a Single Space: As before, just type a space.
- Tap to Place: Tap on the screen to place the space.
- Resize and Position: Pinch and zoom the space-text box to create a smaller rectangle. Position this rectangle over the existing background color.
- Repeat with More Colors: You can keep adding these single-space text boxes with different colors, layering them to create a more complex color blend or gradient effect.
This requires a bit of patience but can yield really unique results.
Using Photos as Backgrounds (Behind Other Content)
This is a common way to frame your text or other media.
- Upload Your Background Photo: First, add the photo you want to use as your background to the Story canvas.
- Tap the “Aa” Text Tool: Select the text tool.
- Choose Your Text Color: Pick the color for your text.
- Type Your Text: Write what you want to say.
- “Pin” the Text (or other elements): This is a crucial step for layering. Once you’ve added your text (or a sticker, GIF, etc.), tap the three dots in the top right corner. You’ll see an option to “Pin.” This essentially locks that element in place.
- Add More Elements: Now you can add more text, stickers, or GIFs on top of your pinned content. They’ll naturally layer over the original background photo.
Alternatively, you can just place your text or stickers directly on top of your background photo without pinning, but pinning is useful for ensuring things don’t accidentally move.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Sometimes, things don’t go exactly as planned. Here are a few common hiccups and how to fix them.
Color Not Filling the Screen
- Problem: When you press and hold with the drawing tool, only a small part gets colored, or it just looks like a smear.
- Solution: Ensure you are using the drawing tool (pen icon), not the text tool or any other editing feature. Tap the pen icon, select your color, and then press and hold your finger anywhere on the screen. It must be a continuous press and hold.
Original Media Getting Covered Completely
- Problem: You wanted to tint your photo, but now it’s completely gone, replaced by a solid color.
- Solution: This usually happens if you use the “draw and hold” method after your photo is already on the canvas. To tint instead of cover, use the “Aa” text tool method to create a color overlay, or use the drawing tool and then the eraser to reveal your original media. If you’ve accidentally covered it, you’ll need to delete the colored layer and start again with the overlay method.
Text Blocking the Background Color
- Problem: You’ve created a nice colored background, but your text is hard to read, or the text itself has a weird background.
- Solution: If you’re using the “Aa” text tool to create a solid color background, remember to type only a single space and then resize that space to cover the screen. If you have actual text typed, it will remain visible. For readability, ensure there’s enough contrast between your text color and the background color.
Can’t Find a Specific Color
- Problem: You’re looking for a very specific shade that isn’t in the default palette.
- Solution: Once you’ve selected the drawing tool or the “Aa” text tool, tap the color circle again. This opens up a more extensive color picker, including a slider and a spectrum where you can select almost any color imaginable. You can also use the eyedropper tool (tap the color circle and then the eyedropper icon) to pick a color directly from your photo or video.
By understanding these different methods and how they interact, you can easily control the background color of your Instagram Stories, making your content more visually appealing and on-brand.
FAQs
1. What are the different methods to change the background color on an Instagram story?
There are several methods to change the background color on an Instagram story, including using the color picker tool, using the drawing tool, using the create mode, and using third-party apps.
2. How can I change the background color using the color picker tool?
To change the background color using the color picker tool, simply tap the drawing tool, select the marker or highlighter option, and then press and hold on the screen until the background color changes to the desired color.
3. Can I change the background color using the drawing tool?
Yes, you can change the background color using the drawing tool by selecting the marker or highlighter option and then tapping and holding on the screen until the background color changes.
4. Is it possible to change the background color using the create mode?
Yes, you can change the background color using the create mode by selecting the “Create” option, choosing the background color, and then adding text, stickers, or drawings to the story.
5. Are there any third-party apps that can be used to change the background color on an Instagram story?
Yes, there are third-party apps available that allow users to change the background color on an Instagram story, such as Unfold, Canva, and Over. These apps offer additional customization options for creating visually appealing stories.