How to Change Background Color on Instagram Story?

Instagram Stories are a powerful tool for engaging with your followers and sharing your moments creatively. One of the most eye-catching features is the ability to change the background color on Instagram Story. Whether you want to use a solid color, a gradient, or even a custom backdrop, having control over the background color allows you to maintain your brand’s aesthetic or just add a personal touch to your stories. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through how to change background color on Instagram Story, exploring various options, tools, and tips to help you make the most out of this feature.

The Basics: Changing the Background Color on Instagram Story

When you create a new story on Instagram, the default background color is usually derived from the image or video you upload. However, you can change this with a few simple steps. Here’s how:

1. Open Instagram and Create a New Story: Start by swiping right from your news feed or tapping on your profile picture in the top-left corner of the app. This brings you to the story screen where you can either take a new photo or upload one from your gallery.
2. Using the Pen Tool: Once you have your image or video on the story screen, tap on the pen icon located on the right-hand side of the screen. The pen tool allows you to choose from a wide range of colors available in the color palette.
3. Selecting a Background Color: After selecting the pen tool, hold your finger on any color from the color bar at the bottom of the screen. This will flood the entire screen with the selected solid background color. If you’re looking for a specific shade, use the color dropper tool (color picker tool) to pick a color from your image.
4. Utilizing the Eraser Tool: Want to add some creative freedom to your design? After filling the screen with a solid background color, you can use the eraser icon to reveal parts of the underlying image, creating a striking visual effect.
5. Gradient Backgrounds and Custom Colors: Instagram also allows you to add a gradient background. You can create this by selecting a color from the palette and dragging your finger across the screen. The pen options also include gradient colors, which can be selected for a more dynamic and visually appealing background.

Advanced Techniques: Customizing Your Background Color

While the basic tools allow for significant customization, Instagram provides several other design tools for those looking to take their story background to the next level.

1. Custom Backgrounds Using the Photo Sticker: A popular hack among advanced users is to use the photo sticker feature. By selecting the sticker icon and choosing a photo, you can layer a custom backdrop behind your main content. This technique is especially useful for adding branded colors or thematic images that align with your story’s message.
2. Incorporating the Color Dropper Tool for Branding: The color dropper tool is invaluable for those who want to ensure their story background color matches their brand’s aesthetic. By picking colors directly from your logo or brand assets, you maintain consistency across your social media presence.
3. Using Pre-Made Templates and Design Apps: If you prefer a more polished look without the hassle of manual adjustments, consider using design apps like Adobe Express or Adobe Photoshop. These tools offer a wide range of pre-made templates that come with custom color backgrounds and gradients, giving you professional-quality results with minimal effort.
4. The Power of the Brush Tool and Marker Icon: The brush tool allows you to draw directly on your story, which can be combined with the marker icon for softer, more transparent color overlays. This method is perfect for adding artistic touches or denser color tints to specific areas of your story background.

Practical Tips and Tricks

Mastering the background color in Instagram Stories not only enhances the visual appeal but also boosts engagement rates by making your content stand out. Here are some additional tips to keep in mind:

1. Experiment with the Color Slider and Color Swatch: Instagram’s color settings are more than just a solid block of color. Use the color slider to fine-tune your chosen shade, and don’t be afraid to explore the color swatch options for a unique look.
2. Leverage the Undo Button for Creative Freedom: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different colors and effects. If something doesn’t look right, the Undo button (located in the top-right corner) will become your best friend, allowing you to revert to the previous state without any stress.
3. Add Stickers and Text Overlays: Once you’ve set your background, enhance it further with Instagram’s vast array of stickers, text, and even GIFs. This additional layer of creativity helps your story to capture more attention.
4. Explore the Effects Gallery: Instagram’s Browse Effects feature includes a series of color shades, filters, and cool effects that can be applied to your story. This tool is ideal for adding final touches or completely transforming the mood of your story.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

While customizing your Instagram Story background color, there are some common pitfalls to be aware of:

1. Overcrowding the Design: Too many colors, stickers, or text overlays can make your story look cluttered. Keep it simple and ensure that your message remains clear.
2. Ignoring Brand Consistency: If you’re using Instagram Stories for business, maintaining a consistent color scheme is crucial. Use the color dropper tool to pick colors directly from your brand’s palette, and avoid default background color options that don’t align with your branding.
3. Not Leveraging Design Tools: Many users stick to Instagram’s basic tools without exploring the advanced options available in design apps like Adobe Express. These tools offer a range of background color options and design elements that can significantly enhance your stories.

Myth Busting: Common Misconceptions About Changing Background Colors on Instagram Stories

So, how to change background color on Instagram Story? When it comes to customizing your Instagram Stories, there’s a lot of information floating around, and not all of it is accurate. In this ‘Myth Busting’ segment, we’ll address three common myths related to changing the background color on Instagram Stories. By debunking these misconceptions, we aim to enhance your understanding and help you make the most out of the platform’s creative tools.

Myth 1: You Can Only Use Default Background Colors

The Myth: Many users believe that they are limited to Instagram’s default color options when setting a background color for their stories. This myth suggests that if you don’t like the preset colors, you’re out of luck.

The Reality: Instagram Stories offer much more creative freedom than just the default color options. While the default background color might be applied automatically when you upload a story, you have access to a wide range of colors through the color palette. Using the color picker tool (also known as the color dropper tool), you can select any color from your story background image or other sources, allowing you to match branded colors or choose a custom color that better fits your aesthetic. Additionally, you can create gradient colors by dragging the pen tool across the screen, adding even more options to your color scheme.

Myth 2: The Eraser Tool Is Only for Fixing Mistakes

The Myth: It’s a common misconception that the eraser tool, represented by the eraser icon, is merely a tool to correct errors or remove unwanted marks made with the pen tool.

The Reality: The eraser tool is actually one of the most powerful tools for adding creative effects to your Instagram Stories. After filling the entire screen with a solid color background, you can use the eraser tool to selectively reveal parts of your underlying background image. This technique allows you to create unique designs where elements of your original photo peek through a block of color. Far from just a mistake-fixer, the eraser tool can be integral to creating a captivating story background that stands out.

Myth 3: You Can’t Change the Background Color on Pre-Made Templates

The Myth: There’s a belief that when using pre-made templates from design apps like Adobe Express or Instagram’s own sticker feature, you’re stuck with the background color they provide. This myth suggests that these backgrounds are locked and can’t be altered.

The Reality: Most pre-made templates and design elements, whether from Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Express, or Instagram’s own options, allow for background customization. Once you select a template, you can often change the background color using Instagram’s built-in editing options. By selecting the pen icon and choosing a new color from the color bar, you can adjust the template’s background to fit your desired color scheme. You can even apply a color gradient or overlay with gradient colors to make the background more dynamic and personalized.

Conclusion

So, how to change background color on Instagram Story? Changing the background color on your Instagram Story is a simple yet powerful way to add personality and style to your content. By using the tools and techniques outlined in this blog post, you can create stories that not only look stunning but also resonate with your audience. Whether you’re going for a solid background color, a custom gradient, or an intricate design using stickers and the eraser tool, the possibilities are endless. So go ahead, experiment with the vast array of color options, and take your Instagram Stories to the next level!