How to Change Background Color on Instagram Stories

Why Change the Background Color on Instagram Stories?

Readability and brand consistency both improve once you know how to change background color on Instagram story rather than accepting the auto gradient. The default background is often a gradient pulled from the image or text you share, but customizing it gives you more creative control.

Method 1: The Draw Tool Fill Technique

This is the most popular method for creating a solid color background on Instagram Stories.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Open Instagram and tap the plus icon or swipe right to create a new Story.
2. Take a photo or select any image from your gallery (this will be covered by the background color).
3. Tap the three-dot menu or the draw icon (the squiggly line) at the top of the screen.
4. Select the marker tool (the first pen option, which creates a solid fill).
5. Choose your desired color from the color palette at the bottom of the screen.
6. Press and hold anywhere on the screen for one to two seconds. The entire screen will fill with the selected color.
7. You now have a solid color background. Add text, stickers, GIFs, or other elements on top.

Using the Color Picker for Custom Colors

If the preset color palette does not include the exact shade you want:

1. Follow steps 1 through 4 above.
2. Instead of tapping a preset color, tap and hold on any color in the palette. This opens a full color spectrum slider.
3. Drag your finger across the spectrum to select your precise color.
4. Press and hold on the screen to fill with your custom color.

Method 2: Gradient Backgrounds with the Type Tool

Instagram automatically applies gradient backgrounds when you create text-based Stories.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Open the Story creation screen.
2. Tap the "Aa" text creation mode (or "Create" mode).
3. Type your text.
4. Tap the circle icon at the bottom right of the screen to cycle through different gradient background options.
5. Each tap presents a new gradient color scheme.

This method is limited to the gradient options Instagram provides, but it offers a quick way to create visually appealing text stories without any design skills.

Method 3: Using an Image as a Background with Color Overlay

This technique lets you combine a photo with a semi-transparent color overlay.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Create a new Story and select your photo.
2. Tap the draw tool and choose your color.
3. Select the highlighter pen (the second pen option) instead of the solid marker.
4. Press and hold on the screen. This fills the screen with a semi-transparent version of your chosen color, creating a tinted overlay on top of your photo.
5. The photo remains partially visible beneath the color layer.

Method 4: Using Third-Party Design Apps

For more precise control over background colors, many creators design their Story frames in external apps.

App	Key Advantage	Free Tier
Canva	Instagram Story templates with custom backgrounds	Yes
Adobe Express	Professional design tools and brand kits	Yes
Unfold	Story-specific templates and layouts	Limited
Mojo	Animated backgrounds and templates	Limited

Workflow

1. Open your design app and select an Instagram Story template (1080 x 1920 pixels).
2. Set the background to your desired color using the exact hex code if needed.
3. Add text, images, and design elements.
4. Export the design and upload it as an Instagram Story.

Which method fits your goal

Solid color fastDraw tool fill with the marker pen

Quick text storyType tool gradient, one tap to cycle

Photo with a tintDraw tool highlighter for a semi-transparent overlay

Exact brand colorThird-party app with hex code input

Tips for Choosing Background Colors

Match Your Brand Colors

Using consistent brand colors across your Stories creates a recognizable aesthetic. If your brand uses specific hex codes, use a design app that supports custom color input.

Consider Readability

If your Story includes text, ensure sufficient contrast between the text color and background. Dark text on a light background or light text on a dark background works best. Avoid placing text on busy or mid-tone backgrounds where it becomes hard to read.

Use Color Psychology

Different colors evoke different emotions and associations:

• Blue: Trust, professionalism, calm
• Red: Urgency, excitement, passion
• Green: Growth, health, sustainability
• Yellow: Optimism, energy, attention
• Black: Sophistication, luxury, elegance
• White: Simplicity, cleanliness, minimalism

Stay Consistent

Pick two to three background colors and use them regularly. This consistency helps followers instantly recognize your Stories as they swipe through their feed.

Contrast that stays readable

Works

• Light text on a dark background
• Dark text on a light background

Avoid

• Text on busy or mid-tone backgrounds

Troubleshooting Common Issues

The fill is not covering the entire screen

Make sure you are using the solid marker tool (first pen option), not the highlighter or the arrow pen. Also, ensure you are pressing and holding for at least one to two seconds rather than just tapping.

The color picker is not showing

The color picker appears when you tap and hold on a color in the palette. A quick tap just selects the preset color. Hold your finger on the color circle for a moment to open the full spectrum.

The background appears pixelated

This can happen if you take a screenshot of a color and use it as a background. Always use the fill method or design at 1080 x 1920 pixel resolution for the cleanest result.

Related Terms

• Carousel Post: Another engaging Instagram content format.
• Content Creation: The broader discipline that includes Story design.
• Content Planning: How Stories fit into your overall content calendar.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a gradient as a solid background on Instagram Stories?

The built-in type mode offers gradient options. For a custom gradient, you would need to create the design in an external app like Canva and upload it as an image.

Does changing the background color work for video Stories?

The draw tool fill method works on images and photos but not on videos. For video Stories with custom backgrounds, use a video editing app to add the background before uploading.

Can I save my custom background colors for future use?

Instagram does not have a built-in feature for saving custom colors. However, you can save your hex codes in a note on your phone or use a design app with a brand kit feature that stores your color palette.

What is the best background color for engagement?

There is no single best color, as effectiveness depends on your brand and audience. However, high-contrast, bold colors grab more attention in the Stories feed.

Why won't Instagram fill my whole Story background with color?

The fill only works with the marker pen, the first pen option, which creates a solid color. You also need to press and hold for one to two seconds, since a quick tap just selects the color without filling the screen. If you use the highlighter, the second pen option, you get a semi-transparent overlay instead of a full fill.

What size should I make my Instagram Story background in Canva?

Design your Story background at 1080 x 1920 pixels, the exact template size apps like Canva and Adobe Express provide for Instagram Stories. This resolution keeps the color clean and free of pixelation on export.

Which pen do I use for a solid background versus a tinted photo overlay?

Use the marker, the first pen option, for a full solid color background. Use the highlighter, the second pen option, when you want a semi-transparent tint over a photo, since the picture stays partly visible beneath the color layer.

How do I find the color spectrum slider on Instagram?

Tap and hold on a color swatch in the palette at the bottom of the screen instead of just tapping it. This opens a full color spectrum slider you can drag across to choose a custom shade, an option the preset palette does not offer.

How many background colors should I use for my brand?

Stick with two to three background colors and use them regularly across your Stories. Followers start recognizing your Stories by color alone as they swipe through their feed.

What emotions do different background colors convey on Instagram Stories?

Blue reads as trustworthy and calm, while red signals urgency and excitement. Green connects to growth and health, and yellow feels optimistic and energetic. Black comes across as sophisticated and elegant, and white reads as clean and minimal. Pick whichever matches your brand.

Create Stunning Social Media Content

Customizing your Instagram Stories is just one part of building a strong social presence. With AdaptlyPost you plan your visual content, schedule posts and Stories, and maintain a consistent brand look across all your social media channels.