Where Instagram keeps its templates
Instagram templates live inside the Stories and Reels creation tools, not in a separate menu. When you open Stories or start a Reel, you will see template options appear before you record anything. The templates Instagram shows you depend on which creation tool you use — Stories templates are different from Reels templates, and both change based on what Instagram is promoting that week.
Templates save you time because they come with pre-built layouts, transitions, music, or text animations already in place. You pick one, add your own photos or video, and post. You do not have to build the design from scratch or hunt for music that fits the mood you want.
Key Takeaways
- Stories templates appear in the Stories camera when you swipe left to the Templates tab, and they include layouts, stickers, and music already arranged.
- Reels templates are found by tapping the Templates button in the Reels editor, and they come with transitions and effects you can film over.
- You can search for templates by mood or topic using the search bar that appears in the Templates tab.
- Templates change frequently, so the ones available to you today may be different next week depending on what Instagram is testing.
- Using a template does not lock you into its exact design — you can swap out photos, change text, remove stickers, or adjust music after you pick one.
Finding templates in Stories
Open the Instagram app and tap your profile picture in the bottom right to go to your Stories camera. You will see a row of options at the bottom of the screen: Camera, Gallery, Boomerang, Superzoom, and others. Swipe left through these options until you reach the Templates tab — it looks like four squares in a grid.
Tap Templates and you will see a grid of available layouts. Each template shows a preview of how it looks: some have text animations, some have music playing, some have sticker placements already decided. Scroll down to see more. If you want to narrow the list, tap the search icon (magnifying glass) at the top and type a word like "birthday" or "quote" to find templates matching that theme.
When you find one you want to use, tap it. Instagram will ask you to add photos or video to fill the template's spaces. You can upload from your camera roll, take a new photo, or record video depending on what the template needs. After you fill in the content, you can edit the text, remove stickers, change the music, or adjust colors before posting.
Finding templates in Reels
Open the Instagram app and tap the plus sign (+) at the bottom to create new content. Select Reel from the menu. In the Reels editor, look for a button labeled Templates — it is usually near the top left or in the editing toolbar. Tap it to see available Reel templates.
Reel templates work differently than Stories templates because they focus on transitions and effects rather than static layouts. A template might show you how to film a transition between two clips, or how to use a trending effect with specific timing. You will see a preview of the template in action, and a button that says something like "Use Template" or "Create." Tap that button to start recording over the template's structure.
As you record, the template guides your timing — it will show you when to switch cameras, when to pause, or when the next effect will kick in. You do not have to follow it exactly; you can record however you want and the template just provides a framework. After recording, you can add music, captions, or additional effects before posting.
Searching and filtering templates by topic
Both Stories and Reels templates have a search function. In Stories, tap the magnifying glass icon in the Templates tab. In Reels, look for a search bar or filter option in the Templates menu. Type what you are looking for: "holiday," "workout," "food," "funny," or any other word that describes the mood or purpose of the content you want to create.
Instagram will show you templates matching that search. The results change based on what templates are currently available in your region and account type. If you search for something and see no results, try a broader term — "birthday" might return more results than "21st birthday party."
You can also browse templates by scrolling without searching. Instagram often groups templates by category or trending style, so scrolling through the full list can help you discover templates you did not know existed.
What you can change after picking a template
Picking a template does not lock you into its exact design. After you select a template and add your photos or video, you have full control over what stays and what goes. You can delete text, remove stickers, swap out the music, change the background color, or adjust the font. The template is a starting point, not a requirement.
In Stories, tap the text to edit it, tap stickers to remove them, and tap the music icon to choose a different song. In Reels, you can add or remove effects, change the audio, add captions, and adjust the timing of transitions. If you decide you do not like the template at all after starting, you can close it and create content from scratch instead.
Why templates might not appear or change
Instagram tests different templates with different accounts, so the templates you see may be different from what your friend sees. The platform also rotates templates in and out regularly — a template you used last month might not be available this month, and new ones appear frequently. This is normal and not a sign that something is wrong with your account.
If you cannot find the Templates button at all, make sure you are using the latest version of the Instagram app. Open your phone's app store (Apple App Store or Google Play Store), search for Instagram, and tap Update if an update is available. Older versions of the app sometimes do not have access to all features.
Templates are also more likely to appear on accounts that post regularly. If you have not posted Stories or Reels in a while, Instagram may not show you as many template options. Start creating content again and the templates should reappear.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I save a template to use later?
Instagram does not have an official save or bookmark feature for templates. The best approach is to use a template when you see it, or take a screenshot of it so you remember what it looked like. Since templates change frequently, a template you see today might not be available next week.
Do templates work on the Instagram website or only on the app?
Templates are only available in the Instagram mobile app, not on the website. You must use your phone or tablet to access Stories and Reels templates. If you create content on a computer, you will not see template options.
Can I create my own template and share it with others?
Instagram does not let individual users create and share custom templates. Only Instagram itself creates templates. You can save your own posts as drafts and recreate similar designs manually, but you cannot build a template that other people can use.
Why do some templates have music and others do not?
Some templates come with music already attached because Instagram licensed that song or it fits the template's theme. You can always remove the music and add your own. Templates without music let you choose your own audio from the start.
Do I need to credit the template when I post?
No, you do not need to credit Instagram or mention that you used a template. Templates are a built-in feature, and using one is the same as using any other tool in the app. Post your content however you want.