The quickest way to change your story background

Open Instagram and tap your profile picture in the bottom right to start a new story. Before you add any text or stickers, swipe left or right across the bottom of the screen to cycle through solid color backgrounds. When you find the color you want, tap it to set that as your background, then add your text or photos on top.

If you want more control over the exact shade, tap and hold on any of the color swatches at the bottom. A color wheel will appear, letting you pick any shade you prefer. This method works whether you're starting with a blank story or adding a background to a photo you've already taken.

The solid color backgrounds are the simplest option because they load when ready and don't distract from your text. They're also the most reliable way to make sure your story is readable on every phone size.

Key Takeaways

  • Swipe left and right on the color swatches at the bottom of the story creation screen to choose from preset background colors.
  • Tap and hold any color swatch to open a color wheel where you can pick any shade you want instead of the presets.
  • Gradient backgrounds (two colors blending together) appear as options in the same swatch row and work the same way as solid colors.
  • You can change the background color after you've added text or photos by swiping the color swatches again before posting.

Using gradient backgrounds for more visual interest

Instagram includes gradient options alongside the solid colors in that same bottom row. A gradient is two colors that blend into each other smoothly. Swipe through the color swatches until you see one that shows two colors fading together, then tap it the same way you would a solid color.

Gradients work well when you want your story to feel more polished or when you're posting something that needs visual separation from your other stories. The blending effect makes text easier to read if you choose colors with enough contrast — for example, a dark blue fading to light blue works better than light blue fading to white.

If none of the preset gradients match what you're looking for, tap and hold on a gradient swatch to open the color wheel. You can then pick two different colors and Instagram will blend them for you.

Changing the background after you've added content

You don't have to decide on a background color before you add text or photos. If you've already typed something or placed a sticker, you can still swipe the color swatches at the bottom to change the background. The color will update behind everything you've already placed.

This is useful if you're experimenting with different looks or if you want to match your story background to the mood of what you're posting. Just remember that changing the background color won't affect any photos you've added — it only changes the solid color or gradient behind them.

What to do if the color swatches aren't showing

The color swatches only appear when you're creating a story with a blank background or when you're in the editing screen before posting. If you've already taken a photo and added it to your story, the color options might be hidden. Tap the screen once or twice to make sure the editing toolbar is visible, then look for the color swatches at the bottom.

If you're using an older version of Instagram, the color options might be in a different location. Make sure your app is updated to the latest version by checking your phone's app store. Once you update, the color swatches should appear in the same place as described above.

Saving a background color you use often

Instagram doesn't have a built-in way to save your favorite background color as a preset, but you can remember the color by taking a screenshot of the color wheel when you've found a shade you like. The next time you want to use that same color, open the color wheel again and match it as closely as you can to your screenshot.

Alternatively, if you use the same color repeatedly, you'll notice that Instagram keeps your recently used colors at the beginning of the swatch row. The colors you pick most often will stay there, making them faster to find the next time you create a story.

Why your background color might look different on other phones

The color you see on your phone might look slightly different when someone else views your story on their phone. This happens because every phone screen displays colors a little differently — some phones show brighter colors, others show more muted tones. This is normal and not something you can control from Instagram's side.

If you're worried about readability, stick with colors that have high contrast with your text. Dark text on a light background or light text on a dark background will be readable on almost any phone screen, even if the exact shade looks slightly different.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a photo as my story background instead of a solid color?

Yes. Instead of swiping the color swatches, tap the photo icon in the story creation screen to add a photo from your camera roll. The photo will become your background, and you can add text or stickers on top of it. You can still adjust the brightness or add a color overlay to the photo if needed.

What if I want a transparent background instead of a solid color?

Instagram stories don't support fully transparent backgrounds, but you can create a similar effect by using a very light color (nearly white) or by adding a photo with a light background. If you're trying to make text stand out, a solid light color usually works better than trying to work around transparency.

Do I need to change the background color before or after I add text?

You can do it either way. Change the background before you add text if you want to see how your text will look against that color, or add text first and then change the background if you're experimenting. Instagram lets you adjust the background at any point before you post.

Why do some of my color swatches look faded or grayed out?

Grayed-out swatches usually mean Instagram is still loading the color options, or your phone's internet connection is slow. Wait a few seconds for the colors to fully load. If they stay grayed out, try closing the story creation screen and starting a new story again.