How to Change Background Color on Instagram Story

Change the image background color effortlessly with AI online.
Tonny Franzen · August 20.2025
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70% of Instagram users view Instagram stories. That’s a 70% chance of your Instagram followers viewing your Stories, which can lead to sales and more visibility.

Instagram Story is a goldmine that, when properly harnessed, can take your business to the next level.

Engaging content is how you harness the potential of an Instagram Story. Altering the background color of your Instagram Story can help.

Let’s get you updated on how to change the background color on Instagram Story. 


What Is an Instagram Story?

An Instagram Story is a piece of content that you would normally find at the top of your Instagram Feed.

Instagram Stories can be any form of supported media, which could be a photo or video. However, people only get to see them for 24 hours. Your Instagram Stories can be customized for engagement through interactive content.

With 70% of users viewing Instagram Stories, it’s a good way to let your followers and potential customers know what you’re working on.

If you find any of your Instagram Stories worth keeping beyond 24 hours, you can save them as highlights.

How to Change Background Color on Instagram Story to a Solid Color

Your Instagram Story can stick out when you alter the background color.  Here is a breakdown of how to change the background color of your Instagram Story:

Step 1 - Add the Content

Start by adding the content. Click the ‘+’ button on your Instagram dashboard. Then select the ‘Story’ option from the list. Choose your preferred content from the list. 

Step 2 - Access the Color Tray

access color tray

With the media file selected, tap the three dots "...".

Touch the ‘Draw’ button from the drop-down menu.

Step 3 - Pick a color

pick color

Next, choose the pen icon from the tray. Once done, select your preferred color from the list of options displayed. If it’s not among those on display, click the eyedropper and proceed to extract the color from the added content. Then apply it to the background by moving your finger across the screen. 

Step 4 - Erase Errors

erase errors

If there are any errors while applying the color, you can erase them by selecting the eraser icon. Wipe the color errors by rubbing your finger over them.

Okay with the result? Let others know by sharing it on your Instagram Story. 

A Guide on Using A Photo as a Background for an Instagram Story

Instead of a color, you can use a photo as the background of an Instagram Story. Here are the steps to do this:

Step 1 - Add Content

add content

Open the Instagram app on a mobile device. Click on the ‘+’ button, navigate to ‘Story’ from the list. Then upload the media.  

Step 2 - Choose the background photo

change background color on instagram story

Your preferred photo background should be an uploaded piece of content or a shared post. On the Instagram Story interface, click the sticker icon at the top right, select ‘Photo’ from the options to add your background photo. 

Step 3 - Adjust the Content

Have your chosen photo background occupy the entire screen, then pinch grab your Story content to your preferred position. 

Step 4 - Publish


 

Once you’re satisfied with the Story content, click the ‘Share’ button to post.  

How to Add a Video Background to Your Instagram Story

Instagram Stories are known for being adaptable, and it’s visible in the support for different background content, including videos. Here’s how to add video backgrounds to your Instagram Story:

Step 1 - Open Instagram Story

Start by tapping the ‘+’ button, then select ‘Story’ from the tray. 

Step 2 - Add Video Background

Ensure your preferred video is saved on your device. Then swipe up on your Instagram Story to view the media on your device. If the app requests permission to access your files, click Allow. Change the ‘Recent’ tag to ‘Videos’, then scroll down till you see the video content and select it.

Step 3 -  Add the overlying content

With your chosen background video playing, introduce your centerpiece content. This can be a text or a photo. For an image, select the sticker icon from the options at the top right corner. Click on ‘Photo’ and pick your preferred image. You can organize the photo as you deem fit on the background video.

Step 4 - Publish

Once the Story meets your expectations, click the ‘Share’ button to post. 

How to Change the Background Color Using X-Design AI Background Generator

With X-Design’s AI Background Generator, you get a new background color with even more hue options available. Here are the steps to do this:

Step 1 - Access the AI Background Generator

Visit the X-Design website and navigate to the AI Background Generator tool. 

Step 2 - Upload Photo

upload photo

On the AI Background Generator, submit the image destined for your Instagram Story by clicking the ‘Upload’ button. If done correctly, the uploaded image should appear on the canvas.  

Step 3 - Pick a Color

pick a color

Use the Solid Color menu to choose a color. You can choose from the preset color options available. Or you can use the eyedropper to pick a hue from anywhere on your screen. Use the cursor to adjust the color shade. 

Step 4 - Apply Color

apply color

Once your preferred color is set, click the ‘Generate’ button. This applies the color to the image’s background. 

change image backgrounds

Step 5 - Download Image

Once the final image is as desired, click the ‘Download’ button to get the file on your device. 

Step 6 - Post to Instagram Story

change background color on instagram story

Open your Instagram, click the ‘+’ button, and post the edited image to your Instagram Story by clicking the ‘Share’ button.