Instagram does not have a built-in setting to change your overall app background color, but you can change the background in Stories and direct messages

Instagram's main feed and profile pages use a white or dark background depending on your phone's system settings — you cannot override this from within the app. However, you can change the background color in two specific places: when you create a Story and when you send a direct message. Both let you pick from a palette of solid colors or gradients before you post.

If you want the entire Instagram app to look different, your only option is to switch your phone's dark mode or light mode setting, which affects all apps at once. This guide covers what you can actually change within Instagram itself.

Key Takeaways

  • Instagram Stories let you choose a solid color or gradient background by tapping the color icon at the bottom of the screen before you add text or stickers.
  • Direct messages have a separate background color picker accessed by tapping the paint bucket icon above the keyboard.
  • Changing your phone's dark mode or light mode setting will change Instagram's background from white to dark gray, but this affects all your apps.
  • The main feed and profile pages cannot be customized to a different background color within the app itself.

Change the background color in an Instagram Story

Open Instagram and tap the camera icon or swipe left from your feed to start creating a Story. Take a photo or video, or select one from your camera roll. Once you have your image or blank canvas, look at the bottom of the screen for a row of editing tools.

Tap the circle icon that shows a color palette — this is usually the third or fourth icon from the left. A set of color swatches will appear. Tap any solid color to fill the entire background, or swipe left on the color row to see gradient options that blend two colors together. Your Story background will change when ready. You can then add text, stickers, or other elements on top of this colored background.

If you started with a blank canvas (no photo), the color fills the whole Story. If you started with a photo, the color becomes the background behind your image. Tap the arrow or your name at the top to post the Story when you are ready.

Change the background color in a direct message

Open a direct message conversation with someone or start a new message. At the bottom of the screen, above the keyboard, you will see a row of icons. Look for the paint bucket or color icon — it is usually near the left side of this row. Tap it to open the background color menu.

A palette of colors and gradients will appear. Select the one you want. This color will become the background of that specific conversation thread only — it does not change the background of other messages or the rest of the app. The color stays in place until you change it again or delete the conversation.

Note that the person you are messaging will see the message itself, but they will not see your chosen background color on their end — it is a personal customization only for your view.

Use dark mode or light mode to change the overall app background

If you want Instagram's main feed and profile pages to have a darker background instead of white, the way to do this is through your phone's system settings, not through Instagram itself. Go to your phone's Settings app, find Display or Screen settings, and toggle Dark Mode on. This will make Instagram's background dark gray instead of white.

The same setting applies to all your apps at once — you cannot turn dark mode on for Instagram alone. On iPhone, you can also schedule dark mode to turn on automatically at sunset and off at sunrise. On Android, the option varies by phone model but is usually in Display settings under Dark Theme or Dark Mode.

If you turn dark mode off, Instagram returns to a white background. This is the only way to change the background color of the main feed, Stories feed, and profile pages.

Why Instagram does not let you customize the main background color

Instagram ties its background color to your phone's system-wide dark mode setting rather than offering its own color picker. This keeps the app consistent with your phone's overall appearance and reduces the number of settings Instagram has to maintain. It also means Instagram automatically adjusts when you switch between light and dark mode, without you having to remember separate preferences for the app.

Third-party apps that claim to let you change Instagram's background color do not actually change Instagram itself — they either change your phone's dark mode setting or display a colored overlay on top of the app, which can slow down your phone or cause Instagram to malfunction.

What happens if you use a third-party app to customize Instagram

Some apps claim they can change Instagram's appearance, including background colors, fonts, or layout. These apps do not integrate with Instagram's actual code. Instead, they either overlay a filter on top of Instagram or modify your phone's accessibility settings, which can cause Instagram to crash, log you out unexpectedly, or flag your account for unusual activity.

Instagram's terms of service prohibit using third-party tools to modify the app's appearance. Using them risks your account being temporarily locked or permanently suspended. The safest approach is to use only the color options Instagram provides within Stories and messages, or to use your phone's built-in dark mode setting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change the background color of my Instagram profile page?

No. Your profile background is always white in light mode or dark gray in dark mode, and you cannot change it to a different color. You can only customize the background in Stories and direct messages. Your profile photo, bio, and grid of posts are what people see when they visit your profile.

Will the person I message see the background color I chose?

No. The background color you select in a direct message is only visible to you. The other person sees the message text and any media you send, but not your chosen background color. It is a personal view setting only.

Does changing dark mode on my phone affect other apps?

Yes. Dark mode is a system-wide setting, so turning it on or off changes the background color in every app that supports it, not just Instagram. If you want dark mode for Instagram but light mode for other apps, you would need to manually switch your phone's setting each time, which most people find inconvenient.

What if I want a custom background color that is not in Instagram's palette?

Instagram's color palette is fixed and does not let you input custom hex codes or RGB values. You are limited to the colors and gradients Instagram provides. If none of them match what you want, your only option is to use your phone's dark mode or light mode setting.

Can I change the background color of my feed?

No. The feed background is controlled by your phone's dark mode setting and cannot be changed within Instagram. If you want a darker feed, turn on dark mode in your phone's settings. If you want it lighter, turn dark mode off.