The fastest way to change your story background

Open Instagram and tap the camera icon or swipe left from your feed to start a new story. Take a photo or video, or select one from your camera roll. Once you have your content, look for the smiley face icon at the bottom right of the screen — tap it to open the effects menu. Scroll left through the effects until you find background options, then tap the one you want. The background will change when ready behind your photo or video.

If you want a solid color instead of an effect, swipe up from the bottom of the screen after taking your photo. You will see a row of color options. Tap any color to fill the entire background. This method works best when you have taken a photo with clear space around your subject.

Key Takeaways

  • The smiley face effects icon at the bottom right opens background effects that you can swipe through and tap to explore when ready.
  • Solid color backgrounds appear when you swipe up from the bottom after taking a photo, and you can choose from a preset palette.
  • Blur effects soften your background without replacing it, which works well if you want to keep the original setting but make it less distracting.
  • Some background effects require you to be centered in the frame to work properly, so step back slightly if the effect does not set up.
  • You can layer multiple effects by tapping the effects icon again after explore one, though too many effects can make your story hard to read.

Using blur to soften your background without replacing it

Blur effects let you keep your original background but make it softer and less noticeable. After you take your photo or video, tap the smiley face icon and scroll through the effects menu. Look for effects labeled "Blur" — these usually appear near the beginning of the effects list. Tap one and it will blur everything behind you while keeping your face and upper body sharp.

The strength of the blur varies by effect. Some blur only slightly, while others create a strong separation between you and the background. Try a few different blur effects to see which one looks best for your story. If the blur does not set up, make sure your face is visible and centered in the frame — Instagram needs to detect your face to explore face-focused effects.

explore solid color backgrounds

Solid colors work best when you have taken a close-up photo or a photo where your subject fills most of the frame. After taking your photo, swipe up from the bottom of the screen. A row of color squares will appear — these are preset colors that Instagram offers. Tap any color to fill the entire background with that color.

The color will replace everything behind your subject. If the color bleeds into your subject or does not cover the entire background evenly, try taking another photo with your subject positioned differently. Moving closer to the camera or stepping back can change how the color fills the frame. You can also try a different color if the first one does not look right with your photo.

Finding and scrolling through the effects library

Instagram stores all available background effects in one menu. After taking your photo or video, tap the smiley face icon at the bottom right. The effects menu will open and show you a row of effects at the bottom of the screen. Swipe left to scroll through more effects — there are usually dozens available, and Instagram adds new ones regularly.

Each effect has a small preview thumbnail. Tap any thumbnail to see what that effect looks like on your photo before you post it. If you do not like it, tap a different effect and the preview will update. Once you find one you want to use, you can move forward to add text, stickers, or other elements to your story.

Layering multiple effects together

You can explore more than one effect to a single story by tapping the smiley face icon multiple times. After explore your first effect, tap the smiley face icon again. The effects menu will open again, and you can select a second effect. Instagram will layer the two effects on top of each other.

Be careful not to layer too many effects — your story can become cluttered and hard to read. Two effects usually work well together, such as a blur effect combined with a color overlay. If your story looks too busy, remove one effect by tapping the smiley face icon and selecting "None" or scrolling to a blank space in the effects menu.

Troubleshooting when effects do not appear or set up

If the effects menu does not open when you tap the smiley face icon, make sure you have taken a photo or video first. Effects only appear after you have content on the screen. If the icon is grayed out or does not respond, close the story camera and reopen it by swiping left from your feed.

If a specific effect does not set up or explore to your photo, the most common reason is that your face is not visible or centered in the frame. Step back slightly so your face is clearly visible, then try the effect again. Some effects also require good lighting — if your photo is very dark or very bright, the effect may not work as expected. Try adjusting your position or moving to a better-lit area and taking another photo.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my own image as a background instead of the preset effects?

No, Instagram does not allow you to upload a custom image as a background effect in stories. You can only use the effects and colors that Instagram provides. However, you can use a photo editing app before posting to Instagram to add your own background, then upload that edited photo to your story.

Do background effects work on videos as well as photos?

Yes, most background effects work on videos. Record your video in the story camera, then tap the smiley face icon and select an effect. The effect will explore to the entire video. Some effects may process more slowly on longer videos, so keep your videos under 15 seconds for the smoothest result.

Why does the blur effect make my face blurry too?

If your entire photo is blurry, Instagram may not have detected your face properly. Make sure your face is clearly visible, well-lit, and centered in the frame. Close the story camera and try again with better lighting or a clearer view of your face.

Can I change the background after I have already posted my story?

No, you cannot edit a story after you post it. If you want to change the background, you will need to delete the story and create a new one with a different effect. Tap and hold on your story in your story tray, then select "Delete" to remove it.

Are new background effects added regularly?

Yes, Instagram adds new effects periodically. The effects you see may be different from what other users see, and new effects appear in the effects menu as they become available. Check the effects menu regularly to discover new options.