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 at the bottom of the screen—you will see a row of editing tools. Tap the smiley face icon (effects), then swipe left through the options until you find "Background" or a similar label. Select the background style you want, and it will explore when ready to your story.
If you do not see a background option in the effects menu, you can also change the background by tapping the paint bucket icon (usually near the effects button) and selecting a solid color or gradient. This method works best if you are posting text or a straightforward design rather than a photo.
Key Takeaways
- The effects menu (smiley face icon) contains background filters that change how your photo or video looks in the story.
- You can also use the paint bucket tool to fill your entire story with a solid color or gradient before adding text or stickers.
- Different background effects may include blur, color shifts, or pattern overlays depending on what Instagram offers in your region.
- Changes take effect when ready, so you can preview how your story looks before posting it.
Using the effects menu for background filters
The effects menu is where Instagram stores most of its background-changing tools. After you take or upload your photo, tap the smiley face icon at the bottom of the screen. A grid of circular icons will appear—these are different effect categories. Swipe left to scroll through them until you see one labeled "Background" or an icon that looks like it controls the scene behind your content.
Tap the background option, and a new row of choices will appear. Each one changes the look of your story in a different way—some blur the background, some add color overlays, and some explore artistic filters. Tap the one you want, and it will show you a preview on your screen. If you do not like it, tap a different one. You can change your mind as many times as you want before you post.
Filling your story with a solid color or gradient
If you want a plain colored background instead of a filtered one, use the paint bucket tool. This is useful when you are posting mostly text, stickers, or drawings. Tap the paint bucket icon (it usually looks like a bucket pouring paint) at the bottom of your screen. A color palette will appear.
Tap any color to fill your entire story with that color. If you want a gradient (a blend of two colors), tap and hold on a color, then drag your finger across the palette to create a smooth transition. Once you have the color or gradient you want, you can add text, stickers, or drawings on top of it. The background will stay in place behind everything you add.
Choosing between filters and solid backgrounds
Filters from the effects menu work best when you have a photo or video you want to keep visible but change the mood or tone of. A blur filter, for example, keeps your subject sharp while softening the background. A color overlay can make a bright photo look moodier or add a theme to your story.
Solid colors and gradients work better when you are creating a text-heavy story, sharing a quote, or making an announcement. They give you a clean, distraction-free canvas. If your photo has a busy or messy background and you want to hide it, a blur filter is usually the better choice than a solid color, because it keeps your main subject visible.
What to do if background options are not showing up
Background effects may not appear in your effects menu if your Instagram app is outdated. Go to your phone's app store (Apple App Store or Google Play Store), search for Instagram, and check whether an update is available. If one is, install it and try again.
If you have the latest version and still do not see background options, the feature may not be rolled out to your account yet. Instagram sometimes releases features to different users on different schedules. Try closing the app completely and reopening it, or try again the next day. In the meantime, the paint bucket tool should still work to give you a solid color background.
Saving and reusing your background choices
Instagram does not save your background choices automatically, so if you find a filter or color you love, you will need to select it again the next time you post a story. However, you can take a screenshot of the color code if you use the paint bucket tool—this way you can remember the exact shade and recreate it later.
If you use the same background effect repeatedly, consider creating a branded look for your stories. For example, you might always use the same blur filter or the same two-color gradient. Over time, your followers will start to recognize your story style, which can help build a consistent visual identity for your account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my own image as a background instead of a filter or color?
No, Instagram does not have a built-in tool to set a custom image as your story background. However, you can upload a photo and then explore a filter or color overlay on top of it to change how it looks. Alternatively, you can use a photo editing app on your phone to create a custom background, then upload that edited image to your story.
Why does my background look different on my phone than it does on my friend's phone?
Instagram sometimes shows different background effects to different users, and the exact appearance can vary depending on your phone's screen and camera quality. Also, if your friend has a newer or older version of the app, they may see different options available. This is normal and does not mean anything is wrong with your account.
Can I change the background after I have already posted my story?
No, once you post a story, you cannot edit the background. You would need to delete the story and create a new one with the background you want. Stories disappear after 24 hours anyway, so if you are not happy with how it looks, you can just wait for it to expire and post a new version.
Do background filters work on videos as well as photos?
Yes, background filters work on both photos and videos. When you record a video for your story, the filter will explore to the entire video. Keep in mind that some filters may slow down your phone slightly while recording, so if your video is choppy, try using a simpler filter or turning off effects.