Want to spice up your Instagram stories when you repost them? Guys, you're in the right place! I'm going to walk you through how to repost an IG story with a custom background right from your iPhone. It’s easier than you think, and it’s a fantastic way to keep your stories engaging and on-brand. So, let's dive in and get those creative juices flowing!

    Why Customize Your IG Story Backgrounds?

    Before we jump into the how-to, let's quickly cover the why. Why bother customizing your Instagram story backgrounds when you repost something? Well, there are several awesome reasons:

    • Branding: If you're a business or influencer, keeping your branding consistent is key. Custom backgrounds allow you to use your brand colors, logos, or specific design elements.
    • Aesthetics: Let's face it; a plain repost can be kinda boring. A custom background instantly makes the story more visually appealing and engaging.
    • Context: Sometimes, the original story might lack context. Adding a custom background lets you add relevant information, like event details, promotions, or just a personal touch.
    • Engagement: Eye-catching stories are more likely to grab attention. A unique background can encourage viewers to tap through and interact with your content.
    • Fun: Honestly, it's just fun! Customizing your backgrounds allows you to express your creativity and make your stories stand out from the crowd.

    By customizing your Instagram story backgrounds, you're not just reposting content; you're elevating it. You're making it your own and adding value for your followers. So, with that in mind, let's get into the nitty-gritty of how to do it on your iPhone.

    Method 1: Using the Instagram App Itself

    Yes, you heard it right! Instagram has some built-in features that allow you to customize your story backgrounds. This method is straightforward and doesn't require any additional apps. Here’s how to do it:

    1. Get the Story Ready:

      • First, find the story you want to repost. It could be a friend's story that you're tagged in or a public story that you want to share.
      • Tap the "Add to your story" button. This will open the story in your Instagram story editor.
    2. Choose Your Background:

      • Once the story is in the editor, look at the bottom of the screen. You'll see a color picker tool.
      • Tap the color picker. This will usually give you a default gradient background, but we're going to change that!
    3. Select a Solid Color:

      • To choose a solid color, tap and hold any of the color options. A full-color spectrum will appear.
      • Drag your finger around the spectrum to select the color you want. You can also use the eyedropper tool to pick a color from the story itself.
    4. Create a Custom Background:

      • Now, here’s the trick to making it really custom. After selecting a color, tap the screen. This will fill the entire screen with your chosen color, covering the original story.
      • Don't worry; we're not losing the story! Now, tap the eraser tool (it looks like an eraser, duh!).
      • Carefully erase the color where you want the original story to be visible. You can adjust the size of the eraser for more precise work.
    5. Add More Flair:

      • Now that you have your custom background and the original story visible, you can add more elements. Use the text tool to add captions, hashtags, or any other information.
      • You can also add stickers, GIFs, or even draw on the background to make it even more unique.
    6. Post Your Story:

      • Once you're happy with your creation, tap the "Your Story" button to post it. You can also send it to specific friends if you prefer.

    Pro Tip: Use the eyedropper tool to select a color from the original story. This will create a cohesive and visually appealing background that complements the content.

    Method 2: Using Third-Party Apps

    If you want even more control over your Instagram story backgrounds, third-party apps are your best friend. These apps offer a wide range of features, from pre-designed templates to advanced editing tools. Here are a couple of popular options:

    Canva

    Canva is a powerhouse when it comes to graphic design, and it's perfect for creating custom Instagram story backgrounds. Here’s how to use it:

    1. Download and Install Canva:

      • If you don't already have it, download Canva from the App Store and create an account.
    2. Choose a Template or Start from Scratch:

      • Open Canva and search for "Instagram Story." You'll find tons of pre-designed templates that you can customize.
      • Alternatively, you can start with a blank canvas if you have a specific design in mind.
    3. Customize Your Background:

      • Canva offers a wide range of design elements, including backgrounds, images, text, and graphics. Use these tools to create a unique background that matches your brand or aesthetic.
      • You can upload your own images, use Canva's stock photos, or create custom graphics using their design tools.
    4. Add the Original Story:

      • Once you're happy with your background, save it to your camera roll.
      • Open Instagram and create a new story.
      • Upload the background you created in Canva.
      • Add the original story as a sticker. You can resize and position it as needed.
    5. Post Your Story:

      • Add any additional text, stickers, or GIFs, and then post your story.

    Over

    Over is another fantastic app for creating custom graphics and designs. It’s similar to Canva but offers a slightly different set of features and templates. Here’s how to use it for Instagram story backgrounds:

    1. Download and Install Over:

      • Download Over from the App Store and create an account.
    2. Choose a Template or Start from Scratch:

      • Open Over and browse their selection of Instagram story templates.
      • You can also start with a blank canvas if you prefer.
    3. Customize Your Background:

      • Over offers a variety of design elements, including backgrounds, graphics, and text options. Use these tools to create a visually appealing background.
      • You can upload your own images or use Over's stock photos.
    4. Add the Original Story:

      • Save your customized background to your camera roll.
      • Open Instagram and create a new story.
      • Upload the background you created in Over.
      • Add the original story as a sticker, resizing and positioning it as desired.
    5. Post Your Story:

      • Add any final touches, like text or stickers, and then post your story.

    Tips for Creating Awesome IG Story Backgrounds

    Alright, guys, now that you know the how, let's talk about some tips to make your Instagram story backgrounds amazing:

    • Keep it Consistent: Use a consistent color palette and design style to maintain brand consistency.
    • Use High-Quality Images: Avoid using blurry or pixelated images for your backgrounds. High-quality images will make your stories look more professional.
    • Less is More: Don't overcrowd your background with too many elements. A simple, clean design is often more effective.
    • Consider Your Audience: Think about what your audience will find visually appealing. Tailor your backgrounds to their preferences.
    • Experiment: Don't be afraid to try new things and experiment with different design elements. The more you practice, the better you'll get.

    Final Thoughts

    Customizing your Instagram story backgrounds is a simple yet effective way to enhance your content and engage your audience. Whether you use Instagram's built-in features or a third-party app like Canva or Over, the possibilities are endless. So go ahead, get creative, and start making your stories stand out from the crowd! You got this!

    By following these steps and tips, you’ll be creating eye-catching and engaging Instagram stories in no time. Happy posting!