How to Make a Collage on Instagram Story (Tips & Tricks)

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Karen Lin

Instagram 101 | Sep 15, 2023

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In this digital age, where virtual interactions are thriving, Instagram has emerged as a powerhouse of connections and self-expression. Today, millions of people use Instagram to share their experiences using its amazing features like stories, IGTV, and reels. So, if you want to learn the tricks on how to make a collage on Instagram story, you are at the right place.

Before we get into that, we have a question for you. Do you wonder why people prefer creating Instagram story collages to posting on their timelines? What makes them so appealing, and why do people mostly flock to this dynamic technique to share their thoughts and experiences?  

Because it conveys the feeling of spontaneity and authenticity, it provides a real-time look into people’s lives, recording momentary events and raw emotions, in contrast to carefully crafted timeline posts. 

Moreover, it provides you privacy and control over who views your Instagram stories. There are options either you want to share it with the whole following, selected people, or only with close people specifically curated through Instagram Close Friends feature. It means you can share your personal experience with your targeted audience with your privacy intact. Let’s see how we can make a collage on Android and iOS. 

Person Holding White Samsung Android Smartphone

How to Make a Collage on Android and iOS with Stickers?

Wondering how to make a collage on Android and iOS with stickers? The sticker feature in the Instagram story collage allows you to be extra creative with your stories. You can find several options like pictures, shots, or design templates.

Here are the easy steps about how to make a collage on Instagram story with Stickers:

  1. Open your Instagram app
  2. Click the “Your Story” option in the top left corner.
  3. Tap on the displayed image or select the camera option at the top to change the background
  4. Take a photo of the background you want to use. You can do that by placing your camera downward on any surface and clicking a picture
  5. Once your wallpaper is in place – to see the “Sticker” settings, drag the bottom portion of it upward (not the full phone screen)
  6. Tap on the “Gallery” icon and pick a picture to add as a sticker to the collage you’ve created
  7. Now use the front camera, repeat the upward sliding motion, and press the “ADD YOURS” camera option
  8. Just tap on stickers from the provided list to use them instead of photographs
  9. Next, use two fingers to rotate and resize each image. Hold down on a picture while moving and reposition it while doing so. If you want, add more photos and overlay them
  10. Holding down on a picture will allow you to move it over the trash can symbol if you want to get rid of it
  11. For each picture or sticker, you wish to add to your Instagram collage, follow steps 4-10

Smartphone and filmstrips arranged on table with coffee and notebook

How to Make a Collage on Instagram Story Using the Instagram Layout Feature

Users create photographs using a variety of layouts. But this function has some restrictions on the collage layouts, such as combinations like 2×2, 4×4, 3×3, or 1×3. These limitations include the number of photographs you can use.

Wondering how to make a collage on Instagram story using the Instagram Layout? It’s very easy! Moreover, the function prohibits overlapping or arbitrarily positioning photos. If you are new to the layout icon on Instagram, follow these steps:

  1. Download the Instagram app on your Smartphone
  2. Tap on the plus icon and select the story
  3. Tap the layout icon on the left side of the screen
  4. Select the desired layout
  5. Start with the upper-left area and add your photos there. Tap the gallery icon in the lower-left corner to add photographs, or touch the white circle to take a picture with your camera. Repeat for every area of the layout
  6. Select the circled check mark when done to save the collage
  7. You can make edits from the top options or press the “your story” icon to share it

If you are wondering how to make a collage on the Instagram story without a layout, here’s how to do it:

Tap on the sticker symbol you see on top of the screen – another way is to swipe up from the bottom of your screen to open the sticker section. Next, you need to select the camera or gallery icon to add a picture from your gallery to the collage. Once done, edit your image as you like – you can also resize, move, rotate, or arrange it.

Different photographs placed next to each other.

Make Interesting Collages Using Top Collage Apps to Create Instagram Stories

You may require assistance from third-party programs with different effects and settings, as limited editing tools are available for Instagram Stories creation. Here are some top collage apps for how to make a collage on Instagram story that you can rely on:

Mojo

With Mojo, you can get several layout options to make your Instagram story collage. The app is not only compatible with Instagram but with other social apps as well. If you want to know how to make a collage on Instagram story with the Mojo app, here’s what you have to do: 

  1. Select the design that you like from several given options
  2. Choose your favorite layout
  3. Next, press on the right place to upload the pictures

It allows interesting editing features, such as changing color and animation and including music in your story. Using the handy preview function, you can even see how your post will look on Instagram. 

When the picture is edited, export the design to your Instagram. If you do not want to create the design from scratch, Mojo provides plenty of options to choose from pre-made designs.

Canva

Canva is one of the popular design tools with great features, making it possible to create high-quality Instagram story collages. To make a collage, go to the app, select “social media,” then “Instagram,” and “Instagram story.” There, you will find pre-made templates available, but if you want to create one on your own, select “create blank.”

If you want to add pictures, text, or stickers, tap on the “+” button at the bottom of your screen. When you have gathered all the components, Canva allows you to resize and rearrange each. Once satisfied with what you made, export directly to Instagram and post on your story. 

Unfold

Unfold uses templates in a similar way as Mojo, giving you a simple place to start when creating a story. All you have to do is pick a template and decide the photographs you want to use.

It provides several animation options with a wide range of templates. The app also has smart features, enhancing the whole experience, such as the option to compile a personalized list of favorite designs.

With many features, Unfold proves to be an excellent option for how to make a collage on Instagram story, as it offers a practical user experience. You can easily create the collage you want with Unfold and send it directly and hassle-free on Instagram.

Adobe Express

It is a popular collage-making tool for social networking apps. Adobe Express provides many design projects, including flyers, logos, and social media graphics. 

It allows you to upload the collages to Instagram stories for free. When creating Instagram collages, Adobe will enable you to involve yourself directly in the creation process. 

Additionally, it has several theme options, and you can create your own by selecting “Create Blank.” With the help of an add button, you can easily incorporate additional elements like images. At the same time, the layout option lets you modify as you want.

With Adobe Express, you can move photos and align them easily. Also, there’s an option to remove the photo background and add simple animations like fading in and out. Share your final product directly on Instagram when you have made the collage. Now you know how to make a collage on Instagram story using third-party apps.

How to Change Instagram Story Background Color Containing Image or Video

If your Instagram Story contains a picture or a video, there may be blank gaps in the backdrop until it fills the full screen. You may use the Draw tool to fill in these gaps when this occurs. Choose any color for your backdrop using this approach. This enables creative customization, well-liked by those with a brand color not represented in Instagram’s standard color wheel. This skill is essential for learning how to make a collage on IG Stories.

Let’s learn how you can change the Instagram story background color:

Step 1: Go to the Instagram Stories section and take a picture or video with your camera. Or you can choose an image from your camera roll

Step 2: Click the three dots in the top right corner of the screen to see the choices for adjusting the background color. Next, select the Draw tool.

Step 3: After the top and bottom toolbar menus have appeared, hit the pencil symbol in the bottom left. After that, you may choose a certain color from the picture or video.

Step 4: Tap your screen and hold until the selected color completely covers the backdrop of your Instagram story.

Step 5: The color you select will apply to your Instagram story, shortly.

Step 6: If you want to reveal some parts of your image or video below the background, select the eraser and make adjustments.

It’s that simple to alter the backdrop color of your Instagram Story and make it more personalized.

More Instagram Story Collage Techniques and Features to Try:

Did you know you can add multiple photos to your Instagram story? Well, yes, and you can also find the image source while creating a collage on Android or iPhone using Instagram stories. Choose photos from WeChat, Downloads, Facebook, and other folders. To learn how to make a collage on Instagram story and take your Instagram collage a level further, download photographs from an online cloud service and add them to your collage.

In case you are not yet aware of the additional features that Instagram Story provides, we will briefly outline them here.

Turn Live Photos Into a Boomerang

One of the amazing features of Instagram is that it can change live pictures into a boomerang. However, to create a boomerang, you need to take a picture within the past 24 hours. Here are the steps:

  1. Go to the Instagram story option and swipe up to access the camera roll
  2. Now, pick the live picture from your gallery
  3. Press and hold the screen for a few seconds
  4. You will see the word “Boomerang” on your screen
  5. Then, you can create a boomerang from your live picture

Selective Focus Photography of Person Using Iphone X

How to Make a Collage on Instagram Story (Quick Hack)

Here’s a quick hack to add photos to your Instagram story:

  1. Use the camera on your phone to take a picture or choose one from your collection
  2. You can add filters or change the backdrop color to improve your shot as desired
  3. Go to the Photos app on your phone
  4. Copy a photo after selecting it
  5. Now, put the image into your Instagram Story
  6. Repeat the steps if necessary to incorporate multiple photographs

Instagram Keeps Crashing Even After Reinstalling?

It is common for the Instagram app to stop working or ‘crash’ while uploading your stories. This is rather common when exporting Instagram story collages from an external collage app like Mojo or Adobe. These issues occur when users are using older versions of Instagram. 

Remember, the social media landscape is constantly developing, and to keep up with the requirements and competition, Instagram frequently launches newer versions. When they introduce the latest version, the older versions become ‘outdated’ and unfit for use, thus Instagram keeps crashing even after reinstalling. 

To prevent your hard work of making Instagram stories collage going to waste, ensure your app is up to date. 

Unseen person looking at photos on a midnight black Samsung Galaxy S8 near a laptop.

Wrapping Up

Knowing how to make a collage on Instagram Story improves the overall look and branding of your IG presence. As the world changes constantly, so do upgrades, new features, tricks, trends, and insights. For active social media users, being updated about these developments is essential. 

However, with the constant updates, it’s easy to lag behind the latest developments. But that’s where social media experts can help, as their literal job is to keep track of the advancements in the social media landscape.

So, if you are looking to up your Instagram game, Path Social can help you! With their expertly curated social media strategies and tools, you can build a strong Instagram community and increase your followers. Path Social has a team of social media maestros that can help you skyrocket your Instagram reach and build a following that lasts. So, leave your social media accounts in our hands and watch the magic unfold! Grow your social media presence with Path Social today.