Alex Ruben
How To Discover Story Templates on Instagram
Introduction
So, you’re trying to jazz up your Instagram stories but keep hitting walls? Yeah, it’s kinda weird, but finding good templates isn’t always straightforward. Sometimes the built-in options are meh, and other times third-party apps crash or complicate stuff. Anyway, here’s how to get more creative with story designs without wasting tons of time.
Step 1: Launch the Instagram App
Open Instagram on your device — iPhone or Android, doesn’t really matter. Make sure you’re logged in, otherwise all these features stay hidden behind that login wall. You can usually find the app icon right on your home screen or in the app drawer. On some setups, opening the app for the first time after an update can lag; it might freeze, but just keep trying.
Step 2: Access Your Story Section
Tap the Story icon — it’s the little camera or your profile picture with a plus sign, top left corner. Sometimes it’s hidden behind a swipe or two if your interface is custom, but most of the time it’s straightforward. This opens the camera interface, ready to snap or pick a photo from your gallery.
Step 3: Create a New Story
When the camera view pops up, hit the Create button—look for the text icon or colorful backgrounds, depending on your version. On some devices, that’s a swipe-up or a menu at the bottom. Basically, you’re starting from scratch or choosing a blank canvas.
Step 4: Customize the Background
Tap the color icon in the bottom right — yeah, that rainbow palette. Pick a color that screams your mood. Not sure why it works, but changing background colors just feels more personal. On some devices or app versions, you might need a different method—like long-pressing the background or using stickers to fill space.
Step 5: Utilize Text and GIF Features
Hit the A icon for typing, then style your text. For GIFs, tap the GIF sticker—search for themes like “birthday,” “fun,” or whatever vibe you want. GIF search can be clunky sometimes, but if you don’t see the right one, just wait a second or restart the app. On some setups, the GIF feature loads slowly or doesn’t work if your internet connection is flaky.
Step 6: Find and Use Templates Through Stickers
This is where it gets kinda sneaky. After you’ve uploaded a photo or chosen a background, tap the sticker icon at the top. You might see options like Add Yours or third-party sticker packs if you’ve installed them. Some of these packs include pre-made templates or frames. A little trial and error is often needed—sometimes the Add Yours stick option gets stuck, so keep trying or restart your app.
Step 7: Explore Instagram Reels for Templates
If reels are more your thing, navigate to the Reels section. Tap the Templates button at the top—sometimes hidden behind a menu or swipe. This section can be hit or miss depending on the update. On one setup it worked perfectly, on another, it just froze. Just keep trying or update the app.
Step 8: Download Third-Party Apps for More Templates
For those who want more options than what Instagram provides, try apps like Canva, Unfold, or StoryArt. These usually have hundreds of templates with different themes, but sometimes they ask for a subscription or in-app purchases. On some phones, installing and opening them causes crashes or glitches—nothing that a quick restart or app update can’t fix. Anyway, they give you more control over customizing your stories because, let’s face it, Instagram’s native tools are kinda limited.
Extra Tips & Common Issues
When using templates, try to stick with a consistent style so your stories don’t look like a mess. Also, avoid stuffing your stories with too many funky elements—Instagram can choke sometimes. If templates aren’t showing up or app crashes, check if your app is updated — old versions can cause weird bugs. A stable internet connection helps too; Instagram and third-party apps hate lag.
Conclusion
If you follow these steps, finding and customizing Instagram story templates gets a lot easier. Sometimes, it’s about trial and error—so don’t get frustrated if something doesn’t work right away. Mix and match, experiment with different apps, and see what sticks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I customize templates?
Most templates let you tweak colors, add your own texts, and swap out images. Just tap, edit, and make it your own.
Are third-party apps safe to use?
Stick to reputable ones like Canva or Unfold—download from official stores and check reviews. Because of course, Windows and Android have to make it harder than necessary.
Do I need a business account to access Instagram templates?
Nope, personal or business, both work. Templates are pretty much available to everyone.
Summary
- Open Instagram & access story creation
- Use built-in tools or download apps for templates
- Experiment with backgrounds, GIFs, and stickers
- Update everything if features are missing or glitchy
Hopefully this shaves off a few hours for someone. Good luck making your stories pop!