Looking for suggestions on how to make a collage on Instagram story that really pops? Do you need guidance on how to create the perfect collage?

You’re in the right place!

In this article, you’ll discover everything there is to know about creating an Instagram collage that will wow your audience right away.

We’ll discuss:

  • What is a collage on Instagram Story?
  • How to make it.
  • The best apps to help you with the task.

At the end of the post, I’ll also share with you three tips for making your collage stand out.

Intrigued? Let’s not waste more time, then.

What is an Instagram Collage on Story?

An Instagram collage on Story is a collection of photos or videos shared as a single post on an Instagram Story.

Instagram collages have gained popularity over recent years, with a surge of users crafting visually captivating collages on their Instagram Stories.

Initially, this creative wave was led by influencers and brands aiming for a more distinctive and engaging way to express themselves.

The trend quickly caught on, with many users to exploring this visually inventive form of sharing their stories, marking a notable evolution in the way Instagram Stories are used for personal and brand expression.

Needless to say, we’ve come a long way from the early days of creating basic collages. Now, there is a series of apps to combine backgrounds, images, and videos to create stunning visuals.

Here’s an example of an Instagram Story collage:

How to make collage on instagram story: An example of an Instagram collage.

How to Make A Collage on Instagram Story [Step-by-Step]

There are multiple ways to create a collage on Instagram Story.

This is a really quick method to use if you use iOS:

  1. Navigate to Instagram Stories. Go to the top left-hand corner of the Instagram app and press on your profile picture – you’ll see a blue plus sign and “your story” under it.
  2. Cover the camera lens and take a picture using the Instagram Story camera. Use filters if you’d like to enhance the photo further.
  3. You can change the background of the image by picking the airbrush and tapping on the chosen color.
  4. Then, go to your phone’s Photos section.
  5. Click on the photo and choose to copy the photo through the Share icon (This is not standard functionality for Android devices, which is why this works best with iOS).
  6. Go back to your Instagram Story. A new sticker will show up in the bottom right-hand corner with the copied photo, which encourages you to “add sticker”.
  7. Add the sticker to see the photo showing up on your Story.
  8. Repeat as many times as you want to add more photos.

Tip: If you can’t get the pop-up to add the sticker, you can choose the Text option in the Story to paste the image.

How to Make Collage on Instagram Story Using the Layout Mode

The above method generally only works for iOS. However, this one should work for all devices – and it is the Layout mode.

Here’s how to use it:

  • Navigate to Instagram Story.
  • On the left side of the screen, you’ll see a couple of options – one of them is Layout. Press it.
  • Explore the different types of grids.
  • Take photos or upload the ones from your Camera.
  • With Layout, you can have an Instagram Collage on your Story in minutes.

Instagram Collage Apps

The two methods above are, by far, the easiest ways to create a collage. However, they are a bit limited in terms of creativity.

Luckily, there are apps that can help. Let’s explore some of them.

1. Canva

How to make collage on instagram story: An interface of Canva showing its collage-making abilities.

Canva is a fantastic tool for making collages and other designs. It’s user-friendly and perfect for both individuals and businesses. Here’s why Canva is a great choice to create a collage on Instagram Story:

  • Lots of Templates: Canva has many templates for different themes and occasions. Whether you want a simple collage or a colorful one, there’s a template for you.
  • Easy Customization: You can easily change colors, fonts, and layouts in Canva. You can also upload your own images and logos to make your collage unique.
  • Simple to Use: With Canva’s drag-and-drop feature, making a collage is easy, even if you’re not a design expert.
  • Mix of Photos and Videos: You can add both photos and videos to your collage, making your Instagram Stories more engaging.
  • Consistent Branding: For businesses, Canva lets you save your brand colors, fonts, and logos so your collages always look professional.
  • Work Together: If you’re working with a team, Canva lets multiple users work on a design together.
  • Mobile and Desktop Versions: Canva works on both mobile and desktop, so you can make collages whether you’re at home or on the go.
  • Easy to Share: Once your collage is ready, it’s easy to save it and share it directly on Instagram.

Using Canva for your Instagram collages can make your Stories look professional and eye-catching without needing any design skills.

2. Unfold

How to make collage on instagram story: An Unfold interface showing collage-making process.

Unfold is another top-notch app for enhancing Instagram Stories with a creative flair. It’s known for its sleek design templates that can elevate your Instagram Story collages to a new level. Here’s a closer look at what Unfold offers:

  • Stylish Templates: Unfold provides a variety of stylish templates that can help make your collages stand out. The designs range from clean and minimalist to bold and artistic.
  • Easy to Use: Creating a collage in Unfold is straightforward. The app’s user-friendly interface allows you to select a template, add your photos or videos, and customize the layout to your liking.
  • Customization Options: You can adjust the background color, text, and fonts to match your brand or personal style. This level of customization ensures your collages are unique and personalized.
  • Photo and Video Support: Like Canva, Unfold allows you to include both photos and videos in your collages, offering a dynamic way to share your story.
  • Premium Features: While Unfold is free to use, upgrading to the Plus version unlocks more templates and customization options, providing even more ways to make your collages unique.
  • Real-Time Preview: As you create your collage, Unfold provides a real-time preview so you can see exactly how it will look on Instagram. This helps ensure your collage is perfect before you share it.
  • Direct Sharing to Instagram: Once you’ve created your collage, sharing it to Instagram is a breeze. With just a couple of taps, your collage will be live on your Story.
  • High-Resolution Export: Unfold ensures your collages are exported in high resolution, so they look crisp and clear on any device.

Unfold is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to add a professional touch to their Instagram Story collages. Whether you’re promoting a brand or sharing personal moments, Unfold can help make your Stories more memorable and engaging.

Honorable Mentions

There is a plethora of Instagram collage apps out there, so I will provide some alternatives that really helped me get some impressive results:

  • A Design Kit
  • Adobe Spark Post
  • Mojo App
  • Fotor
  • Adobe Express
  • StoryChic

3 Tips to Improve Your Instagram Collage on Story

Creating a captivating collage for your Instagram Story is an art in itself. It’s about finding the right balance between creativity, engagement, and storytelling.

Here are my top 3 tips to help elevate your Instagram collage story:

Tip#1. Focus on the Aesthetics

Your collage should be an aesthetic extension of your Instagram feed. Keeping a consistent visual theme makes your brand or profile more recognizable and appealing.

  • Experiment with Split Images: Split images can add a creative edge to your collages. Many brands are exploring this idea to make their content more visually engaging.
  • Maintain a Color Scheme: Stick to a color scheme that resonates with your brand or personal style to create a harmonious look.
  • Utilize Filters Wisely: Use filters to enhance your images, but ensure they blend well together to maintain a cohesive appearance.

Tip#2. Aim for Engagement

Creating an engaging collage is about more than just aesthetics; it’s about connecting with your audience.

 

An image showing a collage with text asking a question.

  • Pose a Question: Incorporate a question within your collage to spark conversations. This could be text overlaid on an image or a caption.
  • Encourage Interaction: Number different photos in your collage and ask your audience to pick their favorite. This simple interaction can boost engagement.
  • Include Call-to-Actions: Guide your audience on what step to take next, whether it’s to visit your profile, check a link, or leave a comment.

Tip#3. Tell a Story Through Your Collage

An Instagram collage showing a walkthrough.

Collages have the potential to narrate a compelling story through a curated arrangement of images and videos.

  • Create a Narrative: Arrange your visuals in a way that narrates a story or demonstrates a process, like a ‘how-to’ walkthrough.
  • Showcase Product FAQs: If you’re a brand, use collages to answer common questions about your products in a fun and visual way.
  • Share More About Your Services: Include multiple images and videos to provide a comprehensive view of your services or products. This could also be a sneak peek into upcoming offers or releases.
  • Event Summaries: Summarize events or milestones through a collage, giving your audience a glimpse into important moments.

Closing Thoughts

We love seeing the wave of creativity unleashed through Instagram collages. It’s a favored tool among many brands and influencers aiming to elevate their content. The beauty of creating a collage on Instagram Story lies in its simplicity and accessibility.

This guide has illuminated the straightforward steps on how to make a collage on Instagram Story, employing both in-app features and external supportive apps. As you follow these uncomplicated tips, not only will your stories become more engaging and appealing to your audience, but you’ll also discover a fun and easy avenue to express creativity without the need for professional design skills. It’s time for all of us to delve into the creative realm Instagram collages offer.

Start crafting your own captivating collages on Instagram Story today and take your content up a notch!

Sources

SBA, 2018