How to make a collage on Instagram story

2. Make a collage with multiple photos in the Instagram app

If you want to make a simple collage right in Instagram without using any extra photo editor, you’re in luck. Instagram has two easy ways to create collages directly in Stories: Layout mode and image stickers. Here’s how to use both to get creative with your posts.

A. Here’s how to use the Layout mode to create Instagram Story collages:

• Open Instagram and swipe right from your home screen or tap your profile picture at the top. If you tap your profile picture, you’ll need to select “Camera” under “Recents.”
• On the screen, look for the third icon from the left side, which is the Layout icon. Tap on it to start your collage.

• Pick from grid options like 2×2 or 3×3, depending on how many photos you want to use.
• Tap each grid space to add a photo. You can snap new ones with the camera or pick images from your gallery.

• Move or resize each photo to fit the grid. You can also add filters if you want.
• If you want, throw in some text, stickers, or emojis to make it your own.
• When you’re happy with it, tap “Your Story” to post, or “Close Friends” if you want to keep it private.

B. Here’s how to create Instagram Story collages with image stickers:

1. Swipe right or tap your profile picture to get started.
2. Start with a background color, a photo, or a gradient to set the base of your collage.
3. Add image stickers:
   • Tap the Sticker icon (the smiley face) at the top to access stickers.
   • Select the Photo sticker (a little icon with your recent image) to add photos from your camera roll as stickers.
4. Move each photo around, resize it, or layer them for a creative look.
5. Repeat until you have all the photos you want on your Story.
6. Throw in some text, stickers, or emojis to finish it up.
7. Tap “Your Story” to share with everyone, or “Close Friends” if you want a smaller audience.

Instagram Story collage ideas for brands

Instagram Story collages are an easy way for brands to grab attention and share more in a single post. You can mix photos, videos, text, and designs to tell a story without needing multiple slides. 

Here are 20 collage ideas your brand can use for Instagram Story content:

• Show different angles, colors, or features of a product in one frame.
• Before & after shots are perfect for beauty, fitness, or home design to show transformations at a glance.

• Introduce your team with quick profiles, like photos, names, and roles.
• Combine customer photos and quotes to build trust with real testimonials.
• Share a peek behind-the-scenes of your workspace or creative process to bring followers closer.
• Create a how-to guide for recipes, styling tips, or DIYs, laying out the steps in one view.
• Highlight seasonal products or services that are ideal for the current time of year.
• Recap event highlights with one collage that captures the best moments.

• Do a product comparison to show the differences between similar items, helping people choose.
• Share user-generated content by showcasing photos from your fans using your products.
• Build excitement with a countdown to a new product launch or big reveal.
• Display your product line to give followers a quick overview of everything you offer.
• Show off your top picks or best-sellers all in one frame.
• Offer quick tips related to your industry that are easy to read and helpful.
• Give a shoutout to influencers or partners using your products for added credibility.
• Highlight achievements like awards or press mentions for a little extra social proof.
• Show customer appreciation by sharing their photos and feedback.
• Tease new products or upcoming launches with a sneak peek collage.

• Showcase holiday specials, limited-time offers, or festive items to catch attention.
• Share a quick look at your brand’s values to help followers connect on a deeper level.

5 tips to improve your Instagram Story collages:

1. Stick to a consistent look that matches your brand
2. Plan the flow and storyline
3. Use negative space to avoid clutter
4. Curate photos that match each other
5. Add interactive elements to boost engagement

1. Stick to a consistent look that matches your brand

Keeping a consistent style in your Instagram Stories helps people recognize your brand right away. Use your brand’s colors, fonts, and overall vibe in your collages so they feel cohesive. 

For example, if your brand’s look is all about soft pastels, stick to those colors in your Stories. Canva even lets you save brand colors, so you can easily access them when creating collages.

Think about the personality of your brand. If you’re a wellness brand, go for calming colors, clean layouts, and simple fonts. If you’re in tech, maybe bold colors and sharper designs make more sense. This consistent look not only makes your Stories feel professional, but it also helps followers connect with your brand faster since they recognize it right away.

2. Plan the flow and storyline

A good Instagram Story collage doesn’t just look good—it guides viewers through a story. Before you start putting photos together, take a moment to think about what you’re trying to show and the order that makes the most sense. 

Having a plan makes your Stories feel intentional and keeps people engaged. 

For example, if you’re promoting a new product, you might want to start with a lifestyle shot showing the product in use, then move to a close-up that shows off its details, and wrap up with a call-to-action like “Swipe up to shop.”

If you’re covering an event, plan a sequence that feels natural. Start with an establishing shot to set the scene—maybe an exterior shot of the event venue or a wide shot of the crowd. Next, move into some key moments, like shots of speakers, product demos, or group interactions. 

Finally, end with a closing image that ties it all together, like a group photo or a “Thank you for joining us” slide.

3. Use negative space to avoid clutter

Negative space, or empty space, is super helpful for keeping your collage clean and easy to read. When there’s space around your photos and text, each element has room to stand out. So, if you’re featuring multiple product shots, don’t cram them all together. Leave some gaps between them.

Here’s a quick approach to using negative space in Instagram collages:

• Use a simple grid layout with space between each image.
• Avoid adding too much text or too many stickers.
• Give each photo or element breathing room.

Take a look at this Instagram Story collage from Lululemon:

Thanks to the empty space, you can easily focus on the names, the images, and the distance of the marathon runners.

Keeping things spaced out makes your collage look more polished and professional, and it’s easier for people to understand the message at a glance.

4. Curate photos that match each other

Not every photo will work well together in a collage, so take some time to choose images that feel like they belong together in the same aestethic. When photos have similar colors, lighting, or styles, they create a more unified look that’s easier on the eyes. 

For example, if you’re trying to promote your sunscreen and are using beach pics, stick to images that have the same sunny, warm tones—like sand, blue water, and pops of color from beach umbrellas. This creates a seamless flow and makes your collage look well-thought-out.

One way to make your photos match is by editing them with similar filters. Many editing apps, including Instagram and Canva, let you apply the same filter to each photo, which helps tie them together visually. If your photos are from different times or places, using a filter with a similar color tone can make them look more cohesive. 

Lighting is another important factor; if possible, choose photos taken in similar lighting conditions. This simple step can make a big difference in how professional and polished your collage looks.

5. Add interactive elements to boost engagement

When you include interactive features in your collages, you invite followers to actively engage with your content, making it more memorable and boosting your Story’s visibility on Instagram. For example, if you’re showing a new product collection in a collage, you could add a poll that asks, “Which color is your favorite?” or use a slider to let followers show how much they like it.

Here are a few ideas for using interactive elements in your collages:

• Polls: Great for quick feedback, like “Which style do you prefer?” or “Would you try this product?”
• Questions: Invite followers to ask questions about a product or event, or ask them to share their thoughts on a topic.
• Sliders: Let people rate their interest or excitement level. For example, use a slider that says “How excited are you?” with a new launch.
• Countdowns: Build hype for an upcoming launch, sale, or event. Followers can set reminders when they tap on a countdown sticker.

Frequently asked questions