How to Make a Collage on Instagram Story？
Despite Instagram introducing a new in - app collage - making tool, it comes with several drawbacks. Firstly, as it is still in the testing phase, not all users have access to it yet. However, don't worry! This guide will show you how to create both image and video collages for Instagram Stories. We'll cover the steps using both the app's brand - new internal feature and a free external tool.
- Author: Shine
- Update: Apr 29, 2025
What is an Instagram Story Collage
An Instagram Story collage is a type of post that integrates several photos, videos, or text components into a unified design. It stands apart from just posting multiple images because collages enable you to artistically arrange media within a single Story, incorporating overlaps and different sizes.
Collages are particularly beneficial in the following scenarios:
Event Recaps: Summarize key moments from a party, travel experience, or social gathering.
Mood Creations: Convey a specific aesthetic or atmosphere to your followers.
Product Promotions: Display various features of a product or service.
Narrative Building: Combine visual elements to tell a sequence of events or a journey.
Instagram Story Collage vs Layout
Previously, users created Instagram collages by navigating to Story > Layout and choosing a grid layout.
While these grid layouts did result in collages, they were static and lacked much visual appeal. The example below clearly illustrates this limitation.How to Make a Collage on Instagram Story
Although Instagram’s Layout tool serves as a good foundation, it has several notable drawbacks:
Restricted Grid Selections: Users are confined to simple layouts, leaving little scope for creative expression.
Lack of Video Compatibility: Instagram’s collage feature does not support videos, thereby hampering the creation of engaging, dynamic posts.
Sparse Customization Capabilities: There is no option to modify spacing, add borders, or layer media elements.
Thankfully, Instagram has rolled out a new feature that enables users to automatically generate collages from the images stored on their phones.
How to Make a Collage on Instagram Story
To check if you have access to the new Collage feature, open Instagram, tap the “+” icon, and then select Story.
You ought to spot a “collage” icon in the top - right corner. If it’s missing, that means the feature hasn’t been made available to you yet. According to reports, currently, only a small proportion of users in the UK, US, and Australia can use this feature.
Step 1: Open Your Story
To share a collage as an Instagram Story, tap the "Your Story" icon located at the top of your Instagram homepage.
Upon opening "Your Story," you'll be presented with various options, including "Music" and "Templates." If the collage - creation feature is available to you, you'll find the "Collage" option among them.
Step 2： Select "Collage"
Choose the "Collage" mode to begin creating your Instagram Collage.
Under the "Collage" option, your media will be displayed. The "favorite" media will appear at the top of the list.
To make your collage, you can pick any media stored on your phone. Additionally, you can open the camera to capture new photos and create the collage immediately.
Step 3： Select Multiple Images
When you click "Collage," you'll be able to select multiple images. You're allowed to choose up to 20 images for your collage. After that, tap the next arrow to proceed with creating the collage design.
Although you have the option to select numerous images, collages typically look most effective with fewer than 10 photos. The optimal number of photos for a collage usually lies between three and six. If there are more than that, it can be quite challenging for your audience to clearly perceive each individual image.
In general, when creating a collage, the goal is to assemble a collection of images that share a common theme. This theme can vary widely, from "an amazing vacation" to "new items in our product range." However, collages are most impactful when they tell a compelling story.
Step 4： Change Your Photo Shapes and Sizes
Once all the images are loaded, you can reposition and resize them to customize your Instagram Story post according to your preferences.
Tap on an image to modify its shape. You have options such as a star, heart, square, and rectangle to select from. Additionally, you can use the pinch gesture to crop and rotate the images.
Step 5：Order Your Layout Layers
If you long - press an image and gently drag it upward, the layout will be rearranged, placing the selected image on the top layer. Dragging the image downward will adjust the layout, making the image move down through the layers.
To delete an image from the collage, drag it to the bottom of the screen, and it will be removed. You can also secure images in place by tapping the "Padlock" icon.
After all that, you're done! Your collage will be posted just like any other "Story" post; you've just done all your image editing within the "Collage" tool.
