Guide

How to make an Instagram story with a custom background

Process a photo of yourself or an object in Remova, download the transparent PNG, then use Instagram's story editor to add a background colour or image behind it.

By Remova Technical Team

Steps

  1. 01

    Take a photo

    Any photo works, but a photo with good lighting and a distinct subject cuts cleanest.

  2. 02

    Process with Transparent output

    Download the PNG with alpha.

  3. 03

    Open Instagram

    Start a new story and import the transparent PNG as an image.

  4. 04

    Add a background

    Before placing your cutout, tap the background and pick a colour or photo. Then place the cutout on top.

  5. 05

    Add text and stickers

    Standard Instagram story elements work fine on top of the cutout.

Tips

  • —Solid colour backgrounds read as more intentional than gradients.
  • —Big cutouts, small text. Do not crowd the story.
  • —Use the same background across a story series for a cohesive look.
  • —If you are using a branded background, use your exact brand colours.

Common questions

Will the cutout have visible edges?

If your original photo has good lighting, the edges will be clean. If not, run the result through the editor to feather the edges.

Can I do this for a Reel?

Yes, but Instagram's video editing is more limited. Process the video in Remova, download as MP4, then import.

Does Instagram compress the result?

Instagram compresses everything. Upload at 1080x1920 for the best quality.

Try it now

Open the tool

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