How to Make a Collage on Instagram Story Beyond the Grid

Why create collages on Instagram stories

• Aesthetic appeal

Instagram is mainly about pictures, and collages are a perfect way to upgrade your Stories. No matter whether you are creating mood boards, displaying outfit-of-the-day, or gathering up travel memories, collages wrap up your idea fashionably and creatively. You do not have to share your photos separately; instead, you can combine them within one frame that is visually harmonious and appealing to be noticed immediately.

• Engagement boost

People want to see different things, and collages are exactly what they ask for. You can mix not only images but also add text or even some short videos, and thus give viewers more content in a single Story. Consequently, they are more likely to stay longer; therefore, the chances of getting comments, shares, or interactions are higher, which means that your engagement rate will rise.

• Branding

First of all, collages could be the main branding tool for influencers, creators, and businesses. The main idea of a new product, discounts, or the atmosphere of a campaign can be shown through a chic and professional collage in a few seconds and in a very memorable way. Also, compositions help you maintain the consistency of your brand, so your Stories will be recognized. People will be able to identify your brand even without your logo appearing in the Stories.

• Flexibility

Sometimes, one photo will not be enough to capture the essence of the event. Collages allow you to post different angles of a shoot, step-by-step tutorials, or even the highlights of an event on one slide. In this way, you save your space, keep your Stories neat and organized, and at the same time, you can show the full story without the risk of exhausting your viewers.

3 Methods to make a collage on Instagram Story

There are several ways to design collages on Instagram, depending on whether you prefer built-in tools or more advanced editing apps. Below are three effective methods to help you create collages that match your style and purpose. Let's find out how to make a collage on Instagram Story!

Method 1: Instagram layout tool

One of the simplest methods to make a collage on Instagram Story is using the Layout tool that comes with it. With this function, you can merge numerous pictures into predesigned layouts right from the Stories editor, which saves time and is effortless. Those people who just want to use several photos neatly and do not want to take help from other apps are the ones for whom this feature is best. Unfortunately, the overall freedom of customization is limited as you can only select from the preset grid styles.

STEP 1
1. Open Instagram, swipe right to access the camera, and tap the "Layout" icon on the left toolbar.
STEP 2
2. Select a grid style and either snap photos directly or choose from your gallery to fill each frame.
STEP 3
3. Add finishing touches like text, filters, or stickers, then share your collage to Stories.

Method 2: Sticker method (Without layout tool)

If you require additional creative freedom beyond the already specified grids by Instagram, then the Photo sticker feature would be a suitable option. With this technique, one can have more than one picture on a single Story page, hence creating a collage that looks like a mood board or scrapbook. People who prefer not to be confined to certain shapes and who place pictures anywhere would find this feature very convenient. Let's explore how to make a collage on Instagram Story:

STEP 1
1. Open Instagram and access the camera. Capture or choose a picture such as a background (solid color, gradient, or photo), and tap the "Sticker" icon at the top. Select the "Photo" sticker option.
STEP 2
2. Pick images from your gallery. Add as many as you like to the Story canvas.
STEP 3
3. Resize, rotate, and arrange the photos freely, then enhance your collage with text, GIFs, or stickers before sharing. Once satisfied, tap "Your story" to publish.

Method 3: Make a video collage

If you want your collage to be more vibrant, you can change it to a video. Using the "Photo" sticker feature, you can merge videos and images. This means you can put a photo over a moving video. Even though this can bring your Story to life, the built-in tools on Instagram only offer limited editing and design options. Here's how to make a video collage on an Instagram post!

STEP 1
1. Open Instagram, swipe right to access Story, and record or upload a short video as your background.
STEP 2
2. Tap the "Sticker" icon and use the "Photo" sticker feature to layer images over your video.
STEP 3
3. Adjust the placement of photos, then add text, GIFs, or filters before posting.

Instagram's built-in collage methods are quick, but limited—grids feel rigid, stickers lack alignment, and video collages offer little flexibility. For professional, eye-catching results, CapCut is the smarter choice. With its effects, transitions, and custom layouts, you can create polished collages that truly stand out.

Make collages with rich features for Instagram Stories using CapCut

If you want collages that are more advanced than Instagram's limited grids and stickers, then CapCut desktop video editor is definitely your go-to tool. You can get free collage video templates from CapCut, which makes designing a breeze. For instance, you can make a mood board, a promo, or even travel highlights. Apart from these, stickers, filters, effects, and even masks are some of the features that you can use to enrich your collages. Moreover, CapCut is the provider of a collection of music tracks that are free from copyright, where you can select the best song that complements your collages. Download CapCut today and take your Instagram Story collages to the next level.

Key features

• Free collage video templates: CapCut provides lots of video templates, including a collage type, you can pick any template to design your own collage video for Instagram Story.
• Rich visual elements: There are lots of visual elements in CapCut, users can access stickers, filters, video transitions, and creative masks for unique Instagram Story layouts.
• Copyright-free music tracks: You can add background music safely with CapCut's built-in library of royalty-free music tracks, and adjust the audio volume and more.
• Optimized export for Instagram Stories (9:16): Users can select a preset video ratio (including 9:16) or customize the ratio, ensuring your collages look sharp and perfectly sized for seamless uploads.

Way 1: Make collages using ordinary steps

If you want to have total authority over your picture design, CapCut provides the option to create one from scratch without any previous work. With this technique, you are given the entire liberty to position the images in the manner that you wish, make your own custom edits, and brighten up your Story with unique effects. Here's how to make a collage on Instagram Story without a layout!

STEP 1
1. Import the images

Launch CapCut, start a new project, and set the aspect ratio to 9:16 for Instagram Stories. Upload the photos you want to include and place them on separate layers in the timeline so each image can be adjusted independently.

STEP 3
1. Adjust the image size

Resize, rotate, or reposition each photo in the video player to build your preferred collage layout.

You can take it further by adding stickers, overlays, or filters. CapCut also provides rich copyright-free background music. You can add them to your Story video and adjust the length and volume.

STEP 4
1. Export the video

Once everything looks polished, tap "Export" to save your collage as a video. Adjust the resolution, frame rate, and format, and tap on "Export" again. Your multi-photo Story is now ready to upload and share on Instagram.

Way 2: Make a collage using video templates

CapCut's pre-made video templates are the ideal answer if you still want to get a cool look and save time. These templates have everything planned, from the layout to the transition to the effect, and you just need to add your content. Creating Instagram Story collages that look professionally done is now a snap with these templates.

STEP 1
1. Select a collage template

Launch CapCut, go to the "Templates" section, and search for "collage." Choose a collage style that suits your theme or content.

STEP 2
1. Replace the images/videos in the template

Tap on the "Replace" button and upload your own photos or video clips to replace the sample media.

You can further enhance your collage by adding text overlays, stickers, effects, transitions, and filters to make it visually engaging. To elevate the overall experience, include background audio or music that matches the mood of your Story.

STEP 3
1. Export the collage video

When your edits are complete, tap on the "Export" button. Adjust the export settings such as resolution, frame rate, bitrate, and format to ensure the best quality for Instagram Stories. Once configured, press "Export" again to save your collage video to your device, ready to be uploaded.

Tips for making a collage on an Instagram Story

• Use a 9:16 aspect ratio

Instagram Stories are designed for vertical viewing, so always create your collage in a 9:16 frame. CapCut allows you to adjust the video ratio to 9:16 for Instagram Story use. This makes sure nothing gets cut off and your design fits perfectly on the screen.

• Stick to a theme

A good collage video feels connected. Choose a color palette, consistent fonts, or a particular vibe (minimal, fun, vintage, bold) and carry it across your images. This not only makes your Story more professional but also more aesthetically pleasing. You can adjust the collage in CapCut using its adjustment tools to make the video seem consistent.

• Balance images and text

Collages can get cluttered quickly. Try not to overcrowd your layout, give each picture or video space to shine. Add text only where it's needed, like emphasizing emotions, events, or short captions. CapCut allows you to add various elements to enrich the collage video, such as text, stickers, and more.

• Enhance with effects and transitions

Adding smooth transitions, stickers, or subtle effects can make your collage flow better and feel more dynamic. A touch of animation keeps viewers interested without overwhelming them. CapCut provides many video transitions for you to connect the collage clips.

• Add music or sound effects

Audio makes a big difference. A well-chosen song, trending audio, or even fun sound effects can set the mood for your collage and make your Story more memorable. There are lots of copyright-free music tracks in CapCut, users can add them to the collage video and adjust them.

• Use templates for quick results

If you're short on time or want a professional finish, use ready-made collage video templates in editing tools like CapCut. Templates help you arrange multiple photos or clips with ease, and you can still personalize them with filters, text, and stickers.

Conclusion

Exploring how to make a collage on Instagram Story opens new ways of creativity. Collages are an amazing method to turn your Instagram Stories into more interactive, beautiful, and multifunctional ones, whether you are displaying the past, offering a brand, or sharing a creative concept. Although Instagram's native tools are useful for doing a quick job, they may still feel restrictive when you want to add a more professional look. This is the reason why CapCut is different — with features such as customizable templates, video collages, music integration, text, stickers, and the perfect 9:16 for Instagram exports. By employing CapCut, you can elevate your Stories with the least amount of time and the highest amount of creativity. Start experimenting with collages today and turn your Stories into captivating content your followers won't skip!

FAQs

1
1. Can I add music to Instagram Story collages?

Yes, it is possible for you! Instagram allows users to add music using its music option; however, only a small portion of the entire library is accessible to you. If you are searching for tracks without any copyright, trending sounds, or your own custom audio, then CapCut is the best tool to help you with your collage, which provides a large stock of copyright-free music libraries.

2
1. How to create a scrapbook-style collage on Instagram?

First of all, to make a scrapbook-style collage, you need to use the photos and add stickers, doodles, and text to them, thereby giving the pictures a layered look. Even though Instagram offers users basic stickers and text tools, CapCut introduces you not only to these but also to a great number of elements, such as fonts, transitions, and filters, which can give your collage the look of a creatively designed scrapbook page.

3
1. What's the best size for collages on Instagram Story?

The best size of Instagram Story collages is 1080 x 1920 pixels (aspect ratio 9:16). With this size, none of the pictures or videos are cropped, and therefore, fit nicely with the rest of the story. CapCut has the feature of exporting, which is tailored for Instagram Stories, so the quality of your collages is always kept clean, high, and post-ready.