Tags Synced
Tags Synced
Last Edited Time
Jul 3, 2025 11:06 AM
Do not index
Do not index
Platform
Canva
Category
Social Media
Topic
Instagram
AI summary
Easily design engaging Instagram Stories using Canva templates; customize with images and text, keep important elements within safe areas, and leverage the immediacy of Stories for better audience connection.
Last edited by
Related Synced
Related Synced
Create Instagram Stories with Canva
TL;DR
- Canva has ready-made Instagram Story templates that work straight out of the box
- You can customise everything - swap images, change colours, add text and graphics
- Stories boost engagement because they feel more personal than regular posts
- Keep text and logos within safe areas so they don't get cropped on different phones
- Free version works fine for most needs, though some premium elements cost extra
Main Content
Finding Your Starting Point
Open Canva and search for "Instagram Story" templates.
You'll see loads of options covering different styles and purposes. Pick one that fits what you're trying to say rather than just what looks pretty.
The dimensions are sorted automatically - Canva sets everything to 1080 x 1920 pixels, which is exactly what Instagram needs.
Making It Your Own
Once you've picked a template, it's time to customise. Canva's interface is straightforward - you can drag elements around, swap colours, and add your own images without much fuss.
Key things to focus on:
- Your images: Upload photos from your phone or pick from Canva's library
- Brand colours: Keep things consistent with your usual palette
- Text placement: Make sure it's readable and doesn't clash with your images
- Graphics and stickers: Use sparingly - they can quickly make things look cluttered
Keep text and logos away from the very top and bottom edges. Different phones crop Stories slightly differently, so what looks perfect on your screen might get cut off on someone else's.
Why Stories Actually Work
Stories feel more immediate than regular posts. They're less polished, which means people trust them more. Plus, they disappear after 24 hours, so there's less pressure to make everything perfect.
What makes Stories effective:
- Behind-the-scenes content: Show how things really work
- Quick updates: Share news or thoughts without creating a full post
- Interactive elements: Polls, questions, and stickers get people responding
- Testing ground: Try new ideas without committing to your main feed
The 500 million daily users stat gets thrown around a lot, but the real benefit is that Stories appear at the top of people's feeds. Your audience sees them first.
Getting Your Stories Live
Download your finished design as a PNG or JPG. Then upload it directly to Instagram through the app on your phone. Simple as that.
If you're creating multiple Stories, download them all at once and upload them in sequence. This keeps your narrative flowing properly.
FAQs
Do I need to pay for Canva to make Stories?
No, the free version covers most of what you need. Some premium graphics and photos cost extra, but there's plenty of free content to work with.
Can I make animated Stories in Canva?
Yes, Canva has some basic animation options. You can make text appear, fade in, or slide across the screen. Nothing too fancy, but it adds movement to your Stories.
What size should my images be for Stories?
Canva handles the overall dimensions, but your photos work best when they're vertical rather than horizontal. Think phone screen shape rather than landscape.
How do I keep my branding consistent across Stories?
Upload your logo and brand colours to Canva once, then reuse them across all your designs. This saves time and keeps everything looking cohesive.
Jargon Buster
Canva: Online design tool that lets you create graphics without needing design skills. Works through your web browser.
Instagram Stories: Photos and videos that appear at the top of Instagram feeds and disappear after 24 hours unless saved as Highlights.
Templates: Pre-designed layouts you can customise with your own content. Saves starting from scratch.
Safe areas: The parts of your design that won't get cropped on different devices. Keep important elements here.
PNG vs JPG: File formats for saving images. PNG keeps better quality but creates larger files. JPG is smaller but slightly lower quality.
Wrap-up
Creating decent Instagram Stories with Canva isn't complicated once you know the basics. Pick a template, add your content, keep important elements away from the edges, and you're sorted.
The key is consistency rather than perfection. Your audience wants to see the real side of what you do, not just polished marketing content. Stories give you space to be more relaxed and authentic, which often works better than trying too hard to impress.
Start with simple designs and build up your confidence. You'll quickly get a feel for what works with your audience.
