How to Add Multiple Photos to Your Instagram Story: A Step-by-Step Guide

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7 mins

Explore how to creatively compile multiple photos into one Instagram Story, making your content more dynamic and engaging.

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Reviewed by Chloe Bidle

Creative social media strategist, driving engagement and innovation.

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Contents

  1. Combine Multiple Photos Into One on Your Instagram Story
    1. Steps for IOS and Android
    2. Customize the Appearance of the Photos
    3. Share the Story to Your Profile or Close Friends List
  2. Adding Multiple Photos to Instagram Story with Music
  3. Advanced Features and Considerations
    1. Using Special Features for Adding Multiple Photos
    2. Arranging the Order of Multiple Photos in Your Story
    3. Utilizing Third-Party Apps for Enhanced Story Creation
    4. Editing and Customizing Each Photo Individually
  4. Frequently Asked Questions
    1. What is the process to include several images in a single Instagram story on iPhone?
    2. How can you add multiple pictures to a single story on Instagram using an Android device?
    3. Can you add multiple photos to one Instagram Story without using the Layout feature?
    4. What are the steps to share multiple images on an Instagram post?
    5. In what way can you create a collage or grid with photos for Instagram stories?
    6. What creative ideas are there for featuring multiple photos in one Instagram story?

With Instagram stories, you have the opportunity to craft engaging visual narratives that capture the attention of your audience. Adding multiple photos to your Instagram stories not only enhances viewer engagement but also gives you a chance to showcase a fuller story or sequence of events. Whether you are documenting a day in your life, sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses, or advertising a series of products, including more than one image can make your content more compelling.

The process of adding these multiple photos is straightforward and can be done right within the Instagram app. There's flexibility in how you can present these images: they can appear one after another in a slideshow format or as layered stickers in a single story frame. You can organize the order in which the photos appear, giving you control over how your story unfolds. The addition of multiple photos richly diversifies your storytelling capabilities on the visual platform, further enabling interaction with your followers.

Utilizing Instagram's built-in features to include several photos in your story is a smart strategy to keep your content dynamic and interesting. You can personalize each photo with text, filters, or other interactive stickers to create a unique experience for your viewers. Remember, the key is to use these features creatively to maintain your audience's interest throughout the duration of your Instagram story.

Combine Multiple Photos Into One on Your Instagram Story

Creating a captivating Instagram story with multiple photos is straightforward and can be done swiftly on both iOS and Android platforms. You can seamlessly integrate a variety of images to construct a single, compelling story post using Instagram's native tools and features.

Steps for IOS and Android

  1. Launch Instagram: Open the Instagram app and swipe right or tap your profile picture to access the camera.
  2. Create Your Story: To begin, tap the camera symbol to take a new photo, or select images from your camera roll by clicking on the gallery icon.
  3. Select Multiple Photos: Tap the 'Select Multiple' icon, usually represented by overlapping squares or a circle with layered square outlines, to choose the images you want to include.
  4. Edit Your Photos: Customize each photo individually by adding text, stickers, or filters. Swipe up to access stickers and other elements; tap on text or the drawing tools for annotations.
  5. Arrange the Layout: After you've edited your photos, you can rearrange them by dragging and dropping to the desired order or layout. Use pinch gestures to resize and position images.

Customize the Appearance of the Photos

  • Background: Change the background color by tapping the drawing pencil icon and selecting a color.
  • Collage: For a collage effect, explore the 'Layout' feature within Instagram stories to combine your multiple photos into a single grid-like design.
  • Stickers and Text: Enhance your photos with stickers or text; use the 'Add Sticker' button or the text icon to overlay these elements onto your collage.
  • Filters and Effects: Swipe left or right to apply filters and visual effects to give your photos a uniform look or add flair.

Share the Story to Your Profile or Close Friends List

  • Publish: Once you're satisfied with your multi-photo story, tap 'Next' to proceed to the sharing screen, where you can choose to share with all your followers or just your Close Friends list.
  • Audience: Increase the reach of your story by strategically sharing. Use the 'Close Friends' list for a more personal audience or 'Your Story' for maximum exposure.
  • Share: Hit the 'Share' button next to 'Your Story' or 'Close Friends' to publish your Instagram story with multiple photos and await the reactions from your followers.
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Adding Multiple Photos to Instagram Story with Music

Creating a vibrant Instagram Story with multiple photos complemented by music enhances both the ambiance and engagement of your content. Here's how to seamlessly combine imagery and audio for your next Story:

1. Start Your Story:

  • Open the Instagram app and swipe left to access the camera or tap the 'Your Story' icon.
  • Upload the first photo by tapping the photo icon in the bottom-left corner or capture a new one.

2. Selecting Additional Photos:

  • Tap the square 'Layer' icon in the top right corner to add another photo.
  • Navigate through your Camera Roll and tap on the desired photos (up to 10).

3. Arranging Your Photos: Note: You can drag and drop to reorder or resize the photos for optimal layout.

4. Adding Music:

  • Tap the 'Sticker' icon (smiley face with a folded corner) on the top of the screen.
  • Choose the 'Music sticker' to open the music library.
  • Search for a song or browse through the curated selection.
Action Icon to select Purpose
Add a photo Square 'Layer' icon Add and layer multiple photos
Add music 'Sticker' icon (Music) Incorporate audio to set the right mood

5. Final Touches:

  • After placing the stickers and audio, you can also add text or effects.
  • Preview your Story by tapping 'Your Story' at the bottom.

Remember, your choice of music can set the tone and ambiance, making your Story a memorable one. Engage your audience with a thoughtful selection that complements your visual narrative.

Advanced Features and Considerations

When adding multiple photos to your Instagram story, you have a variety of advanced features and tools at your disposal that can enhance the storytelling aspect of your posts. These features allow for more creativity and personalization in the way your photos are presented.

Using Special Features for Adding Multiple Photos

Instagram provides you with a "photo sticker" feature that enables you to layer additional photos onto a base image. To use this feature:

  1. Upload your base image to your story.
  2. Tap on the sticker icon at the top of the screen.
  3. Select the photo sticker option, which opens your camera roll.
  4. Choose the images you want to add as stickers.

You can add multiple photo stickers and use pinch-to-zoom gestures to resize and rotate them, creating a collage effect directly within Instagram Stories.

Arranging the Order of Multiple Photos in Your Story

The order in which you present photos can significantly affect the narrative of your story. To arrange the sequence:

  • Use the "select multiple" option to choose photos directly from your camera roll.
  • Tap and hold on the images to bring them into your story in the desired order.
  • Once in the story editor, use drag and drop to arrange the layered photos and create your visual timeline.

Utilizing Third-Party Apps for Enhanced Story Creation

For more sophisticated designs and templates, you might consider using third-party apps like Canva, which offer extended features such as pre-designed templates and advanced editing tools. These apps provide additional options such as:

  • Layout and grid options for organized collages.
  • A vast array of filters and text styles for a more personal touch.
  • The ability to create customized elements and designs before uploading to Instagram.

Always ensure that the final design is saved to your device and then uploaded to your Instagram Story.

Editing and Customizing Each Photo Individually

Once you've selected and arranged your photos, you have the option to edit each one individually. Instagram's built-in editing tools allow you to apply:

  • Filters to enhance the mood and tone of each photo.
  • Drawing tools to add doodles or highlights.
  • Text to overlay captions or context.

Remember that each individual element contributes to the overall design and narrative of your Instagram Story. Experiment with these features to convey your desired message effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions

To enhance your storytelling on Instagram, you can add multiple photos to your stories. Whether you have an iPhone or Android, or if you want to forego Layouts, there are several methods available to achieve this.

What is the process to include several images in a single Instagram story on iPhone?

You can upload multiple photos by swiping to your Story, tapping the photo icon, selecting 'Select Multiple', choosing your images, and then uploading them to your story.

How can you add multiple pictures to a single story on Instagram using an Android device?

The procedure on Android mirrors that of the iPhone: swipe to your Story, tap the gallery icon, select the 'Select Multiple' option, pick your photos, and add them to your story.

Can you add multiple photos to one Instagram Story without using the Layout feature?

Yes, you can add photos to your story individually and then use the sticker tool to include additional images.

What are the steps to share multiple images on an Instagram post?

For a regular post, tap the '+' icon, select the 'Post' option, tap 'Select Multiple', choose up to 10 photos, and share them in a single Instagram post.

In what way can you create a collage or grid with photos for Instagram stories?

You can use the Layout feature in Stories or third-party collage apps to arrange your images into a collage or grid before posting them to your story.

What creative ideas are there for featuring multiple photos in one Instagram story?

Experiment with different story layouts, stickers, and text or try adding a solid background and overlaying photos in a creative arrangement.

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