As Instagram has become more saturated, creating unique Stories that engage your audience has become trickier. Luckily, software like Adobe Photoshop gives you plenty of extra tools to produce original and interesting content.
Are you interested in using Photoshop to create more detailed and unique Instagram Stories? You’re in the right place. Keep reading to discover the biggest benefits, plus tips for maximizing the platform.
The Benefits of Creating Instagram Stories With Photoshop
Before we identify the ways that you can use Photoshop to improve your Stories, we’ll go over the benefits first. Here’s why you should create Instagram Stories with Photoshop…
1. You Can Add Multiple Videos to Each Instagram Story Section
If you create your Stories natively on Instagram, you can add another dimension to your content by mixing your stills with videos. However, while you can add numerous videos to a series, you can only put one per slide.
To create unique Stories, you need to think outside the box and try things that others aren’t willing to do—such as adding multiple videos to a single slide.
In Photoshop, you can create several banners on a single slide and add multiple videos that play simultaneously. Of course, you’ll want to ensure that you don’t include too many—but one or two can help portray your message better.
2. You Can Tell More Detailed Stories
As a photographer, storytelling is one of the most crucial skills you must develop. Your Instagram profile should work in sync; with your static posts and Reels telling one part of the tale, while your Stories complete the rest.
Although you can make detailed Stories directly on Instagram, you might find looking at your phone screen for lengthy periods a little exhausting. You can use the tool on your iPad, but the app isn’t (at the time of writing) well-optimized for these devices.
If you choose to create Instagram Stories on Photoshop, you can take your time to create more detailed posts. By putting more effort into your content, you’ll find it easier to engage your audience.
3. Give Your Instagram Posts and Stories Some Consistency
Some could argue that having a consistent feed isn’t as important on Instagram as it once was. However, having a common theme flow through your content can help you stand out when users click on your profile and consider following you.
If you use tools like Photoshop to prepare your Instagram Stories, you’ve got more power in creating consistency. You can also use the software alongside producing Reels with Premiere Pro to maintain a clear style throughout your work.
4. Create Graphics Alongside Your Videos and Stills
Photoshop isn’t just popular with photographers; many creative industries use the software. You’ve got significant freedom when choosing how you want to structure your Instagram Stories.
In addition to photos and videos, you can also use Photoshop to produce graphics and bring everything together. So, you can add a little more depth to your visuals and compel the viewer to tap through to the end of your post.
How to Create Instagram Stories on Photoshop
Now that we’ve identified why you should use Photoshop for Instagram Stories, you’re ready to learn more about the practical aspects.
1. The Pre-Photoshop Phase
Before you open Photoshop, you’ll need to get your photos and videos together. If you plan on predominantly using images and you have Lightroom as part of your subscription, you can start there.
Edit your visuals like you would when creating a regular post for Instagram before saving them to your computer or hard drive. You can follow a similar procedure for your videos with Premiere Pro.
You don’t need to use Adobe tools for this step; Final Cut Pro, DaVinci Resolve, and Capture One will all get the job done.
2. Creating Banners for Your Visuals
Once you’ve edited your content, you’re ready to open Photoshop. You’ll need your project to fit Instagram’s dimensions for Stories—which are 9x16.
After sizing your project, you’re ready to add frames. Choose the Frame icon (right below Crop) on the left-hand tab and draw the space you’d like each of your visuals to cover. There are no hard-and-fast rules for this; whatever you want will suffice.
3. Fitting Your Visuals Into a Post
Next, you’ll need to fit your photos and videos into your soon-to-be Instagram Story. Regardless of the types of visuals you want to import, the process is the same. Go to Files > Import.
If you want to add pictures, select Images From Device. For videos, choose Video Frames to Layers. Alternatively, you can drag and drop your pictures into the specific banner area you want them to fit into. Another way to import videos is by going to File > Video Layers > New Video Layer from File.
4. Exporting Your Instagram Stories to Your Smartphone
Exporting your Photoshop-made Instagram Story can feel somewhat daunting as you need to perform a few extra tasks. But don’t worry—the process is pretty straightforward.
It will differ slightly depending on whether your post has videos. You’ll need to render the video before exporting; go to File > Export > Render Video.
When the Render Video tab opens, change the size to 1080x1920; you’ll need to select Custom from the dropdown menu first. You’ll also need to ensure that the format is H.264 and that your file is a .mp4. After completing these steps, press Render to export the video.
If your Story only has photos, the process is simple. Go to File > Export As and change the format to PNG. Then, choose the destination you want to save your work to and finalize everything. Make sure that the dimensions are 1080x1920.
After exporting your video on your computer, you can transfer it to your smartphone. If you have an iPhone and use a Mac, you can send your completed Story via AirDrop and upload it to Instagram. In other scenarios, try DropBox or one of its alternatives.
Photoshop Is an Excellent Way to Create More Engaging Instagram Stories
Making Instagram Stories is fun if you’re willing to get creative and put in the time and effort to get them right. Photoshop is one of many tools you can use, and the platform is surprisingly easy to use for this purpose.
Our guide has given you the basics for creating engaging Instagram Stories with Photoshop, but the best way to learn is by getting involved and making your own. So, dig in and discover what you can conjure!
