Check out the best free Instagram Stories template for photographers and content creators.
As lockdown around the world continues to drag on, more and more people are turning to social media for entertainment and escapism. However, what if you can get more out of Instagram than just a few (admittedly funny) memes? If you've got some spare time on your hands, why not try investing in your own Instagram to help boost your profile as a photographer?
One of the best ways to connect with your audience is through Instagram stories. This is your opportunity to show a different side to your public persona, whether that's through showing behind-the-scenes shots from your latest shoots, sharing those funny memes or simply giving your audience more information about who you are as a photographer.
• Read more: Everything photographers need to work from home
Free Instagram Stories templates are a great way to take your Instagram to the next level. These templates mean that you can design your Stories to perfection so that they're in-keeping with your brand and tone. While using Instagram Stories templates might take a little more time, the professionalism and value that it adds to your Instagram Stories will be priceless.
To help you spice up your Instagram Stories, we've rounded up the best free Instagram Stories templates for photographers here.
How to use your free Instagram story templates
These free Instagram Stories templates are a fantastic way to get creative with your Insta, but how can you make the most out of them?
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While the individual downloads might vary slightly, the basic premise will remain the same. Once you've downloaded your free Instagram Stories templates, you should have a folder with at least a .PSD file in it – however, some downloads will also include font files, so make sure you download these (by double clicking the font file and clicking 'Install font') before you do anything else.
Next, open your chosen template in Photoshop and go to the Layers panel to select which Story template you'd like to experiment with first.
There might be many customization options you can choose from for your chosen free Instagram Stories template, but the most important one to know is how to change out the images. To do this, double click on the Layer of the image you want to replace (make sure you're not double clicking the icon or text). This will open the image in a separate window.
Then, drag the photo you want onto the original image and make sure that it completely covers the photo. Save this file and then close it. You should then find that the original photo has been replaced by your image on the Story template.
If you want any more tips, check out this Hootsuite tutorial that has plenty of interesting ideas (scroll past the free templates to get to the tutorial).
The best free Instagram story templates
Don't forget that you'll need Adobe Photoshop to make the most out of your free Instagram Stories templates! If you haven't signed up for Adobe Photoshop CC yet, check out the deals below to snap up this software for a low monthly price.
01. 20 Free Hootsuite Templates
Hootsuite are well known in the social media world – and for good reason. These folks know what they're doing, and these free Instagram Stories templates definitely show that. With a mixture of 20 different templates incorporating unique designs, these Story templates will add instant sophistication to your Instagram.
Download 20 Free Hootsuite Templates
02. Instagram Stories Template Collection
If you love the clean and stylish impact of white marble, then this free Instagram Stories template is perfect for you. With beautiful grey and peach tones, this template will complement your photos without overshadowing them. We'd particularly recommend using them for lifestyle photography.
Download Instagram Stories Template Collection
03. Minimal Black & White Templates
If you're a black & white photographer, then this free Instagram Stories template should be right up your alley. There's nothing more simple and sophisticated than the mono treatment, so apply it to your Instagram Stories for maximum effect.
Download Minimal Black & White Templates
04. Adventure Instagram Stories Layout Pack
If you're a travel or landscape photographer, this free Instagram Stories template will perfectly complement your feed. With muted color backgrounds and stylish fonts, you'll love how these templates showcase your images.
Download Adventure Instagram Stories Layout Pack
05. Surf Instagram Stories Layout Pack
Sometimes less is definitely more – and we certainly think that's the case with this free Instagram Stories template. With a clean off-white background and carefully placed text, this template will truly let your images shine.
Download Surf Instagram Stories Layout Pack
06. Food Instagram Stories Collection
While the example image for this free Instagram Stories template shows food photography in the background, this template is actually perfect for any photographer that simply wants to use their own images as their background – but with some beautifully designed text on top.
Download Food Instagram Stories Collection
07. Bold Instagram Stories Templates
While there's a time and a place for minimalist designs, it can also be rewarding to experiment with something bold and punchy too. This design is perfect for that, with a stylish mixture of fonts and frames that will grab your viewers' attention.
Download Bold Instagram Stories Templates
08. White Instagram Stories Pack
Not only do you get a collection of beautifully designed Instagram Stories templates, you also get 10 copyright free photos included in your download! While you may not think you need them, copyright free images can be a great non-distracting background layer for you to layer important information on top.
Download White Instagram Stories Pack
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