How to Make a Collage on Instagram with/without Layout Feature

Here we go through three ways to make a collage on Instagram, both for Stories and Posts. For those looking for ways to create a collage without the layout feature, you can resort to the last two methods.

Each method has its pros and cons, you can switch among tools for different posting agendas.

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1. How to Make a Collage on Instagram with the Layout Feature

The quickest way to make a collage on Instagram is using the layout feature. The question is, do you want the collage for an Instagram story or for an Instagram post?

As we already know, when selecting multiple photos for an Instagram post, they will be posted in carousel style — you can swipe the posts as sliders. There isn't a layout feature for the post.

Don't worry, the trick is that you can create an Instagram story with the layout feature, and then create a post out of it to make a collage.

Step 1. Start to create a post as you normally do by tapping the + icon.

You won't see the Layout feature under the POST tab. Swipe to the STORY tab.

Step 2. Tap the Layout icon on the left side of the panel.

Step 3. Tap the Layout icon again to change its collage styles.

For instance, there are different numbers of grids for various collage styles. You can preview the number of photos that you want to make a collage, and then select the grid style accordingly.

The drawback of this built-in layout feature is, that once you have selected a grid style, and added photos into the grids, you cannot change the layout again, unless you revert to the previous step to choose the layout.

So a common practice is to think in advance how many photos (grids) you are going to showcase before picking the layout style.

Step 4. Make a collage on Instagram by adding photos.

You can directly take photos to make the collage, as each photo will fill in the layout grid. Alternatively, you can import existing photos. Just hit the photo thumbnail at the bottom left corner, which signifies the photo library of your phone.

Step 5. Hit the Check mark when you finish all the photo grids for the collage.

Now you have come to the story posting page.

You can directly tap the "Your story" section to post the photo collage as your story. Or hit the right-arrow icon for more sharing options.

Now we come to the trickiest part of making a collage for an Instagram Post, not the Story.

Step 6 (Tricks). Tap on the story you just posted by hitting your profile photo or viewing the latest story. You shall see a "Create" icon at the bottom. Tap on it and select Post.

This will create a Post out of this Story. Thus you have successfully created a collage for Instagram Post.

2. How to Make a Collage on Instagram with the Stickers

The layout tricks above allow you to make a collage for either Instagram Story or Post, in rigid grids format. If you prefer freeform like when creating collages for bullet journals and aesthetic layout styles, you can use the sticker features in Instagram Story.

Here are photo stickers, frame stickers, and cutout stickers at your disposal to get creative.

Step 1. Tap the + icon to start posting for Instagram.

Since the sticker features are available in Story, we will be swiping to the STORY tab. You can later create a post out of the story that has a collage on it.

Step 2. Inside the story page, tap the Aa icon on the left side panel to choose canvas colors.

You can use a gradient color background, draw a pure background, or load a picture as the background. For detailed steps, follow this guide to set the canvas.

Step 3. Create a collage for Instagram with stickers.

Tap the Sticker (A Face icon) at the top of the Instagram Story UI, then use either the Photo, Frames, or the Cutout Feature.

You can repeat adding stickers onto the canvas to make a collage for Instagram.

Tricks:

1. For the Photo sticker, you can tap on the photo to change its shape. It will auto-transform to a square, a star, a heart shape, etc.
2. To arrange the layer order of the images, tap on an image firmly and drag it up or down.



3. You can use the same photo as the background and inside the Frames sticker to make your collage more "design-y".
4. Using the cutout sticker feature, you can remove the background of many product photos, and combine them into one collage.

3. How to Make a Collage on Instagram with Custom Collage Apps

As the previous methods have limitations on collage layout styles and design elements for aesthetic posts, you can also refer to third-party apps and online editors to make a collage on Instagram.

3.1 SCRL for Seamless Collage

You probably have seen many brands posting seamless collage photos in one post. When you swipe the carousel, the photo collages are seamlessly integrated across multiple frames.

If you prefer similar effects, you can use the SCRL app to create Instagram collages seamlessly.

You can choose up to 6 frames for your panoramic collage visuals. The app will then split your collage seamlessly for each slide.

3.2 Rawpixel

Rawpixel is an online graphic design tool featuring aesthetic stock images and templates. Its sophisticated selection of stock photos, design elements, and trendy layout styles make it a nice method to make collages for Instagram.

Pricing: Free templates available, Premium plan starts at $9.99 per month/$59.99 per year.

Step 1. Select the Photo collage maker from its official page.

https://www.rawpixel.com/home/photo-collage

Step 2. Pick the desired collage templates.

Step 3. Upload photos from your local library, and drag and drop it into the placeholder inside the template.

It will automatically switch photos you dropped.

Step 4. Edit text and other elements.

Note: You can edit text inside the individual picture, or the text on the collage. It is flexible to bring your design into reality.

3.3 Unfold

Unfold offers a wide range of options to suit your collage style, be it vintage aesthetics or modern minimalism. The app is widely loved for its film-inspired collages and scrapbook-themed layouts. Another nice feature is its ability to seamlessly integrate GIPHY, allowing you to add animated stickers, memes, and GIFs directly to your collages.

3.4 PicsArt

PicsArt is a comprehensive photo and video editing platform that offers a wealth of features for creating stunning collages. If you are looking for an all-in-one tool to spice up your Instagram posts and stories, you can try PicsArt.

If you are interested in dedicated Instagram collage makers, you can find a detailed review here.

Wrap Up

That's all for the three ways to make a collage for Instagram: using the layout feature, stickers, or custom collage apps. Personally, stickers are my favorite as it also allows for interaction with my followers. The frame sticker will develop the photo as Polaroid, when the viewer shakes the phone to reveal the photos.

Besides Instagram collage tricks, don't forget to free download VideoProc Converter AI as the best companion for content creators. It can improve your daily digital workflow for various scenarios.