How To Add Multiple Photos To An Instagram Story (Combine Images)

Instagram offers several methods you can reach and engage with your audience. One of my favorite methods is through Instagram stories, more specifically, combining images to create a collage on a single story. There are numerous benefits of doing it this way, and it can be a real game-changer if you want to advertise products or increase your audience's engagement. In this article, we explore three different ways of adding multiple photos to an Instagram story. We also explore the benefits of creating collages and what other tools you can use to make your Instagram posting schedule run more smoothly. 

3 Ways To Add Multiple Photos To Instagram Story

Here are the three ways to add multiple photos to a single Instagram story. Number three is my favorite, as it allows you to use templates, vectors, and designs in addition to Instagram’s built-in stock.

1.     Using The Layout Template

Instagram provides a built-in layout feature, allowing you to create a collage of multiple photos on a single Instagram story.  Simply search for the “Layout” feature when you are in the “Story” section. Navigate through six templates until you find one that suits your preferences. 

This is one reason I like advertising and using Instagram so much because it allows you to customize your posts exactly to what you want them to be. 

2.     Layering Photos

The second method is through layering photos. In this method, you can layer several photos on the same slide as stickers. This method is great if you want to catch the audience’s attention immediately and want them to absorb a great deal of information from a single slide. I usually use this method if I want to showcase different angles of a product. 

3.     Uploading a Custom Collage

Finally, my favorite method - using a third-party app to create a custom collage. Apps like Canva and PicsArt offer several custom collages Instagram doesn’t necessarily have, allowing you to experiment with different collages until you find one that effectively highlights every aspect of the story you want to tell. 

These apps also enable you to apply several vectors and graphics to your collages - giving you the ultimate customization experience. 

Step-By-Step Guide

Now I’ll show you a step-by-step guide for each of the three methods on how you can add multiple photos to your Instagram stories.

Using The Layout Template

1. Tap the camera icon at the bottom-middle of your screen or swipe right from anywhere in your feed, or simply tap on “Your Story” at the top right of the main page and select “camera.” 
2. Next, select “Layout,” which is located in the middle left of the screen.
3. Select “Grid” and choose from the six templates provided.
4. Tap on each section to add photos from your gallery.
5.  You can also add text, stickers, filters and graphics.
6. Once done, tap 'Next' and then 'Done.'

Layering Photos

1. Follow the same steps as mentioned in the previous method to navigate to the Stories page.
2. Click on the photo icon on the bottom-left of your screen.
3. Select the photo you want to use.
4. Tap the sticker icon on the top-right of your screen.
5. Select “photo” sticker to add your second photo.
6. You can adjust the size and location of this photo. 
7. Now you can add more photos as stickers and arrange them as you want. 
8. Once you are done, you can post your story. 

Uploading a Custom Collage

For this method, you’ll need Canva or PicsArt.

1. After downloading Canva and creating an account, you can search through the multitude of collage templates or simply create your own layout. 
2. Add the photos to the template and adjust them as you want. 
3. Add graphics, vectors, filters, and text from the hundreds of options Canva offers. 
4. Once finished, save the collage to your device. 
5. Open Instagram, go to the story feature and upload this collage as a single photo. Remember, you can also add text, stickers, and graphics from Instagram’s database. 
6. Post your custom story. 

What Are The Benefits Of Using Multiple IG Photos On Your Story?

There are many benefits to using multiple IG photos on your story. Many marketers and influencers actually recognize these benefits, which is why they utilize this feature so much. Here are some of the main benefits of using this feature:

• Boost your reach and engagement - Stories containing multiple photos are often more engaging and interactive than single-photo stories. Our eyes are drawn to the wealth of information and uniqueness the story offers. 

Therefore, these types of stories keep your audience engaged for a longer period. If they find the information useful, they’ll be more likely to share your story - boosting your reach. 

• Influence purchasing behavior - By utilizing multiple photos, you can tell a story more effectively, enabling you to “sell” your product easier. By showcasing different aspects or features of your products, all from a single story, you are much more likely to persuade potential customers to buy your products. 
• Experiment with different kinds of content - Utilizing features like layout templates and photo layering allows you to experiment with different kinds of content. It also enables you to express your creativity and unique style. 
• Post more content for your audience - Flooding your audience’s feed can irritate them, which is why, just like a carousal post, utilizing a story with multiple photos is so effective at providing your audience with information without spamming their feed. 

Tip: Convey your main message of the day through a post and add additional information or updates through stories with multiple photos. 

Should Businesses Create IG Stories?

Yes, I’ve been utilizing IG stories for my businesses for years. Here’s why you need to start using them for your business:

• Increased Visibility: Instagram stories are prominently displayed at the top of followers' feeds, increasing the visibility of the content. Instead of scrolling through the ocean of Instagram posts on a user’s feed, your story is displayed at the top of their feed, making it much more likely that they will see it and engage with it. 
• Engagement: Stories are a great tool for promoting interaction with your audience - polls, Q&As, and other interactive features are all great ways to stimulate your audience to engage with you. 
• Authenticity: Stories provide a space for more informal, behind-the-scenes content. This can make a business seem more authentic and relatable, helping you connect with your audience better. 
• Promotion: Stories are a great way to promote your products, events, or announcements in a quick and easily digestible format. You can even post a story highlighting your latest feed post about a major update or announcement, ensuring you reach members of your audience who might have missed your post.

Businesses should also know how to add music to Instagram stories as well! These can significantly improve engagement.

What Tools Can Businesses Use To Automate Instagram Posting?

A social media management tool is the best tool you can use to automate Instagram posts. I’ve used many social media management tools, but the one offering the best value - offering the most amount of features for the best price - is Eclincher.  

With Eclincher, you can plan, schedule and automate the posting process, ensuring you stay consistent in your posts and reach your target audience at peak engagement hours. If that isn’t enough, you can manage all your posts from a single dashboard, analyze post performance and identify posts that resonate better with your audience and even recycle evergreen posts. 

I’m just scratching the surface of what Eclincher can do for your social media marketing. If you really want to find out how this tool can boost your social media return on investment and put your following and sales into hyperdrive, then I suggest you book a meeting with them. They’ll guide you through all the features and explain exactly what this tool can do for your business - offering you a tailor-made experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you add multiple photos to an Instagram Story?

Yes, you can add multiple photos by creating multiple stories or by using the layout template, layering photos, or uploading a custom collage from a third-party app.

Is it possible to customize the order of the photos in an Instagram Story?

Yes, you can customize the order of the photos. However, you first need to decide the order you want the photos. You can’t customize the order after you’ve posted your story.

What are the differences between adding photos to an Instagram post versus adding them to an Instagram Story?

There are several differences, the main difference being Instagram posts appear on your followers’ feeds indefinitely, whereas an Instagram story disappears after 24 hours. Posts appear on your profile, while stories appear at the top of the Instagram app.

The Bottom Line

Adding several photos to an Instagram story is pretty easy to do. Once you’ve mastered the different templates and what works well for different themed posts, whether it is announcements, updates, sneak-peeks, or product launches, you’ll see a remarkable increase in your audience engagement and interaction. Remember, remaining consistent is the key to ensuring high engagement rates and increasing your follower count. The best way I found to remain consistent is by employing the services of a social media management tool like Eclincher.