As a travel and photography blogger, I’ve discovered that using apps for Instagram stories is a game-changer for creating polished, engaging content. Instagram Stories, which attract over 500 million daily users, provide a unique opportunity for creators, influencers, and brands to connect with their audiences. These stories may disappear after 24 hours, but the impact they can make is lasting when crafted with care.
To make the most of Instagram Stories, having the right tools is essential. Below, I’ll share the best free apps for Instagram stories, including my personal favorites, to help you elevate your content effortlessly.
15 Apps for creating beautiful Instagram stories
Creating stunning Instagram stories is easier with the right tools. Whether you’re editing photos, videos, or adding creative touches, these 15 free apps for creating Instagram stories (and more) will help you design eye-catching stories that stand out.
1. Lightroom Mobile (Free, with Paid Options)
Lightroom Mobile is a must-have if you’re serious about photography. With advanced editing tools and presets, it’s perfect for creating cohesive, aesthetic Instagram stories. I have a Photography subscription on Adobe for Lightroom as well as my own presets that help me with a cohesive look on my stories, feed and blog.
Key features:
- Professional-grade photo editing tools
- Preset filters for consistent editing
- Seamless sync with Adobe’s desktop version
Pro Tip: Create custom presets to give all your stories a unified look or get mine here.
App store: Get it here
Play store: Get it here
2. InShot (Free, with Paid Options)
For those who create videos alongside photos, InShot is one of the most versatile free Instagram story video apps. It allows you to trim, speed up, or merge video clips, and add text, music, and filters. I also use it for voiceovers when I post both on Instagram and TikTok.
Key features:
- Video and photo editor in one app
- Tools to adjust video speed, merge, and crop
- Option to add text, stickers, and music
App store: Get it here
Play store: Get it here
3. Adobe Express
Adobe Express is a comprehensive tool for combining images, videos, and text to create stunning Instagram Stories. It offers AI-powered templates and access to Adobe Stock assets, making it one of the most robust apps for Instagram stories.
Key features:
- AI-powered templates for easy content creation
- Access to Adobe Stock photos, fonts, and icons
- Customizable photo and video editing tools
- Background removal and seasonal templates
- User-friendly interface for quick edits
App store: Get it here
Play store: Get it here
Canva is a go-to option for many creators thanks to its user-friendly interface and variety of templates. Whether you’re designing social media graphics or Instagram Stories, it’s one of the most versatile apps for Instagram stories.
Key features:
- Thousands of customizable templates
- A large library of icons, stickers, and photos
- Ideal for quick edits and designs without graphic design experience
App store: Get it here
Play store: Get it here
5. Unfold (Free, with In-App Purchases)
Unfold remains one of the top apps for Instagram stories, loved for its clean, minimalistic templates. While I’ve started to phase it out, it’s still an excellent option for creating elegant Instagram Stories. Its templates allow seamless integration of text, images, and videos, making it easy to design professional and polished content. I particularly enjoy its custom font options, which add a personal touch to stories.
Key features:
- Stylish, minimal templates for collages
- Custom fonts and stickers
- Works with both photos and videos
For those who value simplicity and elegance in their designs, Unfold is an essential tool among the many apps for Instagram stories available.
App store: Get it here
Play store: Get it here
6. Tezza (Free, with Subscription)
Created by influencer Tezza, this app brings a unique aesthetic to the world of apps for Instagram stories. It offers a range of filters and effects inspired by her vintage style. While the free version provides a glimpse into its capabilities, the subscription unlocks all the features, including stylish templates and editing tools.
Key features:
- Stylish, pre-made filters and templates
- Vintage video effects and dust filters
- Editing tools for both photos and videos
- Feed planner
For creators who want their Instagram Stories to stand out with a retro vibe, Tezza is a top pick among best free apps for Instagram stories.
App store: Get it here
Play store: Get it here
7. Tone Studio (Free, with Paid Options)
Tone Studio, developed by influencers Jack Morris and Lauren Bullen, is another standout among the best apps for Instagram stories. It’s designed to help users create cohesive visuals with customizable filters and editing tools. Whether you want a subtle minimalist look or bold enhancements, Tone Studio gives you the creative control to match your unique aesthetic.
Key features:
- Customizable filters for photos and videos
- Advanced color editing tools for precise adjustments
- User-friendly interface for quick edits
- Designed to help you establish a cohesive aesthetic
- Regularly updated with new tools and effects
If you’re looking for an app that emphasizes creative flexibility, Tone Studio is one of the best apps for Instagram stories to consider.
App store: Get it here
Play store: Not available
8. Mojo (Free, with Premium Subscription)
Mojo is perfect for creators who want to add animation to their Instagram Stories. This dynamic tool is one of the most innovative apps for Instagram stories, providing templates that turn static content into eye-catching visuals.
Key Features:
- Animated templates for dynamic stories
- Beautiful fonts and design options
- Can be used with photos and videos
For creators who aim to make their stories more dynamic, Mojo is a must-have in the realm of apps for Instagram stories.
App store: Get it here
Play store: Get it here
9. VSCO (Free, with Paid Options)
VSCO has earned its place as a favorite among photographers and creators, thanks to its high-quality presets and powerful editing tools. It’s one of the most versatile apps for Instagram stories, offering everything from simple adjustments to advanced editing.
Key features:
- High-quality presets and filters for photos and videos
- Advanced editing tools for fine-tuning photos
- Built-in camera for shooting within the app
- Access to a creative community for inspiration
Whether you’re new to editing or an experienced creator, VSCO remains a reliable choice among apps for Instagram stories.
App store: Get it here
Play store: Get it here
10. StoryArt (Free, with In-App Purchases)
StoryArt is one of the most comprehensive apps for Instagram stories, offering over 2000 templates across various themes. Its wide range of animated and static templates makes it perfect for bloggers and influencers.
Key features:
- Over 2000 templates across different themes
- Animated templates for stories
- Customizable design tools for text and images
App store: Get it here
Play store: Get it here
11. Splice (Free, with Subscription)
Splice is a video editor tailored for Instagram Stories, making it one of the top apps for Instagram stories for creators who focus on video content. It provides tools for trimming, merging, and adding music, all in an easy-to-use interface.
Key features:
- Comprehensive video editing tools
- Add music, text, and transitions
- Great for creating professional-looking video stories
For storytellers who prioritize video, Splice is a standout choice among apps for Instagram stories.
App store: Get it here
Play store: Get it here
12. Facetune (Free, with Paid Options)
Facetune is a powerful photo editing app designed to help you perfect your images for Instagram Stories. While best known for its portrait editing capabilities, Facetune is a versatile tool for enhancing any photo. You can smooth skin, whiten teeth, remove blemishes, and even reshape or refine features with its advanced yet user-friendly tools. Additionally, the app includes creative editing features like lighting adjustments, filters, and background edits to make your Stories stand out.
Key features:
- Skin-smoothing, blemish removal, and teeth-whitening tools
- Background editing and creative lighting effects
- Filters and color adjustment tools
- Intuitive interface for quick touch-ups
For creators who want their stories to look flawless, Facetune is a must-have among the many apps for Instagram stories available today.
App store: Get it here
Play store: Get it here
13. SODA (Free, with Paid Options)
SODA is a versatile camera and photo editing app designed to make your Instagram Stories look flawless. Known for its real-time beauty filters, SODA offers an easy way to enhance your photos and videos as you capture them. It combines advanced facial recognition technology with high-quality editing tools, allowing you to refine everything from skin tone to facial features naturally.
In addition to beauty-focused tools, SODA includes vibrant filters and effects for travel shots or creative storytelling, making it ideal for influencers and content creators alike.
Key features:
- Real-time beauty filters for photos and videos
- Advanced facial recognition for natural editing
- A wide range of color filters and artistic effects
- Easy-to-use interface for on-the-go editing
- Supports both photos and videos for Instagram Stories
App store: Get it here
Play store: Get it here
14. Snapseed (Free)
Snapseed, developed by Google, is a powerful and free option among apps for Instagram stories. With professional-grade editing tools like selective adjustments and a healing brush, Snapseed offers precision and versatility.
Key features:
- Expand tool for resizing photos and extending edges
- Precision editing with selective adjustments
- Healing tools for removing unwanted objects
- Advanced filters and color grading options
- Completely free and ad-free
For creators seeking professional results, Snapseed is one of the best free apps for Instagram stories available.
App store: Get it here
Play store: Get it here
15. Maché (Free, with Paid Options)
Maché is a popular template app for photo collages, similar to Unfold. It’s clean, minimalist, and offers a high-quality range of templates for both photos and videos.
Key features:
- Elegant templates for stories
- Custom fonts and filters
- Ideal for photo collages
App store: Get it here
Play store: Unavailable
Making Instagram stories doesn’t have to be hard. Whether you’re out and about or editing at home, these apps for Instagram stories—both free and paid—make it super easy to create fun, professional-looking content. For my travel and photography account, @iwanderlista, they’ve been so helpful in capturing and sharing all the beauty and adventure along the way.
Try out a few of these apps for Instagram stories, play around, and see which ones work best for you. Your followers will love what you come up with!
