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Instories Basics: Starter Tools

Written by Olesia
Updated over 3 months ago

Hey, creator! This article gives you a quick overview of the tools our beginners love most — the fastest way to get great first results. However, in case you want a deeper intro to Instories features, please follow the pages below:

You can find more guides in the Editor tools section.

Let’s explore some of the most popular tools for beginners:

  • Background Remover

  • Instant Stories Maker

  • Instant Reels Maker

  • Text Brush

  • Photo Effects

1. Background Remover

What it does: Automatically cuts your subject out of a photo/video and lets you keep a transparent background, solid color, or ready-made backdrop.

Great for: Product cards, covers, flyers, teasers; creators who want a clean, distraction-free look.

How to use (quick):

  1. Import a photo/video → Remove Background.

  2. Choose Transparent / Solid / Template.

  3. Refine the edges with Edit Cutout, if needed.

  4. Save or keep designing.

Tips:

  • Strong contrast between subject and background improves results.

  • For hair/fur, lightly trace edges with Edit Cutout.

2. Instant Stories Maker

What it does: Turns your media and short text into polished stories in minutes — complete with layout, fonts, and animations.

Great for: Anyone who needs to make quick stories without the need for heavy design work: shops, cafés, coaches, event promos.

How to use (quick):

  1. Open Instant Stories Maker → pick a theme/brand style.

  2. Add 1–5 media files and a few key lines.

  3. Write a prompt.

  4. Tweak colors/fonts to your liking → export.

Tips:

  • Keep one clear message (~12–15 words).

  • Use vertical media to minimize cropping.

  • For story series, stick to one theme for a consistent look.

3. Instant Reels Maker

What it does: Builds a short video (Reel/Short) from your clips, syncs cuts to the beat, and adds transitions/titles.

Great for: Dynamic, music-driven videos — beauty, fitness, local business, travel, e-commerce.

How to use (quick):

  1. Open Instant Reels → pick or import media files.

  2. Add 4–12 clips (final length: ~15–30s).

  3. Choose an edit style — timings auto-sync to the music.

  4. Add a headline/CTA → export.

Tips:

  • Short clips feel snappier.

  • Lead with your strongest shot.

  • Add subtitles for UGC — helps retention.

4. Text Brush

What it does: Paints with text like a brush — over masks, along edges, or freehand. Perfect for bold typographic accents.

Great for: Posters, announcements, teasers, creative stories.

How to use (quick):

  1. Select Text Brush → choose font and stroke width.

  2. Brush over the area to make your text flow like brush strokes.

  3. Adjust the spacing, angle, and repeat.

  4. Add shadow/gradient/animation, if desired.

Tips:

  • High contrast + large size = mobile readability.

  • Limit to two fonts: one accent, one base.

  • Don’t cover faces or key objects — leave breathing room.

5. Photo Effects

What it does: Film looks, grain, blur, chromatic shift, light leaks, and more to unify style and add mood.

Great for: Fast, consistent grading across a set of images.

How to use (quick):

  1. Open Photo Effects → pick a preset.

  2. Tune intensity, grain, shadows/highlights.

  3. Save as a Preset for reuse.

Tips:

  • For product listings, avoid heavy color shifts.

  • Save task-specific presets: “Warm Product”, “High Contrast”, etc.

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