How to Create an Instagram Story Cover in Photoshop

Organize your stories with beautiful Instagram highlight icons! Making a creative Instagram profile is a really easy way to get more followers. Now you can organize your favorite stories with clever story covers for Instagram.

This video will show you how to create three easy IG cover designs using awesome gradient backgrounds and fine-line icons. Watch the steps unfold and get all the details you need in the process below. Check out more amazing backgrounds and resources on Envato Elements.

How to Create an Instagram Highlight Icons Story Cover

First set up your document. Open a New Document at 1080 x 1920 pixels, the perfect size for Instagram.

Now decide which color or graphic you want to use for the Instagram story highlight icons background. For an easy result, simply Fill a New Layer with any color using the Paint Bucket Tool (G).

But for a more creative route, I'll use one of these beautiful Gradient Backgrounds from Envato Elements. Copy and Paste the background onto a New Layer and position it in place using the Move Tool (V).

Now add the categories. Download a Fineline Icon Pack and use the icons to define each category. Here I'll add the Instagram logo for Instagram templates, a music icon for my favorite music, and the sun icon for lifestyle posts.

Add the category icons and adjust the Instagram highlight icon size

Position each icon in the center of the graphic and upload the result to Instagram. You can adjust the IG highlight icon's size as preferred.

Then go to your profile's Instagram highlights and create new covers for your Instagram stories.

Here is the final result.

Recommended Highlight Icons for Instagram

Don't have the time to make these Instagram highlight cover icons yourself? We understand! Here are a few of our best valuable resources from Envato Elements.

1. Story Cover Instagram Highlights (JPG, PSD)

Celebrate your new business with a few professional icons. These Instagram story highlights feature stunning pink and gold colors with a lovely handwritten script. Download 40 covers with the perfect Instagram highlight icon size.

2. Highlight IG Cover Icons for Instagram (JPG, PNG, PSD)

Ever wondered how to make story cover Instagram icons? Just download this great pack! This premium set of textured icons includes 32 files with the ideal IG highlight icon size. You'll also get additional PNG versions you can upload right to Instagram.

3. Story Cover IG Icons Travel (JPG, PNG, PSD)

Try this chic template for Instagram highlight covers. There are 32 wonderful marble options for the perfect Instagram story highlight icon size. Highlight your best travel memories or exciting new pictures. Enjoy two sets of Instagram highlight marble icons available in both PSD and PNG formats.

4. Highlight Icons Story Covers for Instagram (JPG, PNG, PSD)

Get the right Instagram story highlight icon size. This next pack has exactly what you need with 32 elegant options of story cover for IG. Set up your highlights for new YouTube series, fitness routines, or your favorite memories. Check it out!

5. Template for Instagram Highlight Covers (JPG, PNG, PSD)

Need help with your Instagram? Enjoy this next amazing pack of icons designed with the Instagram highlight cover size in mind. These floral templates feature simplistic flower designs that are pretty and unique. Use them to highlight your interests from YouTube videos to glamour.

Learn More With Our Tutorials!

Inspired to learn more cool tips for Instagram? Start with one of our Photoshop tutorials! Create fun and inspiring graphics to post on all your social media profiles. Check out these tutorials to learn more from our experts: