Vertical story templates are the backbone of a cohesive Instagram aesthetic. After scrolling through hundreds of options, I hand-picked ten distinct styles that not only look amazing but also work perfectly for different vibes—whether you’re a minimalist, a boho babe, or a retro lover. Each template is fully customizable, so you can make it your own. Let’s dive in.
1. Minimalist Vertical Story Template
Less is more. This template features plenty of white space, thin lines, and a sans-serif font that keeps the focus on your content. It’s perfect for quote stories, product launches, or any time you want a sleek, uncluttered look. Pair it with a monochrome photo for maximum impact. If you love this style, check out our free minimalist story template for more options.
2. Pastel Vertical Story Template
Soft pinks, lavenders, and mint greens make this template a dream for lifestyle and beauty content. It’s gentle on the eyes and adds a dreamy, romantic feel. Use it for morning routines, self-care posts, or any time you want to evoke calm. The pastel palette pairs beautifully with natural light photos.
3. Vintage Vertical Story Template
Channel old-school charm with this template. Think warm sepia tones, film grain textures, and retro borders. It’s ideal for throwback posts, travel memories, or any content with a nostalgic twist. The vintage aesthetic adds instant character to your stories. For more modern takes, see our modern aesthetic instagram story template collection.
4. Grunge Vertical Story Template
For those who like it edgy, this template uses distressed textures, bold overlays, and dark backgrounds. It’s perfect for music, fashion, or art accounts that want to stand out. The grunge vibe is raw and unpolished in the best way. Add your own stickers or scribbles to make it even more personal.
5. Neon Vertical Story Template
Brighten up your feed with neon colors that pop. This template features glowing borders, vibrant gradients, and electric fonts. Great for party announcements, event highlights, or any content that needs high energy. The neon style is a favorite among influencer accounts—check out our aesthetic influencer instagram story template for more inspo.
6. Nature-Inspired Vertical Story Template
Bring the outdoors in with earthy greens, leaf motifs, and organic shapes. This template is perfect for wellness, travel, or environmental content. It feels fresh and grounded. Combine it with photos of forests, gardens, or ocean views for a cohesive look. The botanical theme works wonders for monthly dump posts too—our aesthetic monthly dump story template has similar natural vibes.
7. Monochrome Vertical Story Template
Stick to one color family for a sophisticated, editorial feel. The monochrome template uses varying shades of a single hue (like all grays or all blues) to create depth without clutter. It’s incredibly versatile and works for any niche, from fashion to photography. Plus, it’s easy to match with your brand colors.
8. Retro Vertical Story Template
Go back to the ’90s or early 2000s with bold geometric shapes, neon accents, and playful patterns. This template is all about fun and nostalgia. Use it for birthday posts, throwback Thursdays, or any time you want a burst of color. The retro aesthetic pairs well with collage-style layouts—our aesthetic picture collage instagram story is a great companion.
9. Art Deco Vertical Story Template
Add a touch of luxury with Art Deco-inspired designs. Gold accents, symmetrical patterns, and elegant typography make this template feel glamorous. Perfect for wedding announcements, brand launches, or any milestone you want to celebrate in style. The Art Deco look is timeless and instantly elevates your content.
10. Boho Vertical Story Template
Free-spirited and warm, this template features earthy tones, tassel details, and floral accents. It’s ideal for lifestyle, yoga, or travel accounts that embrace a laid-back aesthetic. The boho vibe feels cozy and inviting. You can easily customize it with your own photos using this editable canva story template aesthetic approach.
There you have it—ten aesthetic vertical story templates to transform your Instagram stories. Whether you’re into clean minimalism or bold retro, there’s something here for everyone. The best part? All these templates are editable, so you can tweak colors, fonts, and layouts to match your brand. Start experimenting and watch your stories go from basic to breathtaking.
