When you see the term “custom” in relation to Facebook stories, it refers to the ability to customize and personalize the stories you share. Facebook stories allow users to express themselves and share moments creatively in a fullscreen, visual format. The “custom” options provide ways to make your stories unique to you.
Adding Custom Elements
There are a few key ways you can customize your Facebook stories:
- Custom backgrounds – You can choose from Facebook’s preset backgrounds or upload your own photo or video background.
- Stickers – Facebook provides tons of colorful, animated stickers you can add to your stories. There are also custom stickers connected to events, public figures, TV shows, movies and more.
- Text and drawing tools – You can add text boxes, handwritten notes, and make drawings directly on your story.
- AR effects – Facebook has augmented reality (AR) effects featuring masks, filters and more that track faces.
- Poll stickers – Insert interactive poll stickers where friends can vote on different options.
- Music – Search for and add songs from Facebook’s music library to play during your story.
- Location, hashtag and @mention stickers – Tag your location, include hashtags or @mention your friends.
Using these creative tools allows you to put your own personal spin on your Facebook stories. Your friends will see your unique style shine through in how you customize each story you share.
Why Customization Matters
Giving users creative control over their stories is important for a few key reasons:
- Self-expression – Customizing your stories lets you showcase your personality.
- Relevance – Adding stickers, music, etc. that relate to your story makes it more interesting.
- Interactivity – Polls, quizzes, hashtags and mentions encourage engagement.
- Visually appealing – Cool backgrounds, text styles, drawings and AR effects make stories more eye-catching.
Overall, the customization makes Stories a more fun, engaging way to share your life and connect with friends. It helps transform an ordinary photo or video into something exciting and one-of-a-kind.
Creative Examples
Here are some examples of creative ways people are customizing their Facebook stories:
Themed Stories
Around holidays or events, use related stickers, text, filters and backgrounds to make festive, themed stories. For example, on the Fourth of July, use red, white and blue text, sparkler AR effects and patriotic stickers. Or during the World Cup, add team stickers, flag backgrounds and soccer ball drawings to match the occasion.
Interactive Polls
Make your stories more conversational by adding poll stickers. Ask friends questions to spark discussion: “Should I get bangs?” or poll opinions: “Red or white wine tonight?” The real-time results displayed in your story make it interactive.
Song Clips
When sharing fun moments, set the vibe by adding music clips. Search Facebook’s library to find the perfect songs for dancing videos, reminiscing over memories, showing off your singing skills and more.
Doodles & Text
Use the drawing tools to create handwritten notes, signatures or doodles to personalize plain backgrounds. Stylize your text by changing the fonts, colors and placements. Add lots of text to share longer anecdotes or creative captions.
AR Effects
Augmented reality effects like masks, glasses, hats and more allow you to transform your look. The AR effects track your facial movements, making them seem like part of the original video. Try out silly looks for comedy or film creative sketches.
Best Practices
When customizing your Facebook stories, follow these tips:
- Choose backgrounds, music and effects that relate to your content.
- Use natural handwriting instead of text boxes for a personal touch.
- Keep polls and questions short and fun to encourage interaction.
- Highlight key moments in longer videos with text boxes or drawings.
- Don’t overcrowd your story – negative space can make it cleaner.
- Check that custom text is easy to read on your chosen background.
Unique Possibilities
Facebook stories open the door for all kinds of creative and personalized storytelling. Here are some examples of the unique types of stories you can make:
DIY Tutorials
Show off your latest craft, baking, gardening or home project step-by-step. Use drawings and text to call out important tips as you go.
Spotify Playlists
Share your favorite Spotify playlists by adding song clips, album artwork and captions about the music recommendations.
Lookbooks
Model your latest outfit finds with tags showing where you got each piece. Switch up poses and backgrounds for outfit changes.
Movie & TV Reactions
Post commentary as you watch shows and movies. Use relevant stickers, GIFs, polls and text captions to share reactions in real time.
Virtual Vacations
Can’t travel IRL at the moment? Take your followers on a virtual escape by sharing scenic location stickers, custom text and filters from dream destinations.
Using Templates
If you need some inspiration, Facebook provides custom story templates to help you easily create content for:
- Workouts
- DIYs
- Recaps of books, shows, movies
- Routines
- Outfits
- Cooking/baking
- Advice
The templates include pre-filled backgrounds, text boxes, stickers and layouts. You can simply add your own photos/videos and customize the rest.
Ads in Stories
Businesses can now also create customized story ads on Facebook. They follow the same story format but are labeled as ads. Brands can use interactive elements like polls, quizzes, AR effects and more to creatively promote their products within stories.
For example, a makeup brand could show product tutorial stories or a clothing retailer may make outfit idea stories. The custom creative options allow brands to showcase their personality and make ad content that feels native to the Stories experience.
Conclusion
Customizing your Facebook stories makes sharing moments not just easy, but also fun and personal. The creative tools let you put your unique spin on photos and videos before sharing them with friends. So get inventive with stickers, text, AR effects, drawings and more to liven up your Stories. The possibilities are endless when you can craft each story to match your own awesome style!