If you’ve opened up Instagram to a black background, you’re not alone. Instagram once only had the white background feature, but in 2019 they released a dark mode feature for the app. Sometimes, the app may switch a user’s profile to dark mode without them selecting it. So, if you’re wondering ‘why is my Instagram black?’ dark mode may be the answer.
Dark mode for Instagram has benefits for users such as potentially improving phone battery life and being easier on the eyes. Not everyone enjoys it, however, so if Instagram changed the settings without warning you it may come as a surprise to see it. Let’s talk about the benefits of dark mode and how to change it if your Instagram is black and you don’t want it to be.
Why is My Instagram Black?
Along with other apps, Instagram hopped on the dark mode train as screen time increased for users. Reports show that in 2022, an Instagram update that switched the app look while also switching some accounts to dark mode.
Dark mode makes the background of Instagram black with white text, and is supposed to cause less eye strain than the traditional white background.
What are the Benefits of Dark Mode on Instagram?
There are several benefits to using dark mode on Instagram.
Less Eye Strain
With a darker color palette, dark mode reduces the contrast between your screen and environment. This can result in less eye strain, particularly in low light conditions. You’ve probably opened Instagram while laying in the dark and the white screen hurt your eyes for a brief moment, right? Dark mode eases that feeling especially when you’re in a dark area.
Uses Less Battery
Another benefit to using dark mode on Instagram is that it can conserve battery life if you have an OLED or AMOLED display. This is because these types of screens don’t illuminate dark pixels, so it won’t be using up that energy.
Different Aesthetic
For some users, they just prefer how dark mode looks. The black background creates an aesthetically pleasing scrolling experience.
Improved Accessibility
If you have vision issues or are sensitive to bright light, dark mode can make using Instagram a much more pleasant experience. The black background reduces glare so you can use the app more easily.
How to Turn On Instagram Dark Mode
Do you want to try out Instagram dark mode? Here’s how.
- Head to your Instagram Profile
- Click the Menu Icon at the top right
- Go to Settings and Privacy
- Tap Accessibility
- Click on Dark Mode
Your app should switch to dark mode immediately. If you don’t like your Instagram being black, you can toggle the switch back to turn it off just as easily as you turned it on.
Final Thoughts
With dark mode becoming an increasingly common feature, this should answer the question ‘Why is my Instagram black?’ If you don’t find any benefit to dark mode, you can always turn it off.
