How to Put a Song in Your Instagram Post: The Definitive Guide

Want to add a soundtrack to your Instagram life? Of course, you do! Music elevates any visual, turning a simple post into a memorable moment. The good news is, adding music to your Instagram posts is surprisingly straightforward, but there are nuances and tricks to master. In short, you can add music to your Instagram Stories and Reels directly within the app using its music library. Let’s dive into the how-to, and then explore everything else you need to know about crafting the perfect musical Instagram experience.

Adding Music to Your Instagram Stories: The Classic Method

Instagram Stories are designed for ephemeral, in-the-moment content, and music adds an instant layer of engagement. Here’s the breakdown:

1. Open Instagram and Start a Story: Tap the “+” icon at the top of your screen or swipe right from your feed to access the Story creation screen. You can take a photo, record a video, or upload existing media from your camera roll.
2. Access the Sticker Tray: Once you have your visual, tap the sticker icon (a square with a smiley face) at the top of the screen. This opens a tray filled with various interactive elements.
3. Select the “Music” Sticker: Scroll through the sticker options until you find the “Music” sticker. Tap on it.
4. Browse or Search for Music: You’ll be presented with a music library. You can browse by genre, mood, or trending songs. Alternatively, use the search bar to find a specific song or artist.
5. Choose Your Song Snippet: Once you’ve selected a song, you can choose the specific segment (usually 5-15 seconds) you want to use. A waveform display allows you to visually pinpoint the perfect part of the track.
6. Customize the Music Sticker: Instagram offers various ways to display the song information. You can choose to show the album art, lyrics, or a simple title. You can also adjust the size and placement of the sticker on your Story.
7. Post Your Story: Once you’re happy with your musical creation, tap the “Your Story” button to share it with your followers.

Adding Music to Your Instagram Reels: The Viral Powerhouse

Reels are short-form videos designed for discovery and virality. Music is absolutely crucial to their success. The process is similar to Stories, but with a few key differences:

1. Open Instagram and Start a Reel: Tap the “+” icon at the top of your screen and select “Reel” at the bottom.
2. Record or Upload Your Video: You can record video directly within the Reels interface, upload pre-existing clips, or combine both.
3. Tap the “Audio” Icon: Locate the audio icon (a music note) on the left-hand side of the screen. This is your gateway to the music library.
4. Browse or Search for Music: Just like with Stories, you can explore the music library by genre, mood, or trending sounds, or search for a specific song.
5. Choose Your Song Snippet: Select the section of the song that best complements your Reel.
6. Adjust Audio Levels (Optional): Reels allow you to adjust the volume levels of both the music and the original audio from your video. This is important for balancing the sound and ensuring that your voice or other sounds are audible.
7. Add Other Effects and Text: Reels offer a variety of effects, filters, and text options to enhance your video.
8. Share Your Reel: Write a compelling caption, add relevant hashtags, and tap “Share” to unleash your Reel upon the Instagram world.

Important Considerations: Copyright and Business Accounts

Understanding copyright is essential. Instagram has licensing agreements with major record labels, but these agreements don’t cover all music. Using copyrighted music without permission can lead to your post being muted or removed. This is especially important for business accounts.

• Business Accounts and Music Restrictions: Business accounts often have limited access to the full music library compared to personal accounts. This is due to stricter copyright regulations. If you’re using Instagram for business, be mindful of the music you choose and consider using royalty-free music options.
• Royalty-Free Music: There are many platforms that offer royalty-free music libraries specifically for commercial use. These services provide music that you can legally use in your Instagram content without worrying about copyright issues.

FAQs: Your Burning Music-on-Instagram Questions Answered

1. Can I use any song I want on Instagram?

No. Instagram has licensing agreements with many record labels, but not all songs are available for use. Using copyrighted music without permission can result in your post being muted or removed, particularly for business accounts.

2. Why can’t I find a specific song on Instagram’s music library?

Several reasons: the song might not be licensed for use on Instagram, or it may be restricted in your region. Business accounts often have more limited music options. Also, newly released songs might take time to appear in the library.

3. How do I add music to an Instagram post that’s already been published?

Unfortunately, you cannot add music to a regular Instagram post after it has been published. You can only add music to Stories and Reels. If you want to add music to a photo, you’ll need to create a Story or Reel with the photo and the music, then share it.

4. Can I add music from Spotify or Apple Music to my Instagram posts?

No, you can’t directly integrate Spotify or Apple Music with Instagram posts. However, you can play the song on your device while recording a video for your Story or Reel. Be mindful of audio quality and background noise.

5. How do I add lyrics to my Instagram Story?

When you select a song using the “Music” sticker, if lyrics are available, Instagram will automatically display them as an option. You can choose different lyric styles and customize their appearance on your Story. Not all songs have lyrics available.

6. My Instagram music sticker is missing. What should I do?

This can happen due to a glitch, account type, or regional restrictions. Try the following: update the Instagram app, switch to a personal account (if you have a business account), check your region’s music licensing restrictions, clear the app’s cache, or reinstall the app.

7. Can I use my own original music on Instagram?

Yes! If you own the rights to the music, you can use it freely. You can upload your music to your device and use it while recording a video, or you can distribute your music through a music distribution service, which may make it available in Instagram’s music library.

8. How do I control the volume of the music in my Reels?

In the Reels editor, you’ll find a volume control option. This allows you to adjust the volume of both the music and the original audio from your video. It’s essential to balance the levels so that both are audible.

9. What are some good royalty-free music sources for Instagram business accounts?

Popular options include Epidemic Sound, Artlist, and PremiumBeat. These platforms offer vast libraries of high-quality, royalty-free music that you can use without worrying about copyright issues.

10. Can I add music to a Carousel post on Instagram?

No. Music can only be added to Stories and Reels, not to regular posts or Carousel posts.

11. How do I make sure the music I choose fits the mood of my post?

Consider the overall tone and message of your post. Upbeat and energetic music works well for fun, lively content, while slower, more mellow music is suitable for reflective or emotional posts. Think about the genre and lyrics to ensure they align with your visual.

12. What happens if I use copyrighted music without permission on Instagram?

Instagram’s copyright detection system may mute your post, remove it entirely, or issue a copyright strike against your account. Repeated violations can lead to account suspension or termination. It’s always best to use licensed music or royalty-free alternatives.

By following these guidelines and understanding the nuances of music licensing, you can elevate your Instagram content and create a more engaging experience for your audience. Now go forth and make some noise (legally, of course)!