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How to Make a Video with Music on Instagram: The Definitive Guide

So, you want to spice up your Instagram videos with some catchy tunes? Excellent choice! Music is the secret sauce that can transform a dull clip into engaging content. Adding music to your Instagram videos is surprisingly simple and offers a range of creative options. Here’s the lowdown on how to make a video with music on Instagram, covering all the essential steps and insider tips.

The Quick & Dirty: Adding Music to Your Instagram Video

Essentially, you have three main ways to add music to your Instagram videos: using Instagram Stories, Instagram Reels, or directly through the Instagram feed.

Instagram Stories: This is perfect for short, ephemeral content. Record or upload your video, then tap the sticker icon at the top. Select the “Music” sticker. Browse the available songs, choose your favorite snippet, and adjust the timing. You can even display the lyrics on screen!
Instagram Reels: Reels are designed for creativity and virality. Record or upload your video, then tap the “Audio” button on the left-hand side. Choose a song from Instagram’s music library, or use your own original audio. You can also import audio from other videos.
Instagram Feed: For longer, more polished videos, upload your video to your feed. Before posting, tap “Add Music“. Select a song from the library. You can adjust the starting point of the song and control the overall volume.

Diving Deeper: A Step-by-Step Guide

Let’s break down each method with more detail, providing a clearer pathway to audio-visual bliss.

Music in Instagram Stories: The Art of the Ephemeral

Open Instagram Stories: Tap your profile picture in the top left corner, or swipe right from the main feed.
Record or Upload a Video: You can record a video directly within the Stories interface, or upload one from your camera roll.
Access the Sticker Menu: Tap the sticker icon (a square smiley face) at the top of the screen.
Select the “Music” Sticker: Scroll through the sticker options and tap on the “Music” sticker.
Browse and Choose a Song: You’ll be presented with a curated list of trending and popular songs. You can also use the search bar to find a specific artist or song title.
Select Your Snippet: Once you’ve chosen a song, a waveform will appear, allowing you to select the portion of the song you want to use. Drag the waveform to find the perfect clip. You can select clips ranging from 5 to 15 seconds, depending on the length of your story.
Customize the Music Display: Some songs have lyrics available. If so, you can choose how the lyrics are displayed: as a scrolling text, a stylized graphic, or simply the song title.
Position and Resize: Move and resize the music sticker (or the lyrics) to your desired location on the screen.
Post Your Story: Once you’re happy with the result, tap “Your Story” to share it with your followers, or “Close Friends” to share it with a select group.

Instagram Reels: Crafting Viral Soundscapes

Open Instagram Reels: Tap the Reels icon at the bottom of the screen (it looks like a clapperboard).
Record or Upload a Video: Just like with Stories, you can record directly within the Reels interface, or upload a pre-existing video.
Tap the “Audio” Button: On the left-hand side of the screen, you’ll see a vertical toolbar. Tap the “Audio” button (it looks like a music note).
Choose Your Music Source: Here’s where you have options:
- From Instagram’s Library: This is the most common option. Browse trending songs, explore genres, or search for specific tracks.
- Original Audio: If you’ve created your own music or sound effects, you can use the “Original Audio” option.
- Import Audio: This is a game-changer! You can import audio from another video on your phone. This is incredibly useful for using viral sounds or trending audio clips you’ve found elsewhere.
Select Your Snippet: Once you’ve chosen a song, a waveform will appear. Drag the waveform to select the portion of the song you want to use in your Reel.
Adjust the Audio Levels: Reels allows you to control the volume of both the music and the original sound from your video. This is crucial for creating a balanced and professional-sounding Reel.
Add Effects and Text: Now the fun begins! Add filters, text overlays, stickers, and other effects to enhance your Reel.
Share Your Reel: Write a compelling caption, add relevant hashtags, and choose whether to share your Reel to your feed as well. Tap “Share” to unleash your creation upon the Instagram world.

Music in Instagram Feed Videos: Polishing the Final Product

Upload Your Video: Select the video you want to post from your camera roll.
Edit Your Video: Trim, adjust the brightness, and apply filters as desired.
Tap “Next”: Move to the next screen, where you’ll write your caption and add relevant information.
Tap “Add Music”: Below the caption box, you’ll see the option “Add Music“.
Browse and Choose a Song: Similar to Stories and Reels, you’ll be presented with a library of songs to choose from. Search for specific tracks or browse by genre.
Select Your Snippet: Choose the portion of the song that best complements your video.
Adjust the Volume: Control the volume of the music to ensure it doesn’t overpower the original audio of your video (if any).
Write Your Caption and Post: Add a compelling caption, relevant hashtags, and tag any collaborators. Tap “Share” to post your video to your feed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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

Not necessarily. Instagram has agreements with music licensing companies. You’re generally limited to the songs available in their library. Using copyrighted music without permission can lead to your video being muted or removed.

2. Why can’t I find the music sticker on Instagram Stories?

This could be due to a few reasons: Your Instagram app might be outdated, the feature may not be available in your region (though this is increasingly rare), or you might have a business account with limited music options (try switching to a personal account for testing purposes).

3. Can I add music to Instagram Stories after I’ve already recorded the video?

Yes! You can add music at any point before posting your Story. Simply upload your video, then follow the steps outlined above for adding music via the sticker.

4. How do I use my own music on Instagram Reels?

The “Original Audio” option allows you to record your own music or sound effects directly within the Reels interface. Alternatively, you can import audio from another video on your phone using the “Import Audio” feature. Keep copyright in mind!

5. What if I want to use a song that’s not in Instagram’s music library?

This is tricky. You could potentially record the song playing in the background while you record your video (be mindful of audio quality!). The “Import Audio” feature in Reels might also work, but be aware of potential copyright issues.

6. How do I adjust the volume of the music in my Instagram video?

In Reels, you can adjust the volume of both the music and the original audio of your video. In Feed videos, you can adjust the overall music volume. In Stories, you can’t directly adjust the music volume separately, but adjusting the overall phone volume can help.

7. Can I add multiple songs to one Instagram video?

Not natively, no. You can only add one song or audio track at a time within Instagram’s built-in tools. To use multiple songs, you’ll need to use a third-party video editing app to combine your video clips and add the music before uploading to Instagram.

8. How long can the music clip be in my Instagram Story or Reel?

In Stories, the music clip can be up to 15 seconds long. In Reels, the length of the music clip depends on the overall length of your Reel. You can often use the entire song or a shorter portion.

9. Why is my Instagram video muted after I post it?

This is usually due to copyright infringement. Instagram’s algorithm may detect copyrighted music that you didn’t have permission to use. Consider using music from Instagram’s library or obtaining the necessary licenses for copyrighted tracks.

10. Can I use music from other apps like Spotify or Apple Music on Instagram?

No, not directly. You can’t link your Spotify or Apple Music account to Instagram to access their music libraries. You’ll need to use music that’s available within Instagram’s own music library or use your own original audio.

11. How can I find trending audio on Instagram Reels?

Pay attention to the Reels you see on your feed. If you notice a particular song or sound effect being used repeatedly, it’s likely trending. You can also explore the “Audio” section in Reels, which often features trending tracks. Look for the upward trending arrow icon next to a song, indicating it’s currently popular.

12. What’s the best way to ensure my Instagram video with music sounds professional?

Pay attention to audio levels! Ensure that the music doesn’t overpower the original sound of your video (if any). Use high-quality recording equipment if possible. And, most importantly, choose music that complements the mood and style of your video. A well-chosen soundtrack can elevate your content to the next level.

Adding music to your Instagram videos is a powerful way to enhance engagement and express your creativity. By following these steps and tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating captivating content that resonates with your audience. Now go forth and create some audio-visual magic!