How to Add Music to an Instagram Post: The Definitive Guide

So, you want to elevate your Instagram game with the power of music? You’ve come to the right place. Adding a soundtrack to your posts isn’t just a trend; it’s a fantastic way to set the mood, amplify your message, and connect with your audience on a deeper level. Here’s the lowdown on exactly how to add music to your Instagram posts, whether it’s a story, reel, or even a regular feed post using creative workarounds.

Adding Music to Instagram Stories: The Easiest Route

The most straightforward way to sprinkle some sonic magic on your Instagram is via Instagram Stories. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:

1. Open Instagram and Access Stories: Launch the Instagram app and swipe right from your feed or tap your profile picture with the “+” sign to start a new story.
2. Capture or Upload Your Content: Take a photo or video directly within the app, or select one from your camera roll.
3. Access the Sticker Tray: Once your media is ready, tap the sticker icon at the top of the screen. It looks like a square with a smiley face.
4. Choose the Music Sticker: Scroll through the sticker options until you find the “Music” sticker. Tap it.
5. Browse and Select Your Song: A vast library of songs will appear. You can browse by trending tracks, specific genres, or use the search bar to find a particular song or artist.
6. Select Your Song Snippet: Once you’ve found your song, you can choose which part of the song you want to play in your story. Most songs allow you to select a 5-15 second clip.
7. Customize the Sticker: Instagram offers several ways to display the music information. You can choose from various text styles, album art displays, and even animate the lyrics on the screen.
8. Place and Resize the Sticker: Drag the sticker to your desired location on the screen and pinch to resize it.
9. Post Your Story: Once you’re happy with the placement and song selection, tap the “Your Story” button at the bottom of the screen to share it with your followers.

Adding Music to Instagram Reels: Short, Sweet, and Engaging

Instagram Reels are all about grabbing attention quickly, and music plays a crucial role in achieving that. Here’s how to add music to your Reels:

1. Open Instagram and Access Reels: From the main feed, tap the “+” icon at the bottom and select “Reel”. Alternatively, swipe right and select “Reel” from the bottom menu.
2. Record or Upload Your Video: Record a new video or upload existing footage from your camera roll. You can even combine multiple clips to create a dynamic Reel.
3. Tap the Music Icon: Before or after recording, tap the music note icon located on the left side of the screen.
4. Browse and Select Your Song: Similar to Stories, you can browse trending songs, genres, or search for a specific track.
5. Select Your Song Snippet: Choose the portion of the song that best complements your video. You can trim the music clip to match the length of your Reel.
6. Adjust Audio Levels: Use the audio controls to adjust the volume of the music and your original video sound (if any). This is important to ensure a balanced audio experience.
7. Add Effects and Text (Optional): Enhance your Reel with filters, text overlays, and other creative effects.
8. Post Your Reel: Once you’re satisfied, add a caption, hashtags, and tag any relevant accounts before sharing your Reel to your feed and the Explore page.

Adding Music to Instagram Feed Posts: The Workaround

Unfortunately, Instagram doesn’t directly offer a built-in feature to add music to standard feed posts (photos or videos on your profile grid). However, there’s a clever workaround you can use:

1. Create Your Content in a Video Editor: Use a video editing app like iMovie (iOS), FilmoraGo (iOS & Android), or CapCut (iOS & Android).
2. Import Your Photo or Video: Import the photo or video you want to post into the video editing app.
3. Add Music: Add the music track of your choice within the editing app. Adjust the volume levels to your liking.
4. Export as a Video: Export the final product as a video file. Make sure the resolution and aspect ratio are suitable for Instagram.
5. Upload to Instagram: Upload the newly created video to your Instagram feed as a regular post.
6. Write a Compelling Caption: Craft a caption that complements the video and encourages engagement.

Important Note: Be mindful of copyright laws when using music in your posts, especially if you’re using copyrighted material for commercial purposes. Consider using royalty-free music or obtaining the necessary licenses.

FAQs: Your Burning Questions Answered

Here are 12 frequently asked questions to further clarify the process and address any lingering concerns you might have.

1. Why can’t I find the music sticker on my Instagram Story?

This could be due to a few reasons. First, make sure your Instagram app is updated to the latest version. Second, the music sticker may not be available in all regions due to licensing restrictions. Third, if you have a business account, you might have limited access to certain songs. Try switching to a personal account temporarily to see if that resolves the issue.

2. Can I add my own music to Instagram?

Unfortunately, you can’t directly upload your own music to Instagram’s music library. However, if you’re a musician or artist, you can partner with a music distributor to get your music officially added to the Instagram music library. Services like DistroKid, TuneCore, and CD Baby can help you with this.

3. How do I add music to a carousel post on Instagram?

The workaround for adding music to a standard feed post (described above) applies to carousel posts as well. Create a video that incorporates your photos and music using a video editing app, then upload that video as part of your carousel.

4. Can I use copyrighted music on Instagram?

Technically, using copyrighted music without permission is a violation of copyright law. However, Instagram has licensing agreements with many music labels, which allows users to use a vast library of songs for non-commercial purposes. If you are using copyrighted music for commercial purposes (e.g., promoting a product or service), you’ll need to obtain the necessary licenses.

5. Will my Instagram post be taken down if I use copyrighted music?

Instagram’s copyright enforcement system can detect copyrighted music in your posts. Depending on the situation, your post may be muted, removed, or your account could face restrictions.

6. How do I change the song after I’ve already added it to my Story or Reel?

Unfortunately, once you’ve added music and published your Story or Reel, you can’t edit it to change the song. You’ll need to delete the post and create a new one with the correct music.

7. Can I add music to an Instagram Live video?

No, Instagram doesn’t offer a direct feature to add pre-recorded music to a Live video. However, you can play music from a separate device while broadcasting Live, although the audio quality may not be optimal.

8. What’s the best way to find trending music on Instagram?

The “For You” section within the music library in Stories and Reels often features trending songs. You can also pay attention to what songs other creators are using in their posts and Reels.

9. How do I adjust the volume of the music and my original audio in a Reel?

When creating a Reel, you’ll see a volume control icon. Tap it to adjust the volume levels of the music and your original audio (if you recorded sound while filming).

10. Why is the music sticker not working on my business account?

Business accounts may have limited access to certain songs due to licensing agreements. Try switching to a personal account to see if that resolves the issue. Alternatively, consider using royalty-free music in your content.

11. How do I use a song from another user’s Reel in my own Reel?

When you see a Reel with a song you like, tap the song title at the bottom of the screen. This will take you to the song’s page, where you can select “Use Audio” to create your own Reel with that song.

12. Is it better to add music before or after recording my video for a Reel?

It depends on your creative process. Adding music before recording can help you set the mood and create a video that syncs perfectly with the beat. Adding music after recording allows you to choose a song that complements the existing footage. Experiment to see which approach works best for you.

By following these guidelines and keeping the FAQs in mind, you’ll be well on your way to creating engaging and musically enhanced Instagram posts that capture your audience’s attention and elevate your online presence. Now go forth and make some noise!