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How To Add Music To A Story on Instagram: The Definitive Guide

Adding music to your Instagram Stories is no longer a luxury; it’s practically a necessity. It elevates your content, sets the mood, and dramatically increases engagement. The good news? It’s incredibly simple. You can add music to your Instagram Story by using the built-in music sticker found within the Instagram Stories editor. When creating your story, simply select the music sticker, search for your desired song, choose a clip of the track, and place the sticker on your story. This is the primary method, but there are nuances and alternatives we’ll explore.

The Magic Behind Instagram Music: A Deep Dive

While the basic process is straightforward, understanding the details can help you truly master the art of adding music to your Stories. Let’s explore everything from finding the perfect track to troubleshooting common issues.

Method 1: The Music Sticker – Your Go-To Tool

This is the bread and butter of Instagram Story music. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

Create Your Story: Start by opening the Instagram app and swiping right or tapping your profile picture with the “+” sign to access the Story creation mode. Capture a photo or video, or upload one from your camera roll.
Access the Sticker Tray: Once your background is set, tap the sticker icon (the square smiley face) at the top of the screen. This opens a tray full of interactive elements.
Find the Music Sticker: Scroll through the sticker options until you find the “Music” sticker. It’s typically represented by a music note icon. Tap it.
Search and Select Your Song: A vast library of songs will appear. You can browse by mood, genre, or what’s trending. Use the search bar to find a specific song or artist.
Choose Your Snippet: Once you’ve selected a song, you can choose the specific part of the song you want to play in your Story. Drag the slider to the desired starting point and choose the duration (typically up to 15 seconds, though shorter clips are often more effective).
Customize the Music Sticker: You can customize how the music information is displayed. Options include:
- Album Art: Display the song’s album art.
- Lyrics: Display the lyrics of the song (if available). This is a fantastic way to engage viewers.
- Simple Text: Just show the song title and artist.
Place and Resize: Drag the music sticker to your desired location on the Story. You can also resize it using pinch and zoom gestures.
Post Your Story: Once you’re happy with the placement and customization, tap “Your Story” to share it with your followers.

Method 2: Using Music Apps like Spotify and Shazam

Many music streaming services offer direct sharing options to Instagram Stories. This is particularly useful for sharing what you’re currently listening to or recommending specific tracks.

From Spotify: Open the Spotify app and play the song you want to share. Tap the three dots “…” next to the song title. Select “Share,” then choose “Instagram Stories.” Spotify will automatically create a story frame with the album art. You can then add text, stickers, and other elements within the Instagram Stories editor before posting.
From Shazam: If you’ve identified a song using Shazam, you can share it directly to Instagram Stories. Tap the Shazam icon, then select “Instagram Stories.” This will create a story frame with the Shazam logo and the song details.

Method 3: Using Third-Party Video Editing Apps

For more advanced control over your music and video integration, consider using third-party video editing apps like Adobe Premiere Rush, InShot, or CapCut. These apps offer greater flexibility in terms of audio editing, synchronization, and creative effects.

Import Your Video: Import your video footage into the video editing app.
Add Music: Add your desired music track to the timeline. These apps let you import your own audio files as well as use the built-in music libraries.
Edit and Synchronize: Edit the music to match your video content, adjusting the volume, timing, and fade-in/fade-out effects.
Export and Share: Export the finished video and upload it to Instagram Stories. This gives you a more polished and seamless result, especially for videos requiring precise audio synchronization.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Sometimes, things don’t go as smoothly as planned. Here are some common problems and solutions:

“Music is Not Available in Your Region”: This is often due to licensing restrictions. Instagram’s music library varies by region. Try using a VPN (though this might violate Instagram’s terms) or explore royalty-free music alternatives.
“No Music Sticker”: This can happen if your Instagram app is outdated. Update to the latest version in your app store. Also, certain business accounts might have limited access due to licensing agreements.
“Song Not Found”: Double-check the spelling of the song or artist. If the song is very new or obscure, it might not be in Instagram’s library yet.
“Audio Issues”: Ensure your phone’s volume is turned up and that there are no conflicting audio sources. If you’re using a video editing app, check the audio settings to ensure the music is properly mixed.

FAQs: Your Burning Music Questions Answered

Here are some frequently asked questions to address any lingering questions.

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

This is usually due to an outdated app version. Ensure you’re using the latest version of Instagram. If the problem persists, try clearing the app’s cache or reinstalling the app. Account type might also play a role – some business accounts have restricted music access due to licensing agreements.

2. Can I add my own music to Instagram Stories?

Officially, no, not directly through the Instagram app. The music sticker relies on Instagram’s licensed music library. However, you can use third-party video editing apps to add your own music or royalty-free tracks before uploading your story.

3. Is it possible to add music to an existing Instagram Story?

Unfortunately, no. You can only add music while creating a new Story. You’ll need to delete the existing Story and recreate it with the music.

4. How long can the music clip be on an Instagram Story?

The maximum length of a music clip in an Instagram Story is typically 15 seconds. However, you can choose which 15-second segment of the song you want to use.

5. Can I use copyrighted music on my Instagram Story without any issues?

Instagram has licensing agreements that allow you to use certain copyrighted music within their app. However, if you’re using music outside of the Instagram music sticker, you’re potentially violating copyright laws. Be cautious and consider using royalty-free music if you’re concerned about copyright issues.

6. Does the music selection vary depending on my location?

Yes, Instagram’s music library varies by region due to licensing agreements. A song available in one country might not be available in another.

7. How do I add lyrics to my Instagram Story music?

When selecting your music clip in the Instagram Music sticker, if lyrics are available for that song, you’ll see an option to display the lyrics on your Story. You can then choose the font and style of the lyrics.

8. Why is the music muted on my Instagram Story?

This could be due to several reasons: the song might be unavailable in your region, your account type might have restrictions, or there could be an audio issue on your device. Check your volume settings and ensure the app is up to date.

9. Can I use music on Instagram Reels instead of Stories?

Yes, absolutely! In fact, Reels are designed to heavily incorporate music. The process is similar to Stories – you use the music icon to select a song and add it to your Reel. Reels often feature trending audio tracks, so it’s a great way to stay current.

10. What are some good alternatives if I can’t find the song I want on Instagram Music?

Explore royalty-free music libraries like Epidemic Sound, Artlist, or PremiumBeat. These services offer a wide range of high-quality music that you can legally use in your content. Use third party apps to add the music.

11. How do I change the start time of the music clip in my Instagram Story?

When you select a song using the Music sticker, a waveform will appear. Simply drag the waveform left or right to choose the specific part of the song you want to use.

12. Are there any downsides to using music on Instagram Stories?

While adding music enhances engagement, it can also be a distraction if not used appropriately. Ensure the music complements your content and doesn’t overshadow the message you’re trying to convey. Also, be mindful of the volume level to avoid overwhelming viewers.