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How Do You Put Music on Snapchat? Your Ultimate Guide

Putting music on your Snapchat stories and snaps is a fantastic way to add flair, express your mood, and connect with your friends and followers. In essence, you can add music to your snaps directly within the Snapchat app using its built-in music library. Simply open Snapchat, take your photo or video, tap the ‘Music’ icon (the note symbol) on the right-hand toolbar, browse or search for a song, select the segment you want, and post!

Diving Deeper: Adding Music to Your Snaps Step-by-Step

While the basic process is straightforward, let’s break it down into detailed steps to ensure you get it right every time:

Open Snapchat: Launch the Snapchat app on your smartphone. Make sure you’re logged in to your account.
Capture Your Snap: Take a photo or record a video as you normally would. Consider the type of music that will complement your visual content.
Access the Music Feature: Look at the right-hand side of your screen. You’ll see a vertical toolbar with various options. Tap the ‘Music’ icon, represented by a musical note.
Browse or Search for Music: This will open Snapchat’s music library. You can scroll through trending songs, browse by genre, or use the search bar at the top to find a specific song or artist.
Select Your Song: Once you’ve found the perfect track, tap on it to preview.
Choose Your Music Clip: This is crucial. Snapchat allows you to select a specific portion of the song. A waveform will appear, and you can drag the slider to choose the 15-second (or shorter) clip that you want to use in your Snap. Experiment with different sections to find the most impactful segment.
Adjust Volume and Placement (Optional): Once you’ve selected your clip, Snapchat might give you the option to adjust the music volume relative to the sound in your video. You may also be able to move a sticker showing the name of the song and artist around the screen or even remove it altogether.
Add Other Creative Elements (Optional): Enhance your snap further with filters, lenses, text, stickers, or drawings. These additions will help to express your creativity.
Send or Post: Tap the blue ‘Send To’ button at the bottom right to send your Snap to specific friends or add it to your story by tapping ‘My Story’.

FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About Snapchat Music

Here are some frequently asked questions to help you troubleshoot issues and get the most out of the Snapchat music feature:

1. Why Can’t I Find the Music Icon on Snapchat?

If you don’t see the ‘Music’ icon, there are a few potential reasons:

Update Your App: Ensure you have the latest version of Snapchat installed from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android). Updates often include new features and bug fixes.
Regional Restrictions: In some regions, the Snapchat music feature might not be available due to licensing restrictions.
Account Type: Some business or brand accounts may have limited access to the music feature. Try using a personal account.
App Glitch: Occasionally, the app might experience a glitch. Try closing and reopening Snapchat, or restarting your device.

2. Can I Use My Own Music on Snapchat?

No, Snapchat only allows you to use music from its licensed music library within the app. You cannot directly upload music files from your device. However, there are workarounds, like playing the music from another device while recording your Snap. Be mindful of copyright issues.

3. Is There a Limit to How Long the Music Clip Can Be?

Yes, you can only select a clip of up to 15 seconds long to use in your Snap. This is why selecting the perfect segment is critical.

4. Can I Remove the Music Sticker from My Snap?

Yes, usually, after adding music, Snapchat shows a sticker displaying the song’s title and artist. You can drag this sticker around the screen to reposition it, resize it, or even drag it off the screen to completely remove it.

5. Can I Use Music on Snapchat Memories?

Yes, you can add music to Snaps saved in your Snapchat Memories. Open Memories, select the Snap you want to edit, tap the three vertical dots, choose “Edit Snap,” and then follow the same steps as above to add music.

6. What Happens If the Music I Used Is Removed from Snapchat?

If a song is removed from Snapchat’s music library due to licensing issues, Snaps using that song might have the music removed as well. This means your previously posted stories might go silent, or become unavailable if removed from Memories due to licensing issues.

7. Does Snapchat Music Use Data?

Yes, using the Snapchat music feature consumes data, as the app needs to stream the music. If you’re concerned about data usage, connect to Wi-Fi before using the feature.

8. How Do I Discover New Music on Snapchat?

Snapchat’s music library often features trending songs and curated playlists. Regularly check the music selection screen to discover new artists and tracks. Also, pay attention to what music your friends are using in their Snaps – it’s a great way to find new favorites.

9. Can I Use the Music Feature in Snapchat Spectacles?

Yes, if your Snapchat Spectacles are paired with your account, you can record Snaps with Spectacles and then add music to them within the Snapchat app when you transfer the Snaps to your phone.

10. Are There Copyright Issues with Using Music on Snapchat?

Snapchat has licensing agreements with music publishers and labels, allowing users to incorporate music into their Snaps for personal use. However, using music for commercial purposes without proper licensing can still infringe on copyright.

11. Why Is My Snapchat Music Lagging or Buffering?

Lagging and buffering while using the Snapchat music feature are usually related to internet connectivity. Ensure you have a stable and strong internet connection. Try closing other apps that might be using bandwidth.

12. How Often Does Snapchat Update Its Music Library?

Snapchat regularly updates its music library with new songs and trending tracks. The frequency of updates varies, but you can generally expect new music to be added weekly or monthly. Keep an eye on the music selection screen for new additions.

By following these steps and addressing these common questions, you’ll be well-equipped to leverage the power of music on Snapchat and create more engaging and expressive Snaps. So, go ahead, unleash your inner DJ, and let the music speak!