How to Add a Song to Instagram Music: The Definitive Guide

Want to spice up your Instagram Stories and Reels with the perfect soundtrack? Adding music to your content is a game-changer, boosting engagement and allowing you to express yourself in a whole new dimension. Here’s the lowdown on how to add a song to Instagram Music, the restrictions you should know, and how to troubleshoot common issues.

The process is relatively straightforward, but it depends on whether you’re creating a Story or a Reel.

For Instagram Stories:

1. Open Instagram and Swipe Right: Start by opening the Instagram app and swiping right from the main feed. This launches the Story camera.
2. Capture or Upload Content: Take a photo or video directly, or upload one from your camera roll.
3. Access the Stickers Menu: Tap the sticker icon at the top of the screen (it looks like a square with a smiley face).
4. Select the “Music” Sticker: From the sticker options, choose the “Music” sticker.
5. Search for a Song: A music library will appear. Use the search bar to find the song you want. You can search by title, artist, or keyword.
6. Choose Your Song Snippet: Once you find your song, tap it. You’ll be able to select a specific section of the song (usually up to 15 seconds for Stories). Drag the slider to choose the perfect part.
7. Customize the Display: You can change how the song is displayed on your Story. Options include album art, scrolling lyrics, or a simple text display. Tap the display to cycle through the available options.
8. Position and Resize: Tap and drag the music sticker to position it where you want it on your Story. You can also pinch to resize it.
9. Post Your Story: Once you’re happy with your Story, tap “Your Story” to share it with your followers.

For Instagram Reels:

1. Open Instagram and Tap the “+” Icon: Tap the plus icon at the bottom of the screen, then select “Reel”.
2. Record or Upload Content: Record video directly in the Reels camera, or upload existing footage.
3. Tap the “Audio” Button: Look for the music note icon on the left-hand side of the screen. This is the audio button.
4. Select a Song: A music library will appear, similar to the Stories library. Use the search bar to find your desired track. You can also browse trending audio.
5. Choose Your Song Snippet: Select the portion of the song you want to use in your Reel. The length of the snippet depends on the length of your video.
6. Adjust Audio Levels: You can adjust the volume of the original video and the added music to create the perfect balance.
7. Add Effects and Filters (Optional): Enhance your Reel with various effects and filters.
8. Add a Caption and Hashtags: Write a compelling caption and use relevant hashtags to increase visibility.
9. Share Your Reel: Choose whether to share your Reel to your feed, the Reels tab, or both.

Understanding Instagram Music Licensing

While adding music to Instagram seems easy, it’s important to understand the basics of music licensing. Instagram has agreements with major record labels and publishers to allow users to include licensed music in their Stories and Reels. This is why you have access to a vast library of songs within the app.

However, these agreements have limitations. Using copyrighted music without permission can lead to your content being muted or even removed. If you are planning to use Instagram for commercial purposes, always double-check the terms of use.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Sometimes, adding music to Instagram doesn’t go as smoothly as planned. Here are some common issues and how to troubleshoot them:

Music Sticker Not Available

The music sticker might not be available if Instagram hasn’t rolled out the feature to your region yet. It’s also possible that your account is a business account that is set to a category that restricts music use.

Song Not Available

Some songs might not be available in your region due to licensing restrictions.

Music Stops Playing or Gets Muted

This could be due to copyright issues, a glitch in the app, or poor internet connection.

Sound Quality Issues

Make sure your phone’s volume is turned up and that your speakers are working correctly. Also, check your app settings for any audio-related configurations.

App Freezing or Crashing

This is usually due to an outdated app version or a temporary glitch. Close the app and reopen it. If the problem persists, try updating the app or restarting your phone.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some common questions users have about adding music to Instagram:

1. Why Can’t I See the Music Sticker on My Instagram Story?

The music sticker might not be available to everyone immediately. Instagram rolls out features gradually. If you don’t see it, try updating your app to the latest version, or wait a few days. In some cases, specific business account categories have restrictions on music access.

2. How Can I Add Music to My Instagram Post (Feed Post), Not Just Stories or Reels?

Currently, Instagram does not allow you to directly add music to a regular feed post. Music functionality is primarily available for Stories and Reels. However, you can create a video with music and upload it as a feed post.

3. Can I Use My Own Music on Instagram?

Yes, but there are limitations. If you own the rights to the music, you can use it without restrictions. If not, it might be flagged for copyright infringement. If you are a musician looking to add your own original music to the Instagram music library, you need to use a digital distributor like DistroKid, TuneCore or CD Baby, they will distribute your music to all the music platforms, including Instagram.

4. What Happens if My Instagram Video Gets Muted Due to Copyright?

If Instagram detects copyrighted music in your video, it may be muted, or the video may be removed. To avoid this, use music from the Instagram library or obtain the necessary licenses.

5. How Long Can a Music Clip Be on an Instagram Story?

The maximum duration for a music clip on an Instagram Story is typically 15 seconds.

6. Can I Add Lyrics to My Instagram Stories and Reels?

Yes, many songs in the Instagram music library have lyrics available. When you select a song, Instagram will automatically display the lyrics if they are available.

7. What Are the Best Ways to Find Trending Music on Instagram?

You can find trending music by exploring the “For You” page on Reels, checking out popular sounds used by other creators, and following music-related accounts.

8. Can I Use Instagram Music for Commercial Purposes?

Using Instagram Music for commercial purposes is tricky. Standard licensing agreements cover personal use. For business or promotional purposes, you might need to obtain commercial licenses. Always check the Instagram terms of service and relevant copyright laws.

9. How Do I Change the Song After Adding It to My Story or Reel?

If you made a mistake, delete the music sticker and start over. It’s best to double-check before finalizing your post.

10. Is There a Way to Add Music from Spotify or Apple Music to Instagram?

No, you cannot directly import music from Spotify or Apple Music to Instagram. You need to use the music library within the Instagram app.

11. How Can I Report an Issue With Instagram Music (e.g., a Bug or Incorrect Song Information)?

You can report issues to Instagram through the app’s help center. Go to Settings > Help > Report a Problem.

12. What Should I Do if My Instagram Account Is Restricted From Using Music?

If your account is restricted from using music, it’s likely due to a business account category that limits music access. Review your account settings and consider switching to a different category or obtaining the necessary commercial licenses. You can also contact Instagram support for assistance.

By following these steps and keeping the FAQs in mind, you can confidently add music to your Instagram Stories and Reels, creating engaging content that resonates with your audience. Remember to respect copyright laws and always stay updated with Instagram’s latest features and guidelines!