How to Add Music to Instagram Post with Video: The Definitive Guide

Want to make your Instagram video posts more captivating? Adding music is the key! Let’s dive straight into how you can enrich your video content with the perfect soundtrack.

Adding music to an Instagram post with video is remarkably straightforward. Open Instagram and tap the “+” icon at the bottom to create a new post. Select the video you want to upload. Before posting, tap the “Add Music” icon (a music note) located either at the top of the screen or within the editing options. You can then browse Instagram’s music library by genre, mood, or trending tracks, or search for a specific song. Select the desired song and choose the segment you want to use in your video (Instagram typically allows for 5-90 second clips, depending on the type of post). Adjust the volume of both the original video sound and the added music to achieve the perfect balance. Finally, write your caption, add hashtags, and share your masterpiece!

Mastering Music Integration: A Deep Dive

While the basic steps are simple, truly mastering music integration on Instagram requires a deeper understanding of the platform’s features and best practices. Let’s explore the nuances of this powerful tool.

Choosing the Right Music

The right music can dramatically elevate your video. Consider these factors:

• Mood and Tone: Does the music complement the video’s atmosphere? Upbeat music suits energetic content, while mellow tracks are perfect for reflective moments.
• Target Audience: What kind of music resonates with your followers? Understanding their preferences is crucial.
• Copyright Considerations: Instagram’s music library is pre-cleared for copyright, but using music from outside this library requires careful attention to licensing.

Fine-Tuning Your Edit

Once you’ve chosen your music, pay attention to these editing details:

• Clip Selection: Select the most impactful segment of the song. The beginning often works well, but experiment to find the perfect fit.
• Volume Balance: Adjust the volume levels carefully. Overpowering music can distract from the video’s visuals and audio. Subdued music may go unnoticed. Aim for a harmonious blend.
• Syncing: While not always necessary, syncing the music to key moments in your video can create a highly engaging effect.

Maximizing Engagement

Beyond the technical aspects, think about how music can enhance audience engagement:

• Trending Sounds: Keep an eye on trending songs within Instagram. Using popular music can increase discoverability.
• Storytelling: Use music to amplify the narrative of your video. A well-chosen soundtrack can evoke emotions and create a stronger connection with your viewers.
• Call to Action: Consider using music that naturally leads to a call to action, encouraging viewers to like, comment, or share.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are the answers to your most pressing questions about adding music to Instagram videos:

1. Can I use my own music on Instagram?

Yes, but it’s complicated. Officially, you should use the music available in the Instagram music library to avoid potential copyright issues. However, if you have the rights to a song or create original music, you can technically use it. You might need to upload the music to a service that distributes to Instagram, or add the music to your video using a third-party video editing app before uploading to Instagram. This isn’t always a foolproof method, and Instagram’s algorithms are constantly evolving, so proceed with caution and ensure you have proper licensing if necessary.

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

Instagram’s music library varies by region due to licensing agreements. A song available in one country might not be available in another. Also, some independent artists and lesser-known tracks might not be included. Consider searching for similar songs or exploring different genres.

3. How long can the music clip be?

The length of the music clip depends on the type of post. For Instagram Reels, you can use music clips up to 90 seconds long. For regular Feed posts with videos, the music clip length generally matches the video’s length, up to the platform’s maximum video length.

4. Can I add lyrics to my video post?

Yes! When selecting a song, some tracks have a lyrics option. If available, Instagram will automatically display the lyrics on the screen in sync with the music. This is a great way to further engage your audience.

5. How do I adjust the volume of the music and the video?

After selecting your music clip, you’ll see two volume sliders: one for the music and one for the original video sound. Use these sliders to achieve the perfect balance. Generally, you want the music to be slightly louder than the original audio, unless the original audio is crucial to the video’s content.

6. Can I add music to existing video posts?

No, unfortunately, you cannot directly add music to existing video posts. You would need to delete the post and re-upload the video with music. This is why it’s crucial to plan your music integration before posting.

7. What are the best genres of music to use on Instagram?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer! The best genre depends entirely on your video’s content and your target audience. However, generally, upbeat pop, electronic, and hip-hop tracks tend to perform well, especially for Reels. Experiment and see what resonates with your audience.

8. How do I find trending music on Instagram?

Pay attention to the music used in popular Reels and posts. Instagram often highlights trending sounds within its music library. You can also follow trends on TikTok, as many popular TikTok songs eventually make their way to Instagram.

9. Can I use music for commercial purposes on Instagram?

Yes, but it’s essential to use music from the Instagram music library or obtain proper licensing for any other music. Using copyrighted music without permission can lead to your video being taken down or your account being penalized. For commercial use, it is always best to err on the side of caution and ensure you have the necessary rights.

10. Is there a difference between using music in Reels versus regular video posts?

Yes. Instagram Reels offer more creative editing options and tend to favor shorter, more dynamic music clips. Regular video posts often allow for longer music clips, matching the video’s overall length. Keep these differences in mind when planning your music integration.

11. What if I don’t see the “Add Music” option?

The “Add Music” option might be unavailable due to various reasons, including your account type (some business accounts have limited music access due to licensing restrictions), regional limitations, or app glitches. Ensure your app is updated to the latest version, and if the problem persists, consider contacting Instagram support.

12. Can I save music that I like on Instagram?

Yes! When you hear a song you like in a Reel or post, tap the song title at the bottom of the screen. This will open the music page, where you can save the song to your “Saved” music collection for later use. This is a great way to build a library of music ideas for future posts.