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How to Find Reels Songs on Instagram: Your Ultimate Guide

So, you’re hooked on Instagram Reels and itching to use that perfect song you just heard. You’re not alone. Finding the right track can elevate your content from “meh” to “mesmerizing.” Fortunately, Instagram has made music discovery relatively straightforward. The key lies in understanding the platform’s various search features, and recognizing how music is integrated within the Reels ecosystem. Simply put, you can find Reels songs on Instagram by exploring the audio library within the Reels creation tool, saving audio from existing Reels, searching directly for songs or artists in the Instagram search bar, browsing trending audio on the Reels feed, and using third-party music identification apps like Shazam. Let’s delve deeper.

Understanding Instagram’s Music Integration

Before we dive into the “how,” it’s crucial to grasp how Instagram incorporates music. It’s not just a tacked-on feature; it’s intricately woven into the fabric of the platform, designed for discovery and sharing. Instagram licenses music from various labels and artists, making a vast, (though sometimes region-restricted) library available for users to incorporate into their Reels and Stories. This integration means music discovery is often organic and serendipitous.

Methods to Discover Reels Songs

Let’s explore those avenues for finding your next sonic obsession:

1. Explore the Reels Creation Tool’s Audio Library

This is your primary portal. When creating a Reel, the first thing you’ll see (besides the record button itself) is the “Audio” button (often represented by a music note icon). Tapping this opens the audio library. Here’s how to navigate it:

“For You” Tab: Instagram curates a selection of trending and relevant songs based on your listening habits, the accounts you follow, and the overall popularity of tracks on the platform. This is a great place to discover new music.
“Trending” Tab: As the name suggests, this section showcases the sounds currently dominating the Reels landscape. It’s invaluable for staying on top of viral trends.
“Original Audio” Tab: Find the audio you saved before, which you can then use in new Reels.
“Saved” Tab: This is where all the audio you’ve saved for later (from other Reels) lives.
Search Bar: If you have a specific song or artist in mind, use the search bar. It’s remarkably effective, though remember that music licensing can vary by region, so some songs might not be available everywhere. You can search by song title, artist, or even keywords related to a genre or mood.

2. Saving Audio from Existing Reels

This is a powerful method for capturing those earworm moments. When you encounter a Reel with a song you love, look for the song title displayed at the bottom of the screen. Clicking this will take you to a page dedicated to that specific audio track. Here, you can:

Use Audio: Immediately start creating a Reel with that sound.
Save Audio: Click the “Save Audio” button (represented by a bookmark icon). The audio will then be added to your “Saved” audio library for future use.
Explore Reels Using This Audio: See all other Reels that have used the same sound. This is an excellent way to see how others are using the music and gather inspiration.

3. Direct Search in the Instagram Search Bar

Don’t underestimate the power of Instagram’s general search function. You can directly search for songs or artists within the app. Here’s how:

Tap the Search Icon: (Magnifying glass) at the bottom of the screen.
Type Your Query: Enter the song title or artist name.
Navigate to the “Audio” Tab: Instagram’s search results are categorized. Make sure you’re specifically looking at the “Audio” results.
Listen and Save: You can preview the audio snippet and save it to your library if it’s what you’re looking for.

4. Browse Trending Audio on the Reels Feed

Pay attention to the Reels you’re seeing on your main feed. Instagram’s algorithm is constantly learning your preferences, so the Reels it shows you are likely to feature music you’ll enjoy. Look for those trending sounds – they often become popular for a reason! Observe the kind of music that’s being used across different niches, and take note of the audio titles at the bottom of the screen.

5. Using Third-Party Music Identification Apps (Shazam, etc.)

Sometimes, you hear a snippet of a song somewhere outside of Instagram – perhaps in a public space, on a TV commercial, or in another app. This is where music identification apps like Shazam become invaluable. Simply activate Shazam while the music is playing, and it will identify the song. Once you have the song title, you can then search for it on Instagram. You can also use other similar apps to Shazam, such as SoundHound or even the Google Assistant.

6. Check the Reel Caption and Comments

Sometimes, creators are kind enough to credit the music in their captions or respond to comments asking about the song. It’s always worth a quick scan, especially if the song title isn’t displayed directly on the Reel. Creators often understand the importance of giving credit, so you might get lucky.

Things to Keep in Mind

Regional Restrictions: Music licensing is complex. A song available in one country might not be available in another due to copyright agreements. Don’t be surprised if you can’t find a song that’s trending elsewhere.
Copyright Issues: Using copyrighted music without permission can lead to your Reel being muted or even removed. While Instagram has licensing agreements, it’s always a good idea to be mindful of copyright regulations, especially if you’re creating content for commercial purposes.
Original Audio: Instagram also allows users to upload their own original audio. This can be anything from spoken word to original music. If you hear a song that isn’t readily identifiable, it might be original audio created by the Reel’s creator.
Instagram Music Library Updates: The Instagram music library is constantly evolving. New songs are added regularly, and some songs may be removed due to licensing changes. So, if you can’t find a song today, it might be available tomorrow.

FAQs: Your Burning Questions Answered

Here are some common questions I get about finding music for Instagram Reels:

1. Why can’t I find a specific song on Instagram?

Music licensing varies significantly across regions. A song that’s readily available in the US might be blocked in Europe or Asia due to copyright restrictions. Additionally, some songs may be temporarily unavailable due to licensing negotiations or other legal issues. Finally, make sure you are spelling the name of the song correctly, and verify it is available on Instagram.

2. Can I use any song I want on Instagram Reels?

Technically, no. Instagram has licensing agreements with many, but not all, record labels. If you upload a Reel with music that isn’t licensed by Instagram, it may be muted or removed. Stick to the audio library within the Reels creation tool for the safest bet.

3. How do I save audio from a Reel to use later?

When you’re watching a Reel with a song you like, tap the song title at the bottom of the screen. This will take you to a page dedicated to that audio. Click the “Save Audio” button (bookmark icon) to add it to your saved audio library.

4. Where do I find my saved audio on Instagram?

Open the Reels creation tool and tap the “Audio” button. Then, select the “Saved” tab. This is where all the audio you’ve previously saved will be stored.

5. How often does Instagram update its music library?

Instagram’s music library is updated regularly, although the exact frequency isn’t publicly disclosed. New songs are added frequently, often coinciding with new music releases or trending sounds.

6. Can I add my own original music to Instagram Reels?

Yes! You can upload your own original audio to use in Reels. This is a great way to showcase your own music or create unique sound effects. However, you can only add your own original audio via the camera roll within the Reels editor.

7. What happens if I use copyrighted music without permission?

Instagram may mute your Reel, remove it entirely, or even issue a warning. Repeated violations of copyright policies can lead to account restrictions.

8. How do I find trending songs on Instagram Reels?

The “Trending” tab within the Reels creation tool’s audio library is your best bet. Also, pay attention to the songs being used in popular Reels on your feed – these are often trending sounds.

9. Is there a way to see what songs are trending in a specific country?

While Instagram doesn’t offer a direct feature to filter trending songs by country, you can often get a sense of what’s popular in a specific region by following accounts based in that country and observing the Reels they create.

10. Why is the song I saved not showing up in my audio library?

Sometimes, there can be a slight delay in syncing saved audio. Try closing and reopening the Instagram app. If the song still isn’t there, it might be due to a temporary glitch or regional restrictions.

11. Can I download songs from Instagram to use elsewhere?

No. Instagram doesn’t allow you to download the audio tracks directly from the platform. The music is intended for use within Instagram Reels and Stories only.

12. How do I give credit to the artist of a song I use in my Reel?

It’s always a good practice to credit the artist in your Reel caption. Simply include the artist’s name and song title. This is a great way to show respect for the artist and help others discover new music.

By mastering these techniques, you’ll be well-equipped to discover the perfect soundtracks for your Instagram Reels and elevate your content to the next level. Good luck, and happy creating!