How to Play Music on an Instagram Post: The Definitive Guide

Want to inject some sonic energy into your Instagram posts? Adding music is a fantastic way to enhance the mood, tell a story, or simply catch the attention of your followers. The core method involves using the built-in Instagram music library during the creation of your Instagram Stories or Reels. Let’s break down the process and explore some nuances.

Adding Music to Instagram Stories

The primary way to include music in your Instagram posts is through Instagram Stories. This is where the platform truly shines with its music integration. Here’s the step-by-step:

1. Open Instagram and start a Story: Tap the “+” icon at the bottom and select “Story” from the options.
2. Capture or upload your visual: You can either take a photo or video directly within the Story interface or upload one from your phone’s gallery.
3. Access the Sticker tray: Once you have your visual, tap the sticker icon (it looks like a square with a smiley face) at the top of the screen.
4. Find the Music sticker: Scroll through the sticker options until you find the “Music” sticker. Tap it.
5. Browse or search for music: You’ll now be presented with Instagram’s music library. You can browse through trending songs, explore genres, or use the search bar to find a specific track.
6. Select your desired song: Once you’ve found your song, tap on it to select it.
7. Choose the song segment: A waveform will appear, allowing you to choose which section of the song you want to use. You can drag the start and end points of the selection to highlight the perfect snippet. Instagram typically limits music clips to 15 seconds within Stories.
8. Customize the music sticker: You can choose how the music information is displayed. Options often include displaying the album art, lyrics (if available), or a simple music icon. Tap through the different options to find the style you prefer.
9. Position and resize the sticker: Drag the music sticker to your desired location on the screen. You can also pinch to resize it.
10. Post your Story: Once you’re satisfied with the music and its placement, tap the “Your Story” button at the bottom to share it with your followers. You can also choose to send it to a specific group of friends.

Incorporating Music into Instagram Reels

Reels are another excellent way to add music to your Instagram content. The process is similar to Stories, but with a few key differences:

1. Open Instagram and start a Reel: Tap the “+” icon at the bottom and select “Reel” from the options.
2. Record or upload your video: You can record video segments directly within the Reels interface or upload existing videos from your phone’s gallery.
3. Tap the Audio icon: On the left-hand side of the screen, you’ll see an audio icon (it looks like a music note). Tap it.
4. Choose your audio: You can select music from Instagram’s library or use your own original audio.
   • From Instagram’s Library: Browse or search for a song, just like you would for Stories. Select your desired track and adjust the portion you want to use.
   • Original Audio: If you’ve created your own audio (voiceover, instrumental track, etc.), you can select it from your device. Keep in mind that you’ll need the necessary rights to use any copyrighted material.
5. Adjust audio levels: You can adjust the volume levels of both your original audio and the added music to achieve the perfect balance.
6. Add effects and filters (optional): Reels offer a wide range of effects and filters to enhance your video. Experiment with different options to create a visually appealing Reel.
7. Add a caption and hashtags: Write a compelling caption and include relevant hashtags to increase the visibility of your Reel.
8. Share your Reel: Tap the “Share” button to post your Reel to your profile and the Reels feed.

Key Considerations and Tips

• Copyright: Always be mindful of copyright laws. Using copyrighted music without permission can lead to your content being muted or removed. Stick to Instagram’s music library or use royalty-free music if you’re unsure.
• Length Restrictions: Music clips in Instagram Stories are typically limited to 15 seconds. Reels allow for longer clips, up to 90 seconds.
• Availability: Not all songs are available in all regions due to licensing agreements.
• Strategic Music Choice: Choose music that complements the mood and content of your post. A peppy upbeat song might be perfect for a workout video, while a mellow tune could be ideal for a relaxing scenic shot.
• Sound Mixing: Ensure the music doesn’t overpower any spoken dialogue in your video. Adjust the volume levels accordingly.
• Stay Updated: Instagram regularly updates its features, including its music library. Keep an eye out for new songs and trends.
• Lyrics Display: If lyrics are available for a song, Instagram often gives you the option to display them on screen, adding another layer of engagement for your viewers.

FAQs: Your Burning Instagram Music Questions Answered

Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the ins and outs of adding music to your Instagram posts:

1. Why can’t I find the Music sticker in my Instagram Stories?

This is a common issue, and it usually boils down to one of these reasons:

• Account Type: If you have a business account, music availability might be limited due to copyright restrictions. Try switching to a personal account (temporarily) to see if the music sticker appears. Remember to switch back if you need business features.
• Location: Music availability varies by region. Some songs might not be licensed for use in certain countries.
• App Version: Make sure you’re using the latest version of the Instagram app. Outdated versions can sometimes have missing features. Update the app through your device’s app store.
• Glitches: Occasionally, it’s just a glitch. Try closing the Instagram app completely and reopening it. You can also try restarting your phone.

2. Can I use my own music instead of the songs in Instagram’s library?

Yes, but with caveats. You can use your own original audio in Reels. However, if you want to use copyrighted music that you don’t own the rights to, you might face issues with copyright infringement. It’s best to stick to Instagram’s library or use royalty-free music from other sources.

3. How do I add music to an existing Instagram post (a photo or video already on my feed)?

Unfortunately, you cannot add music directly to existing posts on your Instagram feed. The music feature is only available for Stories and Reels. The workaround is to delete the original post, recreate it as a Reel or Story with music, and then share it to your feed (if using Reels).

4. Can I add music to a Carousel post?

No, music cannot be directly added to carousel posts (posts with multiple images or videos). The music feature is exclusive to Stories and Reels.

5. How long can the music clip be in an Instagram Story?

Music clips in Instagram Stories are typically limited to 15 seconds.

6. How do I add lyrics to my Instagram Story or Reel?

If lyrics are available for a song in Instagram’s library, they will often appear automatically when you select the music. You can usually choose different lyric display styles (scrolling lyrics, highlighted lines, etc.) by tapping on the music sticker.

7. Can I use music on Instagram Live?

Yes, you can play music during Instagram Live broadcasts. You can either play music through your device’s speakers and have the microphone pick it up, or you can use a separate device to play the music directly into your phone’s microphone. Be mindful of copyright restrictions when playing copyrighted music.

8. Will my video be muted if I use copyrighted music without permission?

Yes, Instagram’s copyright detection system is quite sophisticated. If you use copyrighted music without the proper licenses, your video is likely to be muted, or in some cases, completely removed.

9. How do I find royalty-free music for Instagram?

There are several online platforms that offer royalty-free music for commercial and personal use. Some popular options include:

• Epidemic Sound
• Artlist
• Soundstripe
• YouTube Audio Library

Always read the licensing terms carefully to ensure that the music is suitable for your intended use on Instagram.

10. How do I change the song in my Instagram Story after I’ve already added it?

The easiest way to change the song is to delete the Story and start over. Unfortunately, there’s no direct “edit music” option once the Story is created.

11. How do I save a Reel with music without posting it?

You can save a Reel as a draft by tapping the “Save as Draft” button before posting. The Reel will be saved to your drafts, and you can access it later to edit or post it.

12. Why is the music I added to my Story not playing for some viewers?

This can be due to several reasons:

• Region Restrictions: The song might not be available in the viewer’s region.
• Account Type: Business accounts might have limitations on music playback.
• App Version: Viewers using older versions of the Instagram app might experience playback issues.

In conclusion, adding music to your Instagram posts is a powerful way to elevate your content and connect with your audience. By understanding the different methods and considerations outlined above, you can create engaging and captivating Stories and Reels that resonate with your followers. Remember to always be mindful of copyright laws and choose music that complements your visual content. Now, go forth and create some musical magic on Instagram!