How to Put Music on an Instagram Video: The Definitive Guide

Want to spice up your Instagram videos and grab your audience’s attention? Adding the right music can transform a dull clip into a captivating piece of content. Here’s the lowdown on exactly how to do it, broken down into easy-to-follow steps:

The most straightforward method is by using Instagram’s built-in music library directly within the app. This allows you to seamlessly integrate songs into your Stories, Reels, and even regular feed posts. Begin by opening Instagram and either selecting the “+” icon to create a new post or swiping right from your feed to access the Stories camera. Record your video or upload an existing one. Then, tap the “sticker” icon (a square with a smiley face) at the top of the screen. Scroll through the options until you find the “Music” sticker. Tap on it and you’ll be presented with Instagram’s music library. Search for a specific song by title, artist, or browse through trending and recommended tracks. Once you’ve found your song, tap it to preview. You can then select which portion of the song you want to use, typically up to 15 seconds for Stories and 90 seconds for Reels. You can also adjust the placement of the music sticker on your video. Finally, post your video and enjoy the added musical flair!

Using Instagram’s Built-In Music Library: A Step-by-Step Guide

Let’s break that down even further:

1. Open Instagram and Access the Creation Tool: Tap the “+” icon at the bottom or swipe right from your feed to get to the Stories/Reels camera.
2. Record or Upload Your Video: Capture your video in real-time or select an existing one from your camera roll.
3. Find the Sticker Icon: It’s usually at the top of your screen, looking like a square with a smiley face.
4. Select the “Music” Sticker: Scroll through the sticker options until you find the “Music” sticker.
5. Browse or Search for Music: Use the search bar to find a specific song, or browse through the curated playlists and trending tracks.
6. Preview and Select Your Song: Tap on a song to preview it. Choose the section you want to use by dragging the waveform.
7. Adjust the Music Sticker: Move the sticker around on your screen, resize it, or hide it completely behind other elements.
8. Post Your Video: Once you’re satisfied, post your video to your Story, Reel, or feed!

Alternative Methods for Adding Music

While Instagram’s built-in library is convenient, sometimes you need more control or want to use music not available on Instagram. Here are a couple of alternatives:

Using Third-Party Video Editing Apps

Several third-party video editing apps, like InShot, CapCut, and Adobe Premiere Rush, offer more advanced features and access to a wider range of music. You can import your video into one of these apps, add your chosen music track, and then upload the edited video to Instagram. These apps often provide royalty-free music libraries, or you can import your own music files (ensuring you have the necessary rights to use them). This method offers more flexibility with timing, editing, and audio mixing.

Creating Videos Directly in Other Apps

Some apps, like TikTok, are specifically designed for creating short-form videos with music. You can create your video in TikTok, add music from its extensive library, and then save the video to your phone. From there, you can upload it to Instagram. However, be mindful of any watermarks or branding from the other app, as Instagram’s algorithm may penalize content that appears to be repurposed from other platforms.

Important Considerations

• Copyright: Always be mindful of copyright laws. Using copyrighted music without permission can lead to your video being muted or removed. Stick to Instagram’s library or royalty-free music sources for the safest option.
• Music Duration: Instagram Stories limit music clips to 15 seconds, while Reels allow up to 90 seconds. Plan your video and music selection accordingly.
• Audio Levels: Ensure that the music doesn’t overpower your voice or the natural sounds in your video. Adjust the audio levels in Instagram or your editing app.
• Trending Sounds: Keep an eye on trending sounds and audio clips on Instagram. Using popular audio can increase your video’s visibility and engagement.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why can’t I find the music sticker on Instagram?

If you can’t find the music sticker, it could be due to several reasons. First, make sure your Instagram app is updated to the latest version. Older versions may not have the sticker available. Secondly, the music feature might not be available in your region due to licensing restrictions. Instagram’s music library varies by country. If neither of those are the problem, try restarting your app or phone.

2. Can I use my own music on Instagram?

You can use your own music, but only if you have the necessary rights to do so. You can import your own music into third-party video editing apps and then upload the edited video to Instagram. However, be very careful about copyright infringement.

3. How do I add music to an Instagram post that’s already been published?

Unfortunately, you cannot add music to an Instagram post that has already been published. The option to add music is only available during the creation process. You would need to delete the existing post and create a new one with the music added.

4. How do I change the song in my Instagram Story after posting?

Similar to adding music to an existing post, you cannot change the song in your Instagram Story after it has been published. You would need to delete the Story and create a new one with the desired music.

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

Using music for commercial purposes requires more careful consideration. Instagram’s music library is generally licensed for personal use. If you are using Instagram for business, you should obtain the necessary licenses or use royalty-free music. Instagram offers tools like the Meta Business Suite which allows you to access music that is safe for commercial use.

6. How do I adjust the volume of the music in my Instagram video?

Within the Instagram app, you can adjust the volume of the music relative to the original audio in your video. When adding music, look for a volume control slider. You can also adjust the volume in most third-party video editing apps for finer control.

7. Why is my Instagram video muted?

Your Instagram video might be muted due to copyright infringement. If you used music without the necessary rights, Instagram might automatically mute your video. Ensure you are using music from Instagram’s library or have the appropriate licenses.

8. How long can the music clip be in my Instagram Story and Reels?

In Instagram Stories, the music clip can be up to 15 seconds long. For Reels, the limit is up to 90 seconds, but Instagram allows you to use longer videos as well.

9. How can I find trending music on Instagram?

Keep an eye on what other users are using! You can find trending music by browsing the Reels explore page. Look for Reels that have a small arrow icon next to the audio title. This indicates that the audio is currently trending.

10. Can I add lyrics to my Instagram video?

Yes! When you select a song from Instagram’s music library, some songs will automatically display lyrics on the screen. You can choose different lyric styles and customize their appearance.

11. What is royalty-free music and where can I find it?

Royalty-free music is music that you can use without having to pay royalties each time it is played. Several websites offer royalty-free music libraries, such as Epidemic Sound, Artlist, and Pond5. Be sure to read the license terms carefully to understand how you can use the music.

12. How do I report a copyright issue on Instagram?

If you believe your copyrighted music is being used without permission on Instagram, you can report it through Instagram’s help center. You will need to provide evidence of your ownership of the music and details about the infringing content. Instagram takes copyright infringement very seriously.