How to Save Songs from an Instagram Story: The Definitive Guide

Saving that earworm of a tune you just heard on an Instagram Story isn’t always straightforward, but fear not! The direct answer is this: Instagram doesn’t offer a built-in feature to directly download the music from Stories. However, there are several clever workarounds to identify and then access the song, ranging from simple methods within the app to utilizing external tools. Let’s dive deep into the best strategies to help you build that perfect playlist inspired by your favorite Instagram creators.

Identifying the Song: Your First Line of Attack

Before you can save a song, you need to know what it is! Thankfully, Instagram provides several avenues for this.

Checking the Story Details Directly

The most obvious method is to simply look at the Story itself. Often, the artist and song title will be displayed prominently. Pay close attention to the stickers and text overlaid on the Story – it’s likely the creator has tagged the song. If you see the song title, fantastic! Jot it down and you’re already halfway there.

Using Instagram’s “See Lyrics” Feature

Some Stories feature a “See Lyrics” option. This is a goldmine! Not only does it confirm the song, but it also gives you a preview of the lyrics, which can be helpful for later searching. If this option is available, tap it, and Instagram will reveal the song’s title and artist information.

Asking the Story Creator

Don’t underestimate the power of a simple DM! If all else fails, reach out to the person who posted the Story. A polite message asking about the song title is often the most direct and reliable method. Most creators are happy to share their musical inspiration.

Saving the Song Once Identified: Your Arsenal of Tools

Once you’ve nailed down the song’s title and artist, it’s time to save it to your own collection.

Adding to Your Spotify or Apple Music Playlist

This is the most common and easiest route. Once you know the song, simply search for it on your preferred music streaming service (Spotify, Apple Music, Deezer, etc.) and add it to a playlist. This lets you listen to it whenever you want, without having to rely on finding it again on Instagram. The beauty of this method is its seamless integration with your existing music library.

Using Third-Party Music Identification Apps: Shazam & SoundHound

Sometimes, visual clues aren’t enough, especially if the Story has background music or a remix. This is where music identification apps like Shazam and SoundHound come to the rescue. Simply play the Instagram Story with the music audible, and use these apps to identify the song in real-time. They’ll provide you with the song title, artist, and links to listen on various streaming services. These apps are like magic wands for music discovery.

Recording the Story Audio (Use with Caution & Respect)

While not the most ethical (or high-quality) method, you could use a screen recording tool to capture the audio of the Story. However, be mindful of copyright issues and the creator’s intentions. This method should be considered a last resort and used responsibly. Furthermore, audio quality will likely be compromised.

Utilizing Third-Party Instagram Story Viewers and Downloaders

Numerous third-party websites and apps claim to download Instagram Stories. Some of these tools might allow you to extract the audio, but exercise extreme caution when using them. Many are riddled with malware or require you to share your login credentials, putting your account at risk. Always do your research and read reviews before trusting any third-party app. If you proceed, download the video, extract the audio using a separate audio editing tool (like Audacity), and save the song.

Creating a Note with Song Titles on Instagram

A simple, elegant solution: if you’re consistently discovering great music on Instagram, create a dedicated note on Instagram where you keep a running list of song titles. This is essentially a personalized “soundtrack” of your Instagram experience, easily accessible for later listening.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 12 common questions related to saving songs from Instagram Stories, answered with expert insight:

1. Can I download the song directly from Instagram?

No, Instagram does not offer a direct download option for music used in Stories. This is due to copyright restrictions and licensing agreements with music labels.

2. Is it legal to record the audio from an Instagram Story?

Recording and sharing copyrighted music without permission is generally illegal. Personal use is a grey area, but redistributing or monetizing the audio is a definite violation of copyright law.

3. Are third-party Instagram Story downloaders safe to use?

The safety of third-party Instagram Story downloaders varies greatly. Many pose security risks, including malware and phishing attempts. Proceed with extreme caution and only use reputable sources with positive reviews.

4. What’s the best way to find out the name of a song on an Instagram Story?

The best methods are checking the Story details (looking for song titles and artist tags), using the “See Lyrics” feature (if available), or directly asking the Story creator.

5. How can I add a song from an Instagram Story to my Spotify playlist?

Once you know the song title and artist, simply search for the song on Spotify and add it to your desired playlist.

6. Can I use Shazam or SoundHound to identify music from a video on my phone?

Yes, both Shazam and SoundHound can identify music playing from any source, including videos on your phone. Just play the video with the music audible and let the app do its magic.

7. What should I do if the song title isn’t displayed on the Story?

If the song title isn’t visible, try using Shazam or SoundHound, or reach out to the Story creator and ask.

8. Is there a way to save all the songs from an Instagram user’s Stories at once?

Unfortunately, there is no automated way to save all the songs from an Instagram user’s Stories at once. You’ll need to identify and save each song individually.

9. Can I save songs from Instagram Reels in the same way as Stories?

The methods for saving songs from Instagram Reels are largely the same as for Stories. Look for song information within the Reel, use music identification apps, or ask the creator.

10. What are the risks of using unofficial Instagram apps or websites?

Using unofficial Instagram apps or websites can expose you to security risks, including malware, phishing, and account compromise. Your login credentials could be stolen, and your account could be used for spam or other malicious activities.

11. How can I avoid copyright issues when using music from Instagram Stories?

The best way to avoid copyright issues is to use music legally licensed for your own content. This could involve purchasing a license or using royalty-free music from a reputable source.

12. What if the song is a remix or cover version?

Identifying remixes and covers can be tricky. Try using Shazam or SoundHound, as they often recognize different versions of a song. You can also ask the Story creator for more specific information about the remix or cover.

Ultimately, saving songs from Instagram Stories requires a bit of detective work and the right tools. By following these strategies and exercising caution when using third-party apps, you can build a killer playlist filled with the hottest tracks discovered on Instagram. Remember to always respect copyright laws and support the artists behind the music you love!