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How to Share Music on Instagram: Your Definitive Guide

So, you want to infuse your Instagram presence with some sweet sounds? You’ve come to the right place. Sharing music on Instagram isn’t just about slapping a track on a video. It’s about creating an atmosphere, setting a vibe, and connecting with your audience on a deeper, more emotional level. Here’s the lowdown on how to share music on Instagram like a seasoned pro, covering all the official methods and some clever workarounds.

The short answer: You can directly share music on Instagram primarily through Stories, Reels, and in some regions, on your Profile using the “Add Music” feature. You can add music from Instagram’s built-in music library or import music from other sources using external apps.

Direct Methods: Instagram’s Native Features

Instagram offers a few straightforward ways to add music directly within the app. These are the most common and officially supported methods, offering seamless integration and user-friendliness.

Adding Music to Instagram Stories

This is arguably the most popular method. Instagram Stories are ephemeral and perfect for quick updates, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and now, music-infused moments.

Create or Upload Your Story: Start by taking a photo or video within the Instagram Stories camera or select one from your camera roll.
Access the Sticker Tray: Tap the square smiley face icon at the top of the screen to open the sticker tray.
Select the “Music” Sticker: Scroll through the stickers and tap on the “Music” sticker.
Choose Your Song: A library of songs will appear. You can browse by genre, mood, or search for a specific song.
Select the Snippet: Once you’ve found your song, you can choose which part of the track to use. Most songs allow you to select a 5-15 second snippet. Drag the waveform to pinpoint the perfect section.
Customize the Sticker: The “Music” sticker itself is customizable. You can change the font, color, and appearance of the sticker displaying the song title and artist.
Publish Your Story: Position the sticker where you want it on your Story and tap “Your Story” to share it.

Adding Music to Instagram Reels

Instagram Reels are all about short, engaging video content, and music is a crucial ingredient.

Open the Reels Camera: Tap the “+” icon at the bottom of the Instagram app and select “Reel.”
Record or Upload Your Video: Record a new video or upload one from your camera roll.
Tap the “Audio” Icon: On the left-hand side of the screen, you’ll see a music note icon labeled “Audio.” Tap it.
Choose Your Music: Similar to Stories, you’ll be presented with Instagram’s music library. Search for your desired track.
Select the Snippet: Choose the section of the song that best complements your Reel.
Adjust Audio Levels: You can adjust the volume of both the original video sound and the added music.
Add Effects and Text: Enhance your Reel with filters, text overlays, and other creative elements.
Share Your Reel: Once you’re happy with your creation, tap “Share” to post it to your Reels feed.

The “Add Music” Feature on Profiles (Limited Availability)

In certain regions, Instagram has been testing a feature allowing users to add a song to their profile. This functions similarly to adding a song to a MySpace profile, allowing visitors to hear a chosen track when they view your profile. Availability varies based on location and account type. To check if you have this feature:

Go to your profile.
Click Edit Profile.
Check if Add Music option is visible. If yes, you are good to go.

Alternative Methods and Considerations

While the above methods are the most straightforward, there are other avenues to explore for adding music to your Instagram content.

Third-Party Apps

Several third-party apps can help you create more elaborate videos with music. These apps often offer features beyond Instagram’s native capabilities, such as advanced editing tools and access to larger music libraries. Popular choices include:

InShot: A versatile video editor with music integration.
CapCut: A powerful and free video editor owned by TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance.
Splice: A robust video editor known for its ease of use and extensive music library.

Important Note: When using third-party apps, be mindful of copyright restrictions. Always ensure you have the necessary licenses or permissions to use the music commercially, if applicable.

Screen Recording

If you want to use music from a source not directly available on Instagram (e.g., a song on YouTube), you can use screen recording.

Play the Music: Start playing the desired song on your device.
Initiate Screen Recording: Activate the screen recording feature on your phone (most modern smartphones have this built-in).
Record Your Video: While the music plays, record your video.
Edit and Trim: Use a video editor to trim the screen recording and isolate the portion you want to use.
Upload to Instagram: Upload the edited video to Instagram as a Story or Reel.

Caveat: The audio quality from screen recordings might not be as pristine as using Instagram’s built-in music library.

Copyright Considerations

Copyright is paramount! Before using any music on Instagram, especially for commercial purposes, understand the potential copyright implications.

Instagram’s Music Library: Music available within Instagram’s built-in library is generally licensed for personal use on the platform.
Commercial Use: If you are using Instagram for business purposes (e.g., promoting products or services), you may need to obtain commercial licenses for the music you use.
Copyright Strikes: Using copyrighted music without permission can lead to your content being muted or removed. Repeated violations can even result in account suspension.
Royalty-Free Music: Consider using royalty-free music from websites like Epidemic Sound, Artlist, or PremiumBeat. These services offer music licenses for commercial use.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 12 frequently asked questions to further clarify how to share music on Instagram:

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

Several reasons could explain this. First, ensure your Instagram app is updated to the latest version. Second, the music sticker is not available in all regions due to licensing restrictions. Try using a VPN to connect through a region where the feature is available. Additionally, some business accounts may have limited access to the music library.

2. Can I add my own music to Instagram’s music library?

Unfortunately, no. Instagram’s music library is curated through partnerships with record labels and music distributors. You cannot directly upload your own music to it.

3. How do I add music to an existing Instagram post (not a Story or Reel)?

You cannot directly add music to existing Instagram posts. The music features are primarily designed for Stories and Reels. You would need to delete the post and re-upload it with music added through a video editing app, if it’s a photo.

4. Can I share a Spotify song directly to my Instagram Story?

Yes, you can. Spotify allows you to share songs directly to your Instagram Story. When listening to a song on Spotify, tap the “Share” button and select “Instagram Story.” This will create a Story with the song’s album art and a link back to Spotify.

5. How do I add lyrics to my Instagram Story music sticker?

When you select a song using the music sticker, Instagram will often automatically display the lyrics if they are available. If lyrics aren’t showing, try selecting a different part of the song, as lyrics may only be available for certain sections.

6. Can I add music to multiple photos in one Instagram Story?

Yes, but each photo will need its own music sticker. You can add a different song or a different section of the same song to each photo in your Story.

7. How do I loop music in my Instagram Story?

Instagram Stories automatically loop the music snippet you’ve selected for the duration of the Story. If your Story is longer than the music snippet, it will repeat.

8. Why is the music I added to my Instagram Story muted?

This is usually due to copyright issues. Instagram may automatically mute Stories that contain copyrighted music without the necessary licenses. Make sure you are using music from Instagram’s library or have the appropriate permissions for any other music you use.

9. Can I use copyrighted music in my Instagram Reels if I give credit to the artist?

Giving credit to the artist does not automatically grant you the right to use copyrighted music. While it’s a good practice, you still need to ensure you have the necessary licenses or permissions, especially for commercial use.

10. How can I use music in my Instagram ads?

Using music in Instagram ads requires obtaining the appropriate commercial licenses. Instagram’s ad policies are stricter regarding copyright. Consider using royalty-free music or obtaining licenses directly from music licensing platforms.

11. Is it better to use trending music in Reels for more visibility?

Yes, using trending music in Reels can significantly increase your visibility. Instagram’s algorithm often favors content that uses popular sounds. However, ensure the music is relevant to your content and target audience.

12. How can I download music from Instagram Reels?

You cannot directly download music from Instagram Reels due to copyright restrictions. However, you can use third-party apps or websites that allow you to extract the audio from a Reel, but be mindful of potential copyright issues. It’s generally best practice to source music from legitimate channels.

Conclusion

Sharing music on Instagram is a fantastic way to enhance your content and connect with your audience. Whether you’re creating a captivating Story, a trendy Reel, or (if you’re lucky enough to have it) personalizing your profile, understanding the available methods and copyright considerations is key. So go ahead, curate your soundtrack, and let the music play!