How to Add Music to Instagram Post: A Step-by-Step Guide

Instagram has become one of the most popular social media platforms for sharing photos and videos. With millions of users engaging daily, it offers a variety of creative tools to enhance content. One such feature is the ability to add music to Instagram posts, stories, and reels. Music helps to create mood, add emotion, and make posts more engaging.

If you have ever wondered how to add music to your Instagram post, this guide will provide a comprehensive step-by-step approach. We will cover different methods to add music to photos, videos, reels, and stories, as well as troubleshooting tips for common issues. By the end of this blog, you will have a clear understanding of how to add music to Instagram post.

Why Should You Add Music to Your Instagram Post?

Music plays a significant role in content creation. It enhances the storytelling experience, captures the audience’s attention, and increases engagement. Here are some reasons why adding music to Instagram posts is beneficial:

• Creates Emotional Connection – Music can evoke strong emotions and enhance the overall impact of your post.
• Increases Engagement – Posts with music often receive more likes, comments, and shares than those without.
• Enhances Storytelling – The right song can add meaning to your visuals, making them more relatable.
• Keeps Viewers Interested – A well-chosen soundtrack encourages people to watch your content until the end.
• Follows Social Media Trends – Many viral trends on Instagram involve music, and adding trending songs can boost visibility.

With these advantages in mind, let’s explore how to add music to your Instagram posts.

How to Add Music to an Instagram Story

Instagram Stories allow users to add music directly through the app’s built-in features. This is the easiest way to include a soundtrack with your content.

Steps to Add Music to an Instagram Story:

• Open the Instagram app and swipe right to access the Story feature.
• Capture a photo or video, or upload one from your gallery.
• Tap on the sticker icon at the top of the screen.
• Select the “Music” sticker.
• Search for a song by entering the title, artist, or genre.
• Choose the part of the song you want to include in your story (Instagram allows up to 15 seconds).
• Customize how the lyrics or album cover appear on your story.
• Tap “Done” and adjust the placement of the music sticker.
• Share your story by tapping “Your Story” or “Close Friends” if you want to limit the audience.

Music stickers make stories more interactive, but if you do not have access to this feature, other methods can be used.

How to Add Music to an Instagram Reel

Instagram Reels is another great way to include music in your content. Reels allow up to 90 seconds of video and offer a wide range of audio tracks.

Steps to Add Music to an Instagram Reel:

• Open the Instagram app and tap the “+” button.
• Select Reel from the available options.
• Record a video or upload one from your gallery.
• Tap the music icon on the left side of the screen.
• Browse through Instagram’s music library or search for a song.
• Choose the segment of the song that fits your reel.
• Adjust the volume settings for the original video and the added music.
• Tap Next, add captions, hashtags, and effects.
• Post your reel to your feed or share it in your story.

Reels offer an excellent opportunity to incorporate trending sounds, which can help improve visibility and reach on Instagram.

How to Add Music to a Standard Instagram Post

Instagram recently introduced the option to add music to regular posts, including photos and videos. This feature enhances static posts by making them more engaging.

Steps to Add Music to a Photo Post:

• Open the Instagram app and tap the “+” button.
• Select Post and choose a photo from your gallery.
• Tap “Next” and apply filters or edits if needed.
• On the next screen, tap “Add Music” (this option appears before adding captions).
• Search for a song in Instagram’s music library.
• Select the part of the song you want to feature (up to 90 seconds).
• Adjust the display settings (you can hide or show the song name).
• Tap “Done”, write a caption, and publish your post.

Steps to Add Music to a Video Post:

• Follow the same steps as for a photo post.
• If your video already has audio, Instagram will allow volume adjustments.
• Tap “Add Music” and search for a track.
• Trim the song to fit your video’s length.
• Tap “Done”, add a caption, and post your video.

If the option to add music does not appear, it might not be available in your region. In that case, third-party apps can be used.

Using Third-Party Apps to Add Music to Instagram Posts

If Instagram’s built-in music feature is not available or you want more customization, third-party apps can help. These apps provide advanced editing tools for adding music to videos before uploading them to Instagram.

Best Apps for Adding Music to Instagram Posts:

• InShot – A user-friendly app that offers a variety of music tracks and editing tools.
• CapCut – Popular for creating short-form videos with music and effects.
• Adobe Premiere Rush – Ideal for professional video editing with high-quality sound.
• VivaVideo – A simple tool for beginners to edit and add music.

Steps to Add Music Using InShot:

• Download and open the InShot app.
• Tap “Video” and select the video you want to edit.
• Tap “Music”, then choose “Tracks”.
• Browse free music options or upload your own song.
• Trim and adjust the song’s placement within the video.
• Save the video and upload it to Instagram manually.

Third-party apps provide more flexibility, especially if you want to use custom music.

Using Copyright-Free Music for Instagram Posts

If you want to use music outside of Instagram’s library, ensure that it is copyright-free. Using copyrighted music without permission may result in muted posts, removal, or even account restrictions.

Sources for Copyright-Free Music:

• YouTube Audio Library – Free music and sound effects for creators.
• Epidemic Sound – A subscription-based platform with a vast collection of tracks.
• Artlist – A paid service offering high-quality royalty-free music.
• Free Music Archive (FMA) – A collection of legally free-to-use tracks.

Choosing royalty-free music ensures that your content remains compliant with Instagram’s copyright policies.

Troubleshooting: Why Can’t I Add Music to My Instagram Post?

If you are unable to add music, here are some common reasons and solutions:

• Feature Unavailable in Your Country – Instagram music is not accessible in all regions.
• Outdated App – Ensure you have the latest version of Instagram installed.
• Business Account Restrictions – Some business accounts have limited access to music. Switching to a creator account may resolve this.
• Copyright Issues – If you have violated Instagram’s copyright rules, your account may be restricted.
• Connectivity Issues – A slow internet connection may prevent access to the music library.

If you experience ongoing issues, using third-party apps may be the best alternative.

Final Thoughts

Adding music to Instagram posts can transform your content and improve engagement. Whether you are creating a story, reel, or regular post, Instagram provides various built-in tools to add music easily. If these features are unavailable, third-party apps offer a reliable solution.

By experimenting with different songs and formats, you can enhance your content and attract a larger audience. As Instagram continues to evolve, new features and updates will provide even more opportunities for creative expression. Stay updated, explore different music styles, and make your Instagram posts more engaging than ever.

FAQs About How To Add Music To Instagram Post