How to Upload Music to Instagram: The Complete Step-by-Step Guide (2024)

Instagram is more than just a photo-sharing app—it's a place where visuals meet sound. Whether you're posting a Reel, a Story, or a simple video on your feed, music can make a huge difference in engagement and storytelling. So, you might be wondering: how to upload music to Instagram? This guide is your one-stop solution with simple steps, platform-specific instructions, and reliable sources.

Let’s break it down.

Why Add Music to Instagram Posts?

Adding music:

1. Enhances your content’s mood
2. Boosts engagement
3. Helps reach wider audiences through trending audio
4. Increases viewer retention

According to a Meta blog post, Reels with music perform significantly better than silent videos—making music not just a fun addition but a strategic one.

Ways to Upload Music to Instagram

There are several ways you can upload music depending on the content type. Here's how to do it on Reels, Stories, and Feed Posts.

1. How to Upload Music to Instagram Stories

Instagram Stories are a great way to share quick moments. Here’s how to add music:

1. Open the Instagram app.
2. Tap Your Story (top left).
3. Choose or record a video/photo.
4. Tap the Sticker icon (square smiley).
5. Tap on the “Music” sticker.
6. Search for the song you want.
7. Choose the part of the song you want to play.
8. Customize the music sticker style and tap Done.
9. Share the story as usual.

Note: You can preview the track before adding it, and lyrics are available for many songs.

2. How to Upload Music to Instagram Reels

Reels are Instagram’s answer to TikTok—and music plays a huge role. Here's how to do it:

1. Tap the + (plus) icon and choose Reel.
2. Record or upload your video.
3. Tap the Music icon on the left.
4. Choose a track from the music library.
5. Select the portion of the track you want.
6. Add any filters or effects, then post.

Bonus Tip: You can also use original audio. If you're a musician or content creator, just record your voice or instrument—it gets labeled as \original audio\ and can be reused by others.

3. How to Upload Music to Instagram Feed Posts

Instagram feed posts don’t have a direct music feature like Reels or Stories. But you can still do it:

Option 1: Use a Video Editor App

Apps like:

1. InShot (inshot.com)
2. CapCut (capcut.com)
3. Splice (spliceapp.com)

...allow you to merge music with videos before uploading.

Here’s the process:

1. Open a video editing app.
2. Import your video.
3. Add a music track (from the app or your files).
4. Export the video with the song.
5. Upload it to Instagram via the + icon > Post.

Option 2: Screen Record a Reel or TikTok with Music

This is a quick workaround. Screen-record your video from TikTok or another platform, trim it, and upload it as a post.

Where Does Instagram Get Its Music From?

Instagram uses licensed tracks from:

1. Facebook Sound Collection
2. Record label partnerships
3. User-uploaded original audio

According to Instagram’s Help Center, availability varies by region and account type.

Can’t Find a Song? Here’s Why

There are a few reasons music might not show up:

1. You're using a business account (some songs are restricted).
2. Your country has music licensing limitations.
3. The artist removed the song from Instagram’s library.
4. Instagram app is not updated.

Fixes:

1. Switch to a creator account for wider music access.
2. Use a VPN temporarily (if allowed).
3. Update your Instagram app.
4. Use third-party apps to create videos with music before uploading.

How to Add Music to Instagram Without Copyright Issues

Want to stay safe legally?

1. Use music from Instagram’s library.
2. Choose royalty-free music from:
3. YouTube Audio Library
4. Epidemic Sound
5. Artlist
6. Use original tracks or purchase licenses for commercial music.

Instagram has automatic copyright detection. If you upload copyrighted music not in their library, your video could be muted or taken down.

How to Upload Your Own Music to Instagram

If you're a musician or want your music featured:

1. Distribute your track via services like:
2. DistroKid (distrokid.com)
3. TuneCore (tunecore.com)
4. CD Baby (cdbaby.com)

These platforms can push your music to Instagram, Spotify, Apple Music, and TikTok.

After approval, your track becomes searchable in Instagram's music library under your artist name.

Tips to Make Music Content Go Viral on Instagram

1. Use Trending Tracks: Reels using trending songs often appear on the Explore page.
2. Add Captions or Lyrics: Engage viewers and improve retention.
3. Pair Music with High-Quality Video: Good visuals plus good audio = more views.
4. Collaborate with Creators: Let others use your original audio to spread the word.

Common FAQs

1. Why can’t I add music to my Instagram Story?

You might be in a region where music is restricted or using a business account.

2. Can I use Spotify music on Instagram posts?

Not directly. But you can share a Spotify track to your Story, though it doesn’t play within Instagram.

3. Is it illegal to upload copyrighted music to Instagram?

Yes, unless it’s from the licensed Instagram music library or you own the rights.

4. Can I add music to photos on Instagram?

Yes, Instagram now allows adding music to photo posts. Just tap “Add Music” while uploading.

5. What format should my music video be in for Instagram?

Use MP4 or MOV with a 9:16 or 1:1 aspect ratio and a max size of 4GB for best results.

Conclusion

So, if you’ve been wondering how to upload music to Instagram, now you know—there are several ways depending on what type of post you're making. Instagram Stories and Reels make it easy with built-in music tools, while Feed posts require a bit of editing before uploading.

Music adds life to your content. So don’t skip it. Whether you're creating personal memories, brand videos, or viral content, pairing visuals with the right track can skyrocket your engagement.

References:

1. Instagram Help Center – Add Music
2. Meta Blog – Instagram Reels
3. DistroKid – Upload Music to Instagram

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