How to Add Music to Instagram Post, Story and Reels

Instagram has become more than just a photo-sharing app. It’s now a dynamic platform where users express themselves through images, videos, and most importantly, music. Whether you want to make your posts more engaging, enhance the mood of your Stories, or create viral Reels, adding music is a great way to connect with your audience. But exactly how to add music to Instagram post formats? Let’s dive in!

Adding Music to Instagram Story

Instagram Stories have been one of the most interactive features since their launch, and adding music to them takes engagement to a whole new level. Here is a short guide as to how to add music to instagram story.

When you create a Story, you have the option to include music from Instagram’s vast library. To do this, start by opening Instagram and swiping right to enter the Story creation mode. You can take a new photo or video or upload one from your gallery. Once you have your media ready, click on the sticker icon at the upper corner of the screen. From the list of stickers, select the “Music” sticker.

• A search bar that lets you look through thousands of music.
• You can search for song title, artist, or even mood and genre.
• Once you choose a song, you can preview different parts and choose the section that best fits your Story.
• Instagram allows you to pick a specific snippet, usually up to 15 seconds long.
• You can also choose how the lyrics or album cover appear on your Story.

Once everything looks good, tap “Done” and adjust the sticker placement as needed.

The best part? Your followers will be able to see and hear the song when they view your Story. If they like it, they can tap the song title to learn more or listen on their preferred music platform.

Adding Music to Instagram Reels

Reels are Instagram’s answer to short-form video content, making them a fantastic way to showcase creativity. Music plays a huge role in making Reels entertaining and viral.

To add music to a Reel, start by opening the Reels feature in the Instagram app. You can either record a new video by long pressing the record button or upload existing clips from your gallery. Before you start recording, you’ll see a music note icon on the left side of the screen. Tap this icon to open the Instagram music library.

• Similar to Stories, you can search for a track by name, artist, or genre.
• Once you find the perfect song, select the section you want to include in your Reel.
• Instagram allows you to adjust the timing so the audio syncs perfectly with your video.
• If you forget to add music before recording, don’t worry you can still do it in the editing stage by tapping the music icon and choosing a track.

If you prefer to use original audio (like your own voice or an external sound), Instagram lets you do that, too. When you post the Reel, Instagram automatically labels it as “Original Audio,” allowing other users to use your sound in their Reels.

Add Music to Instagram Post (Feed Videos)

While Instagram allows easy music integration in Stories and Reels, adding music to a regular post (especially an image) is a bit trickier. Unlike Stories and Reels, the built-in music library isn’t directly available for standard feed posts.

However, Instagram introduced a feature that allows you to add music to photo posts. When you upload a photo to your feed, you’ll see an option to “Add Music.” This works just like selecting a song for your Stories or Reels. You can browse tracks, select a snippet, and adjust how it plays with your post.

If you’re posting a video, the best way to add music is through third-party editing apps. Apps like InShot, CapCut, and Adobe Premiere Rush allow you to overlay music onto your video before uploading it to Instagram. Once you’ve edited your video with music, upload it as a regular post, and your followers will be able to enjoy it with the sound.

Things to Keep in Mind

While adding music to your Instagram content is fun and engaging, there are a few things to consider.

• Not all songs are available due to copyright restrictions. If you’re using a business account, your access to commercial music may be limited. Instagram has licensing agreements that determine which songs are allowed for certain accounts. If you find that some tracks are unavailable, try switching to a creator account or using royalty-free music.
• Be mindful of how the music aligns with your content. A well-chosen song can change your mood and make your post stand out, while a mismatched track can feel out of place. Consider the tempo, lyrics, and overall vibe when selecting a song.
• Always check the volume levels. If your video includes dialogue or important sounds, make sure the music doesn’t overpower them. Many editing tools and Instagram’s built-in features allow you to adjust the audio balance.
• Experiment with different genres and styles to see what resonates best with your audience.
• If you’re creating content for a brand or business, ensure that the music fits the brand’s personality and image.

Conclusion

Music is a powerful tool on Instagram, helping to enhance creativity, engagement, and emotional connection. Whether you’re adding a song to a Story, creating a viral Reel, or giving your photo post a musical touch, Instagram makes it easier than ever to incorporate music into your content.

If you’ve ever wondered how to add music to Instagram post, the process is quite simple and can make a significant difference in how your content is perceived. With the right soundtrack, your posts can become more memorable and appealing to your audience. So go ahead—experiment with different tracks, play with effects, and make your Instagram content stand out with the perfect music!