How to play music on your instagram post


How To Add Music to Instagram Posts in 4 Simple Steps

How to add music to your Instagram posts in 4 steps

Why add music to your Instagram posts?

What about adding music to Reels and Stories?

Frequently asked questions about posting music on Instagram

You may already know how to add music to your Reels and Stories, but did you know that you can now add music to your Instagram posts? Instagram recently announced the feature, which gives brands and creators one more way to engage their followers.

Whether you want to share your favorite songs, augment your memes, or create a specific vibe for your photo, adding music will make your Instagram feed posts that much better.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to add music to your Instagram posts and share a few ideas for when you should use the feature.

Bonus: Claim your pack of free animated Instagram Reels templates created by Hootsuite’s professional designers. Easily customize them in Canva, and take your Reels game to the next level today.

How to add music to your Instagram posts in 4 steps

Adding music to your feed posts only takes a few simple steps and is done during the normal post creation process.

Note: At this time, you can only add music to single photo posts, not carousel posts.

Step 1: Upload a photo

The first step is to create a feed post as usual. Select your photo, apply any desired edits, then tap Next.

Step 2: On the caption screen, tap “Add music”

Once you’ve reached the caption screen, you can add music below the geotag. Tap Add music or one of the suggested tracks to get started.

Step 3: Choose a song

Now comes the fun part: choosing a track!

Instagram will show some suggested trending tracks under For you. If you have a specific artist or song in mind, you can search for it in the search bar at the top.

Or, if you’ve saved tracks from Reels or other Instagram posts, you can find them by tapping Saved.

If you tap Browse, you’ll see a list of moods, themes, and genres to inspire you. If you tap into one of these categories, you’ll see a list of tracks.

Interestingly, these subpages also show the number of Reels that have used each song, which can indicate if a song is popular or trending.

Step 4: Choose a section of the song

Since a photo doesn’t have a defined duration (like a video clip), it’s up to you to choose how long of a clip you want to add to your photo. You can choose between 5-90 seconds. Once the clip ends, the song loops.

After you select a specific track, you’ll see a screen with the song and a colored bar. First, tap the circle that says 30 to choose the clip duration.

Once you’ve selected the duration, tap Done, and you’ll return to the screen with the colored bar. On that screen, you can drag the bar to the part of the song you want to play. The pink dots on the grey timeline indicate parts of the song where new verses or strong beats start, so they’re good spots to position your bar.

Once you’re happy with the placement of the clip, tap Done. Then it’s ready to post!

Once your post is in the feed, your followers will see the music track’s name and artist below the geotag and a volume icon on the bottom right. Users can tap the volume to mute or unmute the music.

If you encounter any issues with the above process, check Instagram’s full article.

Why add music to your Instagram posts?

Like my husband when I showed him the new feature, you may wonder, “What exactly is the point of adding music to photos?”

(Of course, all he does on Instagram is watch Reels on his Explore page about dogs and sports, so maybe he’s outside the intended audience of this feature.)

However, if you’re interested in creating good content and engaging your audience, I’ve got a few strategic examples of why you should add music to your Instagram feed posts.

Note: For now, it looks like music added to posts does not appear on posts you view outside of the Instagram app. If you want to experience the examples listed below in their full glory, you’ll have to open the posts in the app.

You can capitalize on trending audio

Like Instagram Reels, using trending audio on a feed post may help you gain favor with the algorithm, thus increasing your post’s viral potential.

It can also help your post gain more reach if it’s shown on the search page for that audio track.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by ❄️ Val Thorens ❄️ (@val_thorens)

In this example, @val_thorens used a popular track from the Interstellar soundtrack. If you tap on the track name on a photo, you’ll see the number of reels and photos using the same audio (in this case, 300k+ posts).

It’s more immersive and engaging

Instagram provides various ways for brands and creators to express themselves through photos and videos.

However, adding music to Instagram posts can take your content to the next level, allowing you to create a more immersive and engaging experience for your audience.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Mathias | Belgium 🇧🇪 (@mathiasdecoensel)

This post is an excellent example from photographer @mathiasdecoensel. The music and the subject (the girl) make you feel like you could step into the photo. I could picture myself listening to the song while driving on the road shown here.

Benefits of video without the cost

For solopreneurs and small businesses, it can be costly—both in terms of time and money—to produce video content. However, by adding music to your photos, you can pair the benefits of a video’s sensory engagement with the beauty of a high-quality picture. After all, sometimes a photograph is just a better way to show something than a video.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Candlelight Concerts by Fever (@candlelight.concerts)

Consider this photo post from @candlelight.concerts. It’s a beautiful image that shows the complete setting of their concerts. Imagine if they’d paired it with one of the concert tracks—I’d be ready to buy a ticket!

A way to build your brand

Just like how businesses carefully select music that reflects their brand when creating an ad, adding music to your Instagram photos is a way to express your brand voice and convey it in a multi-dimensional way.

Tip: If you plan to add music to your photos consistently, consider choosing a theme to guide your track selection and tie them all together. For example, only instrumental songs or songs that mention a lyric related to your brand or products.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by The Brigadoon Dispatch (@the_brigadoon_dispatch)

@the_brigadoon_dispatch is an artist who creates AI art in the style of vintage photographs. Given the fantastical nature of the photos, pairing them with music enhances the feeling that the artist is trying to give to viewers.

Add another dimension to memes

What’s better than the perfect meme? Adding a complementary music track to make it even funnier.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Will Bulsiewicz MD MSCI (Dr B) (@theguthealthmd)

In this example from @theguthealthmd, he paired a meme about pooping with “Joy” by Andy Grammer. I think that’s pretty self-explanatory.

What about adding music to Reels and Stories?

Yes, you can do that too. Here’s how.

Instagram Reels

When creating Instagram Reels, you can add your own audio (such as a voiceover) or choose from Instagram’s music library. Read our Instagram Reels guide for full details on how to add music to Instagram Reels.

Instagram Stories

The easiest way to add music to your Instagram Stories is to use the “Music” sticker. After tapping the sticker, you can choose a track from Instagram’s music library. Read more on how to add music to your Instagram Stories.

Frequently asked questions about posting music on Instagram

How do I add music to my Instagram post?

To add music to your feed post, simply upload a photo and proceed to the caption screen. Below the geotag, you’ll see the option to add music.

Why can’t I add music to my Instagram post?

Make sure you’ve updated your Instagram app to the newest version. If that doesn’t help, you may have to be patient until the feature is fully rolled out to all users. Check Instagram’s official article for the latest news.

How do you add music to an Instagram picture?

You can add music to a picture via the Instagram app. Create a photo post as usual, then tap Add music below the caption and geotag areas.

Can I upload my own music to Instagram?

No, you can’t upload tracks from your own music library. You can only choose songs from Instagram’s music library.

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How to Add Music to Instagram Feed Posts

Social Media Marketing News


By Jasmine Roberts

Updated on November 25, 2022

2 minute read

Let the music play 🎶

Published November 25, 2022

Remember the good ol' days of MySpace?

Well, with Instagram's newest feature, you can now add music to your feed posts. Yes, really.

oh i can add music to my instagram posts now? I’m about to be so annoying omg

— jaygon targaryen lll 🐉 (@_jayto_) November 22, 2022

We’re sharing all the details — including how to access and use the feature, below.

What Is Instagram’s Music in Feed Feature?

According to Instagram, the Music in Feed feature will “provide creators with more tools to bring their content to life.” 

Knowing that music is already frequently used to complement Stories and Reels, this new feature is a logical move for Instagram.

With it, creators and users alike can get creative and add a whole new layer of storytelling to their posts.

We're here for it.

PS: Want to stay up-to-date on the latest Instagram news? Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter and get everything you need to know — delivered straight to your inbox 🎉

How To Add Music To Instagram Feed Posts

First, go to your profile and press the ”+” sign in the top right corner to add a post to your feed.

Next, choose your photo, add your caption, tags, hashtags, and location — similar to how you usually do it.

Then, to add music to your post, click on the "Add music" option:

You'll be prompted to search for songs or browse the "For You" section to select your audio.

Once you've made your choice, you can select the audio clip you'd like to use:

NOTE: You can choose clips between five to nine seconds in length.

Then click “Done” and “Share. ” It’s that easy. 

What do you think about including music in Instagram posts? Let us know over on Later's Instagram account!

And remember, a relevant music choice is always key — see what we did there?

Manage your Instagram feed like a pro with Later's tools and features. Easily plan, organize, and schedule content with Later's Instagram Scheduler — start today:

About the Author

Jasmine Roberts

Content Marketing Specialist

Jasmine is a Toronto-based Content Marketing Specialist. She's a massive pop culture lover who can be found debating the nuances of Star Wars characters. Join her on the dark side of the force — @JazShanelle

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How to Add Music to Any Instagram Post: Stories, Feeds and Reels - Wave.video Blog: Latest Video Marketing Tips & News

6 min. reading

In this age where everything depends on content, you cannot do without a social media presence - Instagram. But being there is not enough. You need to constantly create content that impresses the algorithm, and adding videos is one way to do that.

Originally a photo-sharing app, Instagram has now evolved into a platform where videos rule the feed. While its revamped user interface may have generated a few reactions, it can't be denied that this move to video has caught the eye of many users.

Pay attention to how often you see posts, videos, stories, etc. on Instagram. with music and you will be surprised. Of course, many of these materials gain clicks and views thanks to compelling music. But how do you add music to an Instagram post, story, or video?

Well, it's not that hard. You just need to follow the right steps. That is why we offer you this guide.

Read on to learn how to add music to your Instagram posts: stories, feed, and videos.

How to add music to any Instagram post (using Wave.video)

There was a time when adding music to Instagram posts was a difficult task.

Fortunately, the situation has now changed.

With Wave.video you can not only choose music for your post from the extensive stock library or free audio clips and sound effects, but also upload and add your own music. This gives you the ability to add music that is not available in the Instagram music library.

Here's how to add music to an Instagram post using Wave.video:

Step 1: Sign in and create a project ".

Then choose a format that is compatible with Instagram's recommended sizes and dimensions.

Step 2: Adding and editing visuals

You can now select an image or video from the Wave. video stock library or upload your own media. You can also view templates to give your Instagram post a professional look.

After you have added the desired visual, edit it.

Step 3: Add sound

After editing the image, click "Audio" on the left toolbar.

You can now browse the various audio tracks by selecting the "Library" tab at the top.

You can also upload your own music by clicking the "Uploads" tab and adding it to an image or video.

Step 4: Set up music and download

With your audio track selected, blend the sound with the image, adjust the volume, and add fading effects if you like. Then click the "Publish" button in the top right corner when you're ready to upload your video.

Finally rendering and loading. Now you can upload a video to Instagram and share your chosen music with a visual on Instagram! Pro tip: To easily transfer your creation from your computer to your phone, use the Wave. video Companion App.

Note : You can follow the same steps to add music to Instagram Stories, Reels and In-feed Videos using Wave.video.

How to Add Music to Instagram Story

For the past few years, Instagram Stories have provided users with a satisfying engagement experience (or rather a series of experiences) - teasing followers to come back for more.

Here's how you can update your Instagram Stories with music:

Step 1: Log into the Instagram app and create a story.

You can add any image or video you like. After that, click on the sticker icon in the upper right corner.

Step 2: Select the "MUSIC" sticker from the options provided.

Step 3 : You will now see the various options recommended under the For You tab. You can also click on the Browse tab to explore more options.

If you are looking for a specific soundtrack, enter keywords for the song in the Search Music field. You can also get an already "saved" song.

Step 4: Once you select the audio track, you can customize it by swiping left or right and selecting a specific song snippet to play on your Instagram story.

In addition, there is an option to display lyrics and choose colors to match the aesthetic of your Instagram story. Finally, click "Done" when you're ready to post your Instagram story with music.

How to add music to Instagram video posts

Adding music to videos in your Instagram feed is quite similar to adding music to Instagram posts, videos, and stories. Here's how you can do it:

Step 1: Click on the "+" icon in the top right corner of the Instagram app and select the video you want to download.

Step 2: Click on the music icon.

On the next screen, select "Music" and adjust the video volume by moving the bar under "Camera Sound". You can also add sound effects as you wish.

Step 3: After selecting the song, select the segment you want to add to the video in the Instagram feed by moving the slider to the side.

After completing all these steps, click "Done" to share your video on Instagram.

How to add music to Instagram videos

Ever posted a video on Instagram and struggled with adding music? You are not alone. If you are wondering how to add music to an Instagram video, here are the steps you need to follow:

Step 1: Go to the Instagram app and create a Reel. You can add any photos and videos of your choice.

However, clips can be up to 90 seconds long. After adding photos and videos, click on the music icon on the left.

Step 2: Then select the audio track you want to play in your Instagram video.

You can search for a song, choose from saved audio recordings or even import them, and view your favorite or recommended songs.

Step 3: Finally, select the song section you want to add using the slider at the bottom. After setting up the sound, click "Done" to post the music video to your Instagram profile.

Closing Words

While most of us love music in our Instagram content, users often find it difficult to add music to Instagram posts. To create compelling content on your Instagram account, follow the steps above.

You can easily navigate the competition and connect with your audience with compelling posts, stories, clips and videos in your feed. If you want to learn about creating viral Instagram Live content for your business, check out this guide.

Topics:

  1. instagram

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How to add music to Instagram videos, stories and posts

 From birthday wishes to special moments and memories, users share everything on Instagram. As an added benefit, Instagram also provides additional features that really make for a charming post. One such cool feature is the Music Sticker, which allows the user to add the music of their choice to their Instagram content. If you're hoping to use this feature for your Instagram content and want to understand what the feature can do, look no further. Here's everything you need to know about how to add music to Instagram Story, Post or Reel. 

How to add music to Instagram Story

Launch the Instagram app from your phone and open the editor. Select the History option.

Create/upload image/video with Instagram camera or your phone gallery.

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Select the sticker option in the upper right corner of the editor.

Enter the word "music" in the sticker search field and click on it when it appears.

Now select a track available in the list or search for the specific song you have in mind.

The song will now be added to your story, however you can only add the 15 second part as it is a story. Move the slider until it reaches the part of the song you want to play in your story.

Notice the edit icons at the bottom. There are font icon options as well as two video icon options.

Select the font icon options if you want the lyrics to be displayed while the song is playing.

Select any of the video icon options if you want only the song title to be displayed.

Share the story once you are satisfied with the publication.

How to add music to an Instagram post

Since there is no direct way to add music to an Instagram post, create a post using stories (as above) and save the story to your device.

Now go back to the editor, select the Publish option and tap the post you want to upload.

Edit the message however you like using the Filter, Crop and Cover options. You can crop your post using the Crop option and choose the starting point of your post using the Cover option.

Once you're happy with the post, click the right arrow in the top right corner.

Add signature and other details. When your post is ready, click the checkmark icon in the top right corner and your post will be uploaded.

How to Add Music to Reels

The process for adding sound to Reels is slightly different. Unlike stories, audio must be selected before the video is recorded.

Once you have selected a sound and recorded content, you can load your drum.

Why can't I add a music sticker to my Instagram story?

There may be several reasons why a music sticker does not appear when you search for it. Either you represent a business or you are the account creator, in which case this feature is not provided to you by design. This is done to prevent copyright issues. You can solve this problem by returning to your personal account. After that, be sure to wait 3 days for the change to take effect.

If you have a personal Instagram account and are experiencing this issue, it is either because the feature is not available in your region. Unfortunately, due to music licensing policies in some countries, Instagram is not allowed to offer this feature to its users.

If this feature is allowed in your country and the sticker still doesn't appear, the app has encountered problems on your phone. In this case, simply uninstall/update the Instagram app and run it again for the issue to be resolved.

Is there a way to add music without a music sticker?

As a workaround for not being able to add music directly to Instagram for any of the reasons we mentioned in the previous section, you can try the following solution.

Download the Inshot app from Play Store or App Store depending on your device. After installing the app, launch it on your phone. You will see three creation options: photo, video and collage, select the one you want to create. As part of this lesson, we will continue to work with photos.

Now select the image/video you want to add music to.

Touch the music option in the editor.

You will have the option to add the music you have on your phone or choose from your own InShot collection. In this tutorial, we add music from the device itself. Select a song and click USE.

Edit the part to be included in the video. You can move the part of the audio you want to include to the right side of the line.

When you're done, click Save.

Select the resolution for publishing.

Now select Instagram from the list of platforms you want to share.

You will now see two options: Feed and Stories. Choose the location where you want to share. Then click "Only once".


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