How to Add Music to Instagram Post: A Complete Guide

If you’re wondering how to add music to Instagram post, this guide will take you through all the steps. 

Whether it’s for a personal memory, a fun moment with friends, or a promotional post, adding music is simpler than you might think. 

And since the Instagram app regularly updates its features, it's worth exploring the latest ways to get creative with audio on your Instagram feed posts. Let’s jump in.

Why Add Music to Your Instagram Post?

Music can change the entire feel of a post. 

A simple photo can turn into an emotional memory, while a video can become more exciting and impactful. 

According to Hootsuite, posts with music or sound have a 12% higher engagement rate compared to silent Instagram feed posts. 

Adding music helps grab attention, and people are more likely to comment, like, or even share Instagram feed posts with music.

How to Add Music to Instagram Post Using Instagram’s In-App Options

One of the easiest ways to add music to Instagram is through Instagram’s own app. Instagram has a library of songs that you can use, so let’s walk through the steps.

1. Open Instagram and Select Your Photo or Video

• Go to your profile, tap the "+" sign at the top, and choose Post.
• Select the photo or video you want to post.

2. Tap “Add Music”

After you pick your photo or video, you'll see an "Add Music" option. This feature is generally available if you’re using the latest Instagram version. If it’s not there, try updating the app.

3. Search for a Song

You can type in the name of the song or artist in the search bar. Instagram has thousands of popular songs and trending audio clips to choose from.

4. Choose the Clip Duration

Once you select a song, Instagram will let you choose a section to play in your post. Typically, you can choose clips up to 15 seconds.

5. Preview and Post

Listen to a preview of your song to make sure it sounds right. If you’re satisfied, tap Done and proceed to post.

Adding Music to Instagram Posts Using Third-Party Apps

If Instagram’s music library doesn’t have the exact song or sound you’re looking for, or if you want more creative control over how music is added, third-party apps can make a big difference. 

These apps allow you to add music from a larger selection, adjust the timing, and even experiment with audio effects to enhance your post. 

Here’s a look at some top choices that make music posts both simple and fun.

1. InShot

InShot is one of the most widely-used apps for editing videos and adding music, especially for social media. 

It’s user-friendly, and you can work with its built-in music library or bring in your own songs.

• How to Use It: Open the InShot app, upload your video, and go to the “Music” section. Here, you can choose from available tracks or upload music saved on your device.
• Editing Features: InShot offers a wide range of audio controls. You can trim the audio clip, adjust volume, add fade-ins and fade-outs, and sync it precisely with video elements. This level of control is ideal for music to Instagram posts that need a professional touch or if you’re creating more dynamic video content.
• Pros: InShot is easy to navigate and offers a broad array of editing tools, from filters and transitions to text overlays and speed adjustments. Many users appreciate how it combines both basic and advanced features in a single app.
• Cons: While the Instagram app is free to download, the free version includes a watermark on exported videos. Removing the watermark and unlocking premium features requires a paid upgrade.

2. Canva

While Canva is known for its graphic design capabilities, it’s also a powerful tool for adding music to Instagram posts, particularly if you’re working on multi-image slideshows or want to create visually striking content.

• How to Use It: Upload multiple photos or video clips, then click the “Audio” tab to select from Canva’s music library. You can choose from various genres and moods, making it easy to find a track that fits the vibe of your post.
• Editing Features: Canva’s audio editing is more basic compared to other video editors, focusing mainly on length and timing. However, if you’re creating a slideshow or adding music to a static image, it’s an effective tool.
• Pros: Canva’s free version includes access to music, making it a budget-friendly choice. Plus, it’s great for designing visually engaging posts with the added bonus of background music.
• Cons: While Canva is fantastic for graphics and simple music additions, it doesn’t have advanced audio-editing features like precise syncing or volume controls. This can limit its use if you need more audio control.

3. Splice

Splice is another Instagram app popular among content creators for its combination of powerful editing tools and ease of use. 

It’s developed by GoPro, so it’s geared toward high-quality video editing, including the addition of music and sound effects.

• How to Use It: Upload your video, and go to the music section, where you can choose from royalty-free music or add a song from your own library.
• Editing Features: Splice lets you trim and adjust the music, synchronize it with video transitions, and even add effects like reverb. It’s especially useful for creators looking to add high-quality audio without needing extensive technical skills.
• Pros: Splice’s editing tools are designed to be intuitive, making it a solid choice for beginners and intermediate creators. It also has no watermarks on its free version, which is a plus.
• Cons: While it’s free to use, some features require a subscription. Also, if you’re working with multi-layered audio or need more advanced mixing features, it may feel limiting.

How to Make a Great Music Choice for Your Instagram Post

The type of song you choose can affect how people interact with your post. Here are some ideas on picking the right track:

1. Match the Mood: If it’s a relaxed beach photo, go for calm, chill own music. For something adventurous, pick an upbeat track.
2. Think of Your Audience: If you have a younger audience, trendy pop songs might work best.
3. Stay Relevant: Using popular or trending music can boost your post’s visibility since Instagram’s algorithm often favors posts with high-engagement music.

How to Add Music to Instagram Stories vs. Posts: What’s the Difference?

Adding own music to an Instagram Story is slightly different from adding it to a post. Here’s a quick comparison:

How to Add Music to Instagram Reels and Why They’re Different

Instagram Reels offer another way to add music to Instagram content but with even more tools for music and editing. 

Reels can be up to 60 seconds and include both Instagram’s music library and user-uploaded audio.

• To add music to Instagram: Open Reels, tap the Music note icon on the left, and select a song or audio clip.
• Why Reels are popular: They tend to reach a wider audience than regular music to Instagram posts, and music icon is a big part of what makes them engaging.

Tip: Try using Reels if you’re looking to reach new followers. Reels with music often get 22% more engagement when you use the Music note icon.

Creative Ideas for Adding Music to Instagram Posts

Choosing the right music for an Instagram post can be a fun way to stand out, build a vibe, and connect with your audience. 

Let’s explore some creative ways to make your music icon choices pop, adding depth and personality to your content.

1. Use Lyrics to Tell a Story

When a song’s lyrics match the mood of your post, it can add a storytelling layer that’s both meaningful and eye-catching on your Instagram Story. 

For example, if you’re sharing a heartfelt photo, choose a song with touching lyrics that amplify the emotion. 

This method is also great for inspirational or reflective music to Instagram posts. 

Many users respond to content that combines visuals with relatable lyrics, creating a deeper connection and increasing the chances of engagement.

2. Match the Beat with Movement

Syncing the beat of a song to movement in a video can create a satisfying and visually appealing rhythm. 

For action shots or dance clips, pick a high-energy track with a prominent beat and line up the video edits with each beat drop. 

If you’re sharing a slower moment on your Instagram story, a softer song with gentle transitions can create a relaxing vibe. 

This technique can keep viewers engaged as they watch the movement in sync with the music, making it more likely that they’ll rewatch or share your post.

3. Use Seasonal Songs to Match the Occasion

Nothing says “holiday spirit” like seasonal music! 

Adding festive tunes during the holidays, spooky music for Halloween, or joyful summer tracks for beach Instagram posts can instantly set the right tone and appeal to those sharing in the season. 

Seasonal songs tap into a collective mood, which can make your Instagram posts feel more relevant and relatable. 

People are more likely to engage with music to Instagram posts that resonate with their current experiences, so adding a holiday hit or trending seasonal song could give your content an extra boost in likes.

Popular Genres to Try for Different Types of Posts

If you’re unsure about the right music genre, here’s a quick genre guide:

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Adding Music to Instagram

Adding music to Instagram posts can make your content more engaging and memorable, but some common mistakes can distract from your message or even reduce your post’s reach. 

Knowing what to avoid can ensure your audio complements the visuals and resonates with your audience. 

Here’s a look at the pitfalls to steer clear of when adding music to Instagram, so your Instagram posts hit the right notes every time.

1. Using Long Clips: Instagram limits song clips to 15 seconds on Instagram posts, so try not to pick a long intro. Instead, go for the chorus or a catchy part of the song.
2. Choosing Overplayed Songs: Songs that everyone uses can make your post feel generic. Be creative in your choice!
3. Ignoring Sound Levels: Make sure the music isn’t too loud, as it can distract from your message.

Final Thoughts

If you’re still wondering how to add music to Instagram post, the process is pretty simple, and the benefits are real. 

Music not only makes your post more engaging but also helps you connect with your audience emotionally. 

Whether you’re sharing a personal memory or promoting your brand, adding music is an easy way to make your post more memorable. 

And with Instagram’s built-in library, you can experiment with different songs and see what fits best.

If you’re looking to grow your audience, we at Naizop offer a safe and reliable way to buy followers on Instagram, helping you reach more people who’ll enjoy the content you’re creating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why can't I add songs to my Instagram post?

If you’re unable to add songs to your Instagram post, it’s often due to a few common reasons. 

First, make sure your Instagram app is fully updated, as new features sometimes only roll out to the latest versions. 

Another reason could be that the music feature isn’t available in your region, as Instagram restricts certain music options based on licensing agreements in different countries. 

Finally, business accounts have different restrictions when it comes to music, so switching to a personal account may help if you’re trying to add a popular song.

Why is there no music option on my Instagram post?

If the music option doesn’t show up on your Instagram post, it’s likely due to regional restrictions or account settings. 

Instagram’s music feature is available in most locations but may not be supported everywhere. 

Additionally, if you’re using a business account, Instagram limits music options to avoid copyright issues. 

Switching to a personal account or using Instagram Stories or Instagram Reels, where music is more broadly available, could solve this issue.

How do I add audio from my phone to an Instagram post?

To add audio from your phone to an Instagram post, you’ll need to use a third-party app, as Instagram doesn’t currently allow users to upload their own audio files directly. 

Apps like InShot or iMovie can help you add music or sounds from your phone’s library to a video, which you can then upload to Instagram. 

Simply create your video in the app, add your preferred audio, and save it to your device. From there, you can upload the video to Instagram with the audio included.

How do I add original audio to an Instagram post?

Adding original audio - such as your own recording or unique sound - to an Instagram post is possible through Reels. 

In Reels, you can record a video with your original audio or use sounds available in the app. 

When you publish the Reel, Instagram labels it as “Original Audio,” and others can use your sound in their own Instagram posts. 

If you’re adding audio to a regular carousel post, you’ll need to use a third-party Instagram app to merge your original audio with the video before uploading it.