How To Add Music To Instagram Story

Created 22 February, 2024
instagram story music

In today's digital age, social media platforms have become an integral part of our lives. Instagram, in particular, has gained immense popularity for its visual storytelling capabilities. One of the most engaging features on Instagram is the ability to add music to your stories. Whether you want to set the mood, express yourself, or simply entertain your followers, adding music can take your Instagram stories to the next level. In this article, I will guide you through the process of adding music to your Instagram story using the built-in music feature, as well as how to add your own music using third-party apps.

Why add music to your Instagram story?


Music has a powerful impact on our emotions and can enhance the overall experience of your Instagram story. It can transform a mundane moment into a memorable one, and create a connection with your audience. By adding music to your Instagram story, you can set the tone, evoke certain feelings, and make your content more engaging and entertaining. Whether you're sharing a travel experience, showcasing a new product, or simply capturing a daily moment, music can add that extra touch of creativity and authenticity to your story.

 

How to add music to Instagram story using the built-in music feature

Instagram has made it incredibly easy to add music to your stories with its built-in music feature. Here's how you can do it:

  1. Open the Instagram app on your mobile device and swipe right to access the camera.
  2. Capture a photo or video for your story, or select one from your camera roll.
  3. Tap on the sticker icon at the top of the screen.
  4. Select the "Music" sticker from the available options.
  5. Search for a song or browse through the different categories and playlists.
  6. Once you've found the desired song, you can preview it by tapping on it.
  7. Adjust the length of the song by dragging the slider left or right.
  8. Customize the appearance of the music sticker by tapping on it and selecting different styles.
  9. Move and resize the music sticker to the desired location on your story.
  10. Tap "Done" to add the music to your Instagram story.

By using the built-in music feature, you can easily find popular songs, explore different genres, and add a touch of personalization to your Instagram story.

Adding your own music to Instagram story using third-party apps

If you want to add your own music to your Instagram story, you can utilize third-party apps that provide this functionality. Here are some popular apps that allow you to add your own music to your Instagram story:

  1. Spotify: With over millions of songs in its library, Spotify is a great choice for adding your own music to your Instagram story. Simply create a playlist of the songs you want to use and save it on Spotify. Then, open the Instagram app, swipe right to access the camera, and follow the same steps mentioned earlier to add a music sticker. Tap on the "More" option and select Spotify to choose your saved playlist.
  2. SoundCloud: SoundCloud is another popular platform for discovering and sharing music. It allows you to upload your own tracks or explore the vast collection of user-generated content. To add your own music from SoundCloud to your Instagram story, open the SoundCloud app, select the track you want to share, tap on the share icon, and choose the "Instagram Stories" option.
  3. InShot: InShot is a versatile video editing app that offers a range of features, including the ability to add music to your videos. You can import your own music from your device's library or choose from the app's collection. Once you have edited your video in InShot, you can save it to your camera roll and then upload it to your Instagram story.

These are just a few examples of the many third-party apps available that allow you to add your own music to your Instagram story. Explore different options and find the one that suits your needs and preferences.

Steps to add your own music to Instagram story


Now that you're familiar with the built-in music feature and third-party apps, let's go through the steps to add your own music to your Instagram story:

  1. Choose the music you want to add to your Instagram story and make sure it is saved on your device or within the app you're using.
  2. Open the Instagram app on your mobile device and swipe right to access the camera.
  3. Capture a photo or video for your story, or select one from your camera roll.
  4. Tap on the sticker icon at the top of the screen.
  5. Select the "Music" sticker from the available options.
  6. Instead of using the built-in music feature, tap on the "My Music" or "Custom" option.
  7. Choose the source from which you want to add your own music (e.g., Spotify, SoundCloud, InShot).
  8. Select the specific song or playlist you want to add to your Instagram story.
  9. Customize the appearance of the music sticker by tapping on it and selecting different styles.
  10. Move and resize the music sticker to the desired location on your story.
  11. Tap "Done" to add your own music to your Instagram story.
  12. By following these steps, you can add your own music and showcase your personal taste and style in your Instagram stories.

Troubleshooting tips for adding music to Instagram story


Sometimes, you may encounter issues or difficulties while adding music to your Instagram story. Here are some troubleshooting tips to help you overcome common challenges:

  • Update your app: Make sure you have the latest version of the Instagram app installed on your device. Updates often include bug fixes and improvements that can resolve any issues with adding music to your stories.
  • Check your internet connection: A stable internet connection is essential for accessing the music library and adding music to your Instagram story. Ensure that you are connected to a reliable Wi-Fi network or have a strong cellular data connection.
  • Clear cache and data: If you're experiencing persistent issues with adding music, clearing the cache and data of the Instagram app can help. Go to your device's settings, find the Instagram app, and clear the cache and data. Note that this will log you out of the app, so make sure you remember your login credentials.
  • Restart your device: Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve temporary glitches and restore the functionality of the app. Turn off your device, wait for a few seconds, and then turn it back on.
  • Contact Instagram support: If none of the above troubleshooting tips work, you can reach out to Instagram support for further assistance. They may be able to provide specific solutions or insights into the issue you're facing.

By following these troubleshooting tips, you can ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience when adding music to your Instagram story.

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Creative ways to use music in your Instagram story


Now that you know how to add music to your Instagram story, let's explore some creative ways to make the most of this feature and enhance your storytelling:

  1. Soundtrack for travel adventures: If you're sharing your travel experiences, adding music can transport your audience to the destination and amplify the emotions captured in your photos and videos. Choose songs that reflect the mood and atmosphere of the place you're visiting.
  2. Highlight product features: If you're showcasing a product or service, music can help create a captivating and engaging story around it. Use upbeat and energetic songs to highlight the product's features and benefits, or choose a track that aligns with the brand's identity.
  3. Emotional storytelling: Music has the power to evoke emotions and create a deeper connection with your audience. Use it to enhance the emotional impact of your stories, whether you're sharing a personal anecdote, a heartfelt message, or a motivational story.
  4. Behind-the-scenes moments: Music can add a fun and playful element to behind-the-scenes content. Choose catchy tunes or upbeat tracks to accompany your behind-the-scenes videos, giving your audience a glimpse into your creative process or daily routine.
  5. Interactive experiences: Experiment with interactive elements in your Instagram story by using music. For example, you can ask your audience to guess the song playing in the background or create a poll asking them to choose their favorite track.

By incorporating music creatively into your Instagram stories, you can engage your audience, make your content more memorable, and stand out from the crowd.

Legal considerations when adding music to Instagram story


While adding music to your Instagram story can be a great way to enhance your content, it's important to be aware of the legal considerations and potential copyright issues. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

Copyright infringement: Using copyrighted music without permission can lead to copyright infringement. It's essential to respect the rights of artists and creators by obtaining the necessary licenses or permissions before using their music in your Instagram stories.

Royalty-free music: To avoid copyright issues, you can use royalty-free music, which is music that is licensed for specific uses without the need for individual permissions. There are several platforms that offer a wide range of royalty-free music, such as Soundstripe, Epidemic Sound, and Artlist.

Licensing agreements: If you want to use popular songs in your Instagram stories, you may need to obtain licensing agreements with the respective rights holders. This can involve contacting the artist or their record label to negotiate the terms and conditions for using their music.

Attribution: When using music that requires attribution, make sure to credit the artist or source appropriately in your Instagram story. This can be done by mentioning the artist's name, including a link to their website or social media profile, or using the proper tags and hashtags.

It's crucial to educate yourself about the legalities of using music in your Instagram stories and ensure that you comply with the relevant copyright laws and regulations. Ignoring these considerations can result in legal consequences and harm your online presence.

Alternatives to adding music to Instagram story


If adding music to your Instagram story is not feasible or suitable for your content, there are alternative ways to enhance your storytelling and engage your audience. Here are a few ideas:

Sound effects: Instead of music, you can incorporate sound effects to add depth and atmosphere to your Instagram story. Whether it's the sound of waves crashing, birds chirping, or a door opening, sound effects can create a more immersive experience for your audience.

Voiceover: Consider using your own voice or a narrator's voice to provide context and narration to your Instagram story. This can be particularly effective for tutorials, behind-the-scenes videos, or storytelling content.

Captions and text: Use captions and text overlays to convey your message and engage your audience. You can experiment with different fonts, colors, and animations to make your text visually appealing and attention-grabbing.

Visual effects: Explore the different visual effects and filters available on Instagram to enhance the visual appeal of your stories. From boomerangs to superzooms, there are various options to add a touch of creativity and uniqueness to your content.

Remember, the key is to experiment and find alternative ways to make your Instagram stories engaging and memorable, even if music is not the primary focus.

Conclusion


Adding music to your Instagram story can elevate your storytelling and engage your audience in a unique way. Whether you choose to use the built-in music feature or add your own music through third-party apps, the possibilities are endless. Remember to consider the legal aspects and copyright issues when using music, and explore alternative methods to enhance your Instagram stories if music is not suitable for your content. With these tips and techniques, you can create captivating and memorable Instagram stories that leave a lasting impression on your followers. So go ahead, unleash your creativity, and let the music be the soundtrack to your Instagram story!

Unfortunately, the music sticker is the primary method for adding music to your Instagram story. While there are alternative apps and methods, they may not offer the same seamless integration as the built-in music feature.

The availability of songs in the Instagram music library may vary depending on your location and licensing agreements with music labels. If you can't find a specific song, it may not be licensed for use in your region.

Yes, you can add music to both photos and videos on your Instagram story. Simply follow the same steps mentioned earlier to add a music sticker to your story.