How to Add Music to Your Instagram Story
Instagram Stories have revolutionized the way users share moments, quickly becoming one of the most popular features on the platform. With more than 500 million active users daily, Stories let you showcase your day through short videos or photos that disappear after 24 hours. But one key upgrade truly set Instagram Stories apart: the ability to add music.
Why Adding Music Changed Instagram Stories
When Instagram introduced Stories in 2017, it was a direct answer to Snapchat's similar feature. While both let users post fleeting highlights, Instagram wasn’t just about disappearing content—it evolved quickly, becoming a powerful channel for creators, brands, and especially musicians.
Adding music allowed Stories to become more expressive and dynamic. This upgrade did three things:
- Enhanced emotional storytelling by setting a mood with soundtracks
- Gave artists and music lovers a direct way to share their tastes
- Helped musicians and content creators market themselves effectively
Instagram now hosts many of the most-followed musicians in the world. In fact, Instagram users spend 30% more time listening to music than average users on other social networks. Coupled with tools like AudioGrab, finding the right track for your Story has never been easier.
The Importance of Using Royalty-Free Music
Adding music is fun, but copyright compliance is vital. Instagram’s policies are strict—a copyrighted song on your post can get your Story removed or even your account flagged.
That’s why using royalty-free music is so important. Before posting, it’s wise to check your chosen track in a reputable copyright tool to ensure you have the proper rights.
Step-By-Step Guide: Adding Music to Your Instagram Story
Adding music only takes a few taps. Here’s how you can do it:
1. Select or Capture Your Content
- Open your Instagram camera.
- Snap a photo or record a video, or choose something from your gallery.
2. Access the Sticker Menu
- Tap on the sticker icon (the smiley face in a rectangle) at the top of your screen.
- Look for the Music sticker and tap on it.
3. Browse and Select Your Song
- When the music menu opens, browse suggestions based on your Spotify preferences, genre, or mood.
- Preview songs and pick the right one for your Story.
- Slide the bar to choose the exact segment of the song you want to use.
4. Customize the Music Sticker
- Tap the sticker to change its appearance (album art, song title, lyrics, etc.).
- Move and resize the sticker to fit your content.
- For video Stories, you can pin the sticker to follow a moving object!
5. Share Your Story
- Once you’ve made your selections, press the "Your Story" button to publish.
Adding Music Lyrics to Your Instagram Story
Not only can you play music, but you can also display song lyrics on your Story:
- After selecting a song via the music sticker, tap the letter icon above the song controls.
- Swipe left for different font styles and layouts.
- Tap Done when satisfied and post your Story as usual.
Troubleshooting: When Music Won’t Add to Your Story
Sometimes, music options might be missing or incomplete. Here’s why:
- Regional Restrictions: The desired song may not be available due to licensing limits.
- Search Limitations: The search tool might not include every possible track.
- Manual Workarounds: If a specific song is missing, consider adding it by editing the video before uploading.
For more help, check out Instagram's help center.
Final Thoughts
Music and Instagram Stories are a powerful combination, allowing users and musicians to creatively connect with their audience. Whether you’re sharing a highlight or promoting your latest track, knowing how to add music—and do so legally—lets you make the most of Instagram’s features.
