How to Add Music to Instagram Posts: A Complete Guide for 2025

Instagram has evolved from a simple photo-sharing platform into a full-fledged multimedia experience. One of the most engaging features that creators and casual users love is the ability to add music to Instagram posts. Whether you’re sharing a picture, a video, or a reel, the right soundtrack can amplify your message, capture emotions, and boost engagement.

If you’re wondering how to add music to your Instagram post in 2025, this step-by-step guide will walk you through every available method, including tips for personal, business, and creator accounts.

Why Add Music to Instagram Posts?

Music is a powerful storytelling tool. Here’s why incorporating it into your posts makes a difference:

• Boosts Emotional Connection – A song sets the tone and enhances your content’s emotional impact.

• Increases Engagement – Posts with music often see higher interaction rates.

• Makes Content More Entertaining – Whether it’s a trending track or a nostalgic throwback, music makes posts more dynamic.

• Improves Storytelling – Adding lyrics or instrumentals helps communicate a message better than visuals alone.

Music on Instagram: What You Can and Can’t Do

Before diving into how to add music, it’s important to understand where music can be used:

How to Add Music to an Instagram Reel (Most Popular)

Instagram Reels are short-form videos, and adding music is both easy and highly encouraged. Here’s how:

1. Open the Instagram App

2. Tap the ‘+’ icon and choose Reel

3. Upload your video or record a new one

4. Tap the music note icon 🎵 on the left

5. Browse trending songs or use the search bar

6. Choose the section of the song you want

7. Add effects, captions, and post!

Bonus Tip: Use “Saved” songs to access your favorite tracks more quickly.

How to Add Music to Image Feed Posts (2025 Update)

Instagram now allows you to add music to single photo feed posts in many regions. Here’s how:

1. Tap the ‘+’ icon and choose Post

2. Select the image you want to upload

3. Tap “Next”

4. On the caption screen, you’ll see a “Add Music” option

5. Tap it to open the music library

6. Browse or search for a track

7. Select your desired portion of the song (up to 90 seconds)

8. Finish your post and tap Share

Note: This feature may not be available to all users or business accounts depending on your country and account type.

How to Add Music to Instagram Video Posts (Feed)

If you’re uploading a video to your Instagram feed:

1. Tap ‘+’ icon → Post → Video

2. Select or record your video

3. Tap Next, then choose the Music tab

4. Browse for a song and select your desired segment

5. Add filters, captions, and location if needed

6. Post your video

This method allows for seamless syncing of music and video, especially helpful for mood-based or cinematic posts.

How to Add Music to Instagram Stories

Stories remain one of the most widely used formats. Adding music is intuitive:

1. Tap your profile picture or ‘+’ → Story

2. Choose a photo or video

3. Tap the sticker icon, then select Music

4. Find a song and choose the portion you want

5. Customize the lyrics display or album cover

6. Place the music sticker anywhere on the screen

7. Tap Your Story to publish

You can also use effects like slow-mo or boomerang for added flair.

For Business Accounts: Music Limitations

Instagram business accounts have limited access to commercial music due to copyright regulations. However, there are still options:

• Use royalty-free music from Meta Sound Collection

• Create Reels with original audio

• Use apps like InShot, CapCut, or Splice to add music before uploading

Workaround Tip: Switch to a “Creator” account for access to more songs, if it aligns with your brand goals.

Adding Music Using Third-Party Apps

If Instagram’s native tools are limited or unavailable in your region, use third-party editing apps:

Recommended Apps:

• InShot – Add music, trim audio, fade in/out, and adjust volume

• CapCut – Trend-based templates with music

• Splice – High-quality audio editing

• VN Video Editor – Lightweight and user-friendly

Once you edit and save your video with music, simply upload it as a regular Instagram post or reel.

Troubleshooting Tips

• Music Option Not Showing? Update your Instagram app to the latest version.

• Still No Access? Try logging out and back in, or reinstall the app.

• Business Account Restrictions? Consider switching to a Creator account.

• Copyright Warnings? Always use licensed tracks or Instagram’s approved music library.

Pro Tips to Make Your Music Posts Stand Out

1. Use Trending Sounds – Reels with trending audio get higher reach.

2. Sync Visuals with Beats – Time transitions or clips with music cues for more impact.

3. Use Captions with Lyrics – Engage viewers who watch with sound off.

4. Add Hashtags Like #NowPlaying or #MusicVibes – Helps discovery.

5. Save Audio – Tap “Save” on audio you like to use later.

Final Thoughts

Adding music to your Instagram post is one of the easiest ways to make your content more engaging and memorable. Whether you’re sharing a funny reel, a relaxing story, or a heartfelt image, music elevates your storytelling.

Instagram continues to expand and improve its music integration tools, making it accessible to all types of creators—from influencers and artists to small businesses and casual users. So next time you’re crafting a post, don’t forget to tap that 🎵 icon and bring your visuals to life.

FAQ: How to Add Music to Instagram Posts

1. Can I add music to a regular photo post on Instagram?
Yes, Instagram now allows users in many regions to add music to single-image feed posts by selecting the “Add Music” option before publishing.

2. How do I add music to an Instagram video post?
When uploading a video, you can choose the “Music” tab during the posting process, search for a song, and select the clip you want to use.

3. Why can’t I see the music option on my account?
You might be using an outdated app version, or your account type (e.g., business account) may have limited access to licensed music.

4. Can business accounts add music to posts?
Business accounts have restricted access to commercial music due to licensing rules. They can use Meta’s royalty-free music collection or switch to a Creator account for more options.

5. How do I add music to Instagram Stories?
Tap the sticker icon while creating a Story, select the “Music” sticker, choose a track, and customize the snippet and display style.

6. Is it possible to add my own music or voiceovers?
Yes. You can use third-party editing apps like InShot or CapCut to add custom audio before uploading your content to Instagram.

7. Can I use trending songs in Reels?
Absolutely. Trending songs often boost visibility and engagement, and they’re readily available in the Reels music library.

8. How long can the music clip be in a post?
You can add up to 90 seconds of music to static photo posts and use full audio segments in videos or Reels depending on your content length.

9. Can I switch music after I post?
No. Once your post is published with music, you cannot change the track. You would need to delete and repost with new audio.

10. Are there copyright concerns when using music on Instagram?
If you use music from Instagram’s built-in library, it’s licensed for use. Avoid uploading unlicensed or copyrighted tracks manually to prevent your content from being muted or taken down.