You can add original audio to Instagram posts using the audio library during editing, or by uploading a video with audio already attached
Instagram lets you add audio to posts in two main ways: you can select from Instagram's built-in audio library while editing, or you can upload a video that already has audio recorded on it. The method you use depends on whether you're starting with a video file or building the post from scratch in the app.
If you're uploading a video you recorded on your phone or computer, the audio stays attached to that video automatically — you don't need to add it separately. If you want to add music or sound from Instagram's library, or swap out the audio on an existing video, you'll use the editing tools after you select your video file.
Key Takeaways
- Videos you upload keep their original audio by default, so if you recorded sound on your phone, it will play when you post.
- You can add music from Instagram's audio library by tapping the music icon while editing a post, then searching by song name or browsing by mood.
- To replace audio on a video you've already uploaded, tap the audio icon in the editing screen and select a new track.
- Audio from Instagram's library is free to use and won't trigger copyright claims, but audio you record yourself or pull from other sources might.
- Some audio tracks have restrictions on how long they can play or which countries can hear them — Instagram will show these limits before you post.
Adding audio from Instagram's library to a new post
Open Instagram and tap the plus sign at the bottom to create a new post. Select "Post" from the menu, then choose the video or photo you want to use. If you're using a photo, you can still add audio — it will play as a background sound while the image displays.
After you select your file, tap "Next" at the bottom right. On the editing screen, look for the music note icon (usually near the top or in a row of editing tools). Tap it to open the audio library. You can search for a specific song by typing the title or artist name, or browse by category like "Trending," "Mood," or "Genre." Once you find a track you want, tap it to preview how it sounds with your video.
When you've chosen your audio, tap "Use Audio" or the checkmark. You can adjust where the audio starts in the track by dragging the slider — this is useful if you only want a specific part of a song to play. After you've set the audio and made any other edits, tap "Next" and then "Share" to post.
Keeping the audio from a video you recorded
If you recorded a video on your phone with sound — like someone talking, music playing in the background, or ambient noise — that audio stays attached to the file. When you upload that video to Instagram as a post, the sound will play automatically without any extra steps.
Open Instagram, tap the plus sign, and select "Post." Choose your video file from your phone's camera roll or files. Tap "Next" and review the preview — you should hear your original audio playing. If the audio is too quiet or too loud, you can adjust the volume on the editing screen by tapping the volume icon and dragging the slider. Then tap "Next" and "Share" to post with your original audio intact.
Replacing or removing audio from an existing video
If you upload a video that has audio you want to change, you can swap it out for a different track from Instagram's library. After you select your video file and tap "Next," look for the audio or music icon on the editing screen. Tap it to open the audio library, then search for or browse to find a new track.
To remove audio entirely and post a silent video, tap the audio icon and look for a "Mute" or "No Audio" option — this varies depending on your phone's operating system. Some versions of Instagram show a volume slider you can drag all the way down to zero. If you don't see a mute option, you can lower the volume as far as it will go, though it may not go completely silent.
Understanding copyright and audio restrictions
Audio from Instagram's library is cleared for use on the platform and won't result in copyright strikes or claims against your account. This is the safest option if you're concerned about your post being flagged or removed.
Audio you record yourself — like your own voice, music you play, or sounds in your environment — belongs to you, so you can use it without restriction. However, if your video contains copyrighted music playing in the background (like a song from the radio or a streaming service), Instagram's system may detect it and either mute the audio, add a label to your post, or restrict who can watch it depending on the copyright holder's settings.
Some tracks in Instagram's audio library have regional restrictions, meaning they can only be heard in certain countries. Instagram will show you these limits before you post. A few audio tracks also have length limits — the audio might only be available for the first 15 or 30 seconds of your video. Check these details before you finalize your post.
Troubleshooting audio that won't play or won't upload
If you upload a video but the audio doesn't play when you preview it, first check that your phone's volume is turned up and not on silent. Tap the volume icon in the editing screen and make sure the slider isn't all the way down. If the audio is still silent, try closing the Instagram app completely and opening it again.
If Instagram's audio library won't load or you can't find the track you're looking for, make sure you have a strong internet connection — audio library features require a good data or WiFi signal. If the library still won't load, try updating Instagram to the latest version from your phone's app store. Occasionally Instagram removes or rotates audio tracks, so a song you used before might no longer be available.
If you're trying to upload a video file and it keeps failing, check that the file format is supported — Instagram accepts MP4 and MOV files for videos. Files larger than 4GB may not upload. Try uploading a shorter video or a smaller file size to see if that resolves the issue.
Adding audio to Stories and Reels instead of posts
The process for adding audio to Instagram Stories and Reels is similar but slightly different. For Stories, tap the music sticker after you record or upload your video, then search and select a track from the library. For Reels, the audio library appears automatically in the editing screen — you can add, swap, or adjust audio the same way you would for a regular post.
Reels have one advantage: you can layer multiple audio tracks on top of each other, whereas regular posts and Stories only support one audio track at a time. If you want to combine your own recorded audio with a music track, Reels is the best format to use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use music from Spotify or Apple Music in my Instagram post?
No — music from those services is copyrighted, and Instagram will detect it and either mute the audio or restrict your post. Use Instagram's audio library instead, which has thousands of free, cleared tracks. If you want a specific song, search for it in the library — there's often a similar version available.
What happens if I post a video with copyrighted music in the background?
Instagram's system will likely detect it. The copyright holder can choose to mute your audio, add a label to your post, or restrict who can watch it. Your account won't be penalized, but your video won't have sound or won't reach as many people. This is why using Instagram's library is safer.
Can I adjust the volume of my original audio after I upload?
Yes — tap the volume icon in the editing screen and drag the slider up or down. You can make your recorded audio louder or quieter, or mute it entirely if you want to replace it with a track from the library.
Why can't I find a specific song in Instagram's audio library?
Instagram's library rotates tracks regularly, and some songs are only available in certain countries. If a song isn't there, search for similar tracks by the same artist or in the same genre. You can also try searching by mood or style to find alternatives that fit your post.
Do I need permission to use audio from Instagram's library?
No — all audio in Instagram's library is pre-cleared for use on the platform. You don't need to credit the artist or ask permission. This is one of the main benefits of using the library instead of finding music elsewhere.