What you can do with music on Instagram
You can add music to your Instagram profile in two ways: as a soundtrack that plays when someone visits your profile, or embedded in individual posts and Reels. The profile music feature — sometimes called a profile song — plays automatically when visitors land on your main profile page, giving your account a personal touch without them having to tap anything.
The second option is adding music to specific content you post. This works differently depending on whether you're posting a photo carousel, a Reel, or a Story. Each format has its own music library and slightly different steps to follow.
Instagram's music library includes millions of licensed songs across every genre. You won't get a copyright strike for using these tracks because Instagram has already licensed them. If you use music outside this library — a song from your own files, for example — your post may be muted or removed.
Key Takeaways
- Profile music plays automatically when someone visits your profile page and is set through your profile settings, not through a post.
- You can only add profile music on the Instagram app, not through the web version or desktop.
- Music added to individual Reels, Stories, and carousel posts comes from Instagram's licensed music library to avoid copyright issues.
- If you don't see a music option in your profile settings, your account may not have the feature yet — Instagram rolls it out gradually to different regions.
Adding music to your profile itself
Open Instagram and go to your profile by tapping your profile picture in the bottom right corner. Tap the three horizontal lines (the menu) in the top right, then tap Settings and privacy. Scroll down and tap Profile.
Look for the option labeled Profile song or Music — the exact wording varies by region and app version. Tap it. A search screen will open showing you trending songs and categories like Pop, Hip-Hop, and Indie. You can scroll through these or search for a specific song by typing the title or artist name.
Once you find a song you want, tap it. A preview will play so you can hear a sample. If you like it, tap Add or Done. The song is now set as your profile music. When someone visits your profile, it will start playing automatically — they can tap the music player to see the song title and artist, or tap through to the song's page on Instagram.
To change your profile song later, go back to the same Profile song setting and pick a different track. To remove it entirely, look for a Remove or Clear button on that same screen.
Adding music to Reels
When you create a new Reel, the music option appears before you start recording. Tap the music icon (usually a musical note) at the bottom of the screen. This opens Instagram's music library. You can search by song title, artist, or genre, or scroll through trending tracks and curated playlists.
Once you pick a song, you'll see a waveform showing the full track. You can tap anywhere on the waveform to start your Reel at that point in the song — useful if you want to skip the intro or start at a specific beat. Tap Use this audio or Done, then record your video.
If you're editing a Reel you've already recorded, tap the music icon in the editing screen. The same library opens, and you can swap out the audio or add music if there wasn't any before. You can also adjust the volume of the music versus any sound you recorded (like your own voice) by tapping the audio mixer icon.
Adding music to Stories and carousel posts
For Stories, take or upload your photo or video, then look for the music sticker icon at the top of the editing screen. Tap it to open the music library. Search for or browse songs, then tap the one you want. A preview plays — tap Done to add it to your Story. The music will play when someone views your Story.
For carousel posts (multiple photos in one post), the process is different. You add music after you've uploaded all your photos. In the editing screen before you post, look for the Music option. Tap it, search or browse the library, and select your track. The music will play as someone swipes through your carousel.
In both cases, you can adjust how long the music plays and whether it loops (repeats) when it ends. Some versions of Instagram also let you adjust the volume of the music separately from any other audio in your post.
Troubleshooting when music isn't showing up
If you don't see a music option anywhere in your profile settings, Instagram may not have rolled out the profile music feature to your account yet. Instagram releases new features gradually, so some accounts get them weeks or months before others. Check back in a few weeks — it should appear eventually.
If music options are missing from your Reels or Stories, make sure you're using the latest version of the Instagram app. Open your device's app store (Google Play for Android, App Store for iPhone), search for Instagram, and tap Update if it's available. Outdated versions sometimes have missing features.
If you're trying to add music but the library won't load, try closing the app completely and reopening it. If that doesn't work, restart your phone. Music features also require an internet connection, so check that you're connected to WiFi or mobile data.
Some countries and regions have limited music libraries due to licensing restrictions. If you search for a specific song and it doesn't appear, it may not be available in your location. Try searching for a similar song or a cover version instead.
What happens when you use copyrighted music outside Instagram's library
If you upload a video with music from your own files or from a source outside Instagram's library, Instagram's system will detect it. The most common outcome is that your video gets muted — the audio is removed entirely, and viewers see only the video with no sound. Your post stays up, but the music is gone.
In some cases, Instagram may restrict who can see your post or remove it entirely if the copyright holder has filed a claim. This is why using Instagram's built-in music library is the safest approach — every song there is already licensed for use on the platform.
If you've already posted something with outside music and it got muted, you can edit the post to add music from Instagram's library instead. Open the post, tap the three dots, select Edit, and add a track from the licensed library. Save the changes and your post will have audio again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my own music or music from Spotify on my profile?
No. Profile music must come from Instagram's licensed music library. If you try to upload your own audio file, Instagram won't accept it. The same applies to Reels, Stories, and carousel posts — all music must come from Instagram's built-in library to avoid copyright issues.
Will my profile music play on mute or with sound off?
Profile music respects your device's volume and mute settings. If someone visits your profile with their phone on silent, the music won't play. If they have volume on, it will play automatically when they land on your profile page.
Can people share my Reel with the same music?
Yes. When someone shares your Reel, the music goes with it. They can also use the same song in their own Reels by tapping the music sticker that appears on your video. This is one way songs trend on Instagram — people keep using the same audio in their own content.
What if the music I want isn't in Instagram's library?
Search for alternate versions — covers, remixes, or similar songs by other artists. If the exact song truly isn't available, you'll need to pick something else from the library. Instagram's music selection is large but not unlimited, and availability varies by region.
Does adding profile music affect how many people see my posts?
No. Profile music is separate from your posts and doesn't change Instagram's algorithm or how many people see your content. It's purely a profile customization feature.