You can add your own music to Instagram posts using the audio library or by uploading a file
Instagram lets you add music to feed posts, Reels, and Stories in two main ways: through Instagram's built-in audio library (which has millions of licensed songs) or by uploading your own audio file directly. The method you use depends on what you're posting and whether the music is already in Instagram's system or something you recorded yourself.
For most people, the audio library is the fastest route — you search for a song, tap it, and it's added. If you have your own recording or a song not in Instagram's library, you'll need to use third-party tools or workarounds, since Instagram doesn't have a direct "upload audio" button for feed posts the way it does for Reels.
Key Takeaways
- Instagram's audio library contains millions of licensed songs you can add to Reels and Stories by searching and tapping the track you want.
- For feed posts with your own music, you'll need to create a Reel first (even a short one), add the audio there, then save it as a draft or post it.
- Third-party apps like CapCut or InShot let you add your own audio files to videos before uploading them to Instagram as posts.
- Music you own or created yourself can be added to Stories using the audio sticker, which accepts files from your phone's storage.
- Copyright-protected music you don't own the rights to will likely be muted or flagged by Instagram, even if you upload it yourself.
Adding music from Instagram's audio library to a Reel
The easiest way to add music to any Instagram post is through a Reel, because Instagram's audio library is built directly into the Reel creation tool. Open Instagram, tap the plus sign at the bottom, select Reel, and record or upload a video. At the top of the editing screen, you'll see an audio icon — tap it to open the audio library.
Search for the song by title, artist, or mood (like "upbeat" or "chill"). When you find the track you want, tap it and it will be added to your Reel. You can adjust where the song starts by dragging the audio timeline, and you can trim the audio to match your video length. Once you're happy with it, post the Reel or save it as a draft.
If you want the music on a regular feed post instead of a Reel, create the Reel with the audio, then when you post it, Instagram will give you the option to share it as a Reel or as a regular post — choose the regular post option. The audio will stay attached.
Adding your own audio files using third-party video editors
If the song you want isn't in Instagram's library, or if you have your own recording, you'll need to add the audio before uploading to Instagram. Apps like CapCut, InShot, and Adobe Premiere Rush let you import a video and an audio file, sync them together, and export the final video to your phone.
Open your chosen app, create a new project, and import your video. Then tap the audio or music option and select the audio file from your phone's storage. Position the audio so it starts where you want it, adjust the volume if needed, and trim it to match your video length. Export the finished video to your camera roll, then upload it to Instagram as a regular post.
This method works for any audio file on your phone — a song you recorded, a podcast clip, or music you've downloaded. Keep in mind that if the audio is copyrighted music you don't own the rights to, Instagram may still mute it or flag it after you post, depending on their copyright detection system.
Using the audio sticker in Stories
Stories have a dedicated audio sticker that lets you add sound directly from your phone's storage. Create a new Story, take or upload a photo or video, then swipe up to see the sticker options. Find and tap the audio sticker (it looks like a music note or speaker icon).
You'll be given the choice to search Instagram's audio library or upload from your phone. If you choose to upload from your phone, select the audio file you want and it will be added to your Story. You can adjust the volume and position the sticker anywhere on the screen. The audio will play when someone views your Story.
Stories are more forgiving than feed posts regarding copyright — Instagram is less likely to flag audio in Stories than in permanent posts — but there's still no may provide that copyrighted music won't be muted or removed.
What happens when you upload copyrighted music you don't own
If you upload a video with copyrighted music that you don't own the rights to, Instagram's automated system will likely detect it. The most common outcomes are that the audio gets muted entirely, the post gets flagged with a copyright notice, or the audio stays but Instagram adds a label saying the music is copyrighted.
In some cases, the copyright holder can claim the audio and earn money from your post's views instead of you. In other cases, they can request that Instagram remove the post. This applies whether you add the music through Instagram's tools or upload it yourself — Instagram scans all audio on the platform.
If the music is your own recording, your own composition, or something you have explicit permission to use, you won't have this problem. For licensed music, stick to Instagram's audio library, which has already cleared the rights for you.
Adding music to Reels from your phone's storage
When you're creating a Reel, you can also add audio directly from your phone instead of searching the library. Tap the audio icon at the top of the Reel editor, then look for an option that says "Upload audio" or "Your audio" — this varies depending on your Instagram version and phone type.
Select the audio file from your phone's storage and it will be added to your Reel. You can trim it, adjust the volume, and position it the same way you would with library audio. This is useful if you have a song downloaded to your phone or a recording you want to use.
After you post the Reel, the audio will be attached to it. If you later want to share that Reel as a regular feed post, the audio comes along with it.
Troubleshooting audio that won't add or disappears
If you're trying to add audio and nothing happens, first check that your phone has enough storage space and that Instagram has permission to access your files. Go to your phone's settings, find Instagram, and make sure it has permission to access photos and media.
If the audio file is in an unsupported format (like .wav or .flac), convert it to .mp3 using a free online converter before trying again. If you're adding audio from the library and it's not showing up in search, try searching by artist name instead of song title, or browse by mood or genre.
If audio disappears after you post, it was likely flagged for copyright. Check your post — Instagram usually shows a notification if audio has been muted or claimed. If this happens, you can delete the post and try again with different audio, or contact Instagram's support if you believe the audio is yours or you have permission to use it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add music to a regular feed post without making it a Reel first?
Not directly — Instagram doesn't have an audio tool for regular feed posts. The workaround is to create a Reel with the audio, then post it as a regular post instead of a Reel. Alternatively, use a third-party video editor to add the audio before uploading the video to Instagram as a post.
What audio file formats does Instagram accept?
Instagram accepts .mp3, .m4a, and .aac files. If your audio is in a different format like .wav or .flac, use a free online converter to change it to .mp3 before uploading. Make sure the file size isn't too large — Instagram may reject files over 100 MB.
Will Instagram mute my own music or a song I have permission to use?
If it's your own recording or composition, Instagram shouldn't mute it. If you have written permission from the copyright holder, Instagram's system may still flag it because the automated detection doesn't know about your permission. In that case, you can appeal the flag through Instagram's support, but the process can take time.
Can I add different music to different parts of the same post?
Yes, but only in Reels. Use a video editor like CapCut to layer multiple audio tracks, adjust where each one starts and stops, and export the final video. Then upload it to Instagram as a Reel or regular post. The audio library doesn't let you add multiple songs to one Reel directly.
Why does my audio sound quiet or distorted after I post?
Instagram compresses audio during upload, which can reduce quality. To minimize this, make sure the original audio file isn't already at maximum volume — leave some headroom. If you're adding audio through a third-party app, export at the highest quality setting available before uploading to Instagram.