You can change the song on a posted Instagram Reel or Story, but the method depends on which one you posted
If you posted a Reel with a song and want to swap it out, Instagram lets you edit the audio directly from your profile — you do not have to delete and repost. If you posted a Story with music, you can replace it by editing that specific Story. The steps are different for each format, and the timing matters: you have a limited window to edit Stories (24 hours), but Reels can be edited anytime after posting.
The key difference is that Reels live on your profile permanently and can be edited without losing views or engagement, while Stories disappear after 24 hours. Both edits happen in the app itself, and neither one requires you to re-upload the video file.
Key Takeaways
- Reels can be edited to change the song anytime after posting by opening the Reel, tapping the three dots, and selecting Edit.
- Stories can be edited to change the song only within 24 hours of posting, using the same three-dot menu and Edit option.
- Changing a song on a Reel keeps all your existing likes, comments, and shares — the view count stays the same.
- If you cannot find the Edit option, make sure you are the account that posted the content and that you are using the latest version of Instagram.
How to change the song on a Reel you have already posted
Open Instagram and go to your profile by tapping your profile picture in the bottom right corner. Scroll down to find the Reel you want to edit and tap it to open it in full screen. Look for the three dots (the menu icon) in the bottom right corner of the Reel and tap it.
A menu will appear with several options. Tap Edit. Instagram will open the Reel editor and show you the video with the current song playing. At the bottom of the screen, you will see the audio track displayed — it usually shows the song name and artist. Tap on the audio section to open the music library.
Search for a new song using the search bar, or browse through the suggested tracks. Once you find the song you want, tap it to preview how it sounds with your video. When you are satisfied, tap Done or Save (the button name varies slightly by phone and Instagram version). Your Reel will update with the new song, and your post will remain live with all existing engagement intact.
How to change the song on a Story you have already posted
Go to your profile and look for the Stories section at the top. Find the Story you want to edit — it will show a small circle with your profile picture. Tap and hold on that Story, or tap the three dots that appear when you hover over it. Select Edit Story from the menu that appears.
Instagram will open the Story editor. If your Story has music, you will see the song name displayed on the screen. Tap on the music sticker or the audio section to open the music options. Search for a new song or browse suggestions, then tap the song you want to use. Preview it to make sure it fits the timing and mood of your Story, then tap Done.
Keep in mind that Stories can only be edited within 24 hours of posting. After 24 hours, the Story disappears and the Edit option is no longer available. If you need to change a song on a Story that is about to expire, act quickly.
What happens to your engagement when you change a song
When you edit a Reel to change the song, Instagram does not reset your likes, comments, shares, or view count. The post stays exactly where it was in your profile and in your followers' feeds. The only thing that changes is the audio track — everything else remains the same.
This is different from deleting and reposting, which would start your engagement from zero. Editing preserves all the interaction your Reel has already received, which is why it is the better option if you want to keep your existing views and comments.
Troubleshooting: Why you might not see the Edit option
If you tap the three dots on your Reel or Story and do not see an Edit option, check a few things first. Make sure you are logged into the account that posted the content — you cannot edit someone else's posts. If you are on the right account, try closing Instagram completely and opening it again. Sometimes the app needs to refresh to show all menu options.
If the Edit option still does not appear, update Instagram to the latest version through your phone's app store. Older versions of the app sometimes lack features that newer versions have. You can also try editing on a different device to see if the problem is specific to your phone.
For Stories, remember that the Edit option only works within 24 hours of posting. If your Story has already expired, you cannot edit it — you would need to post a new Story with the song you want instead.
Changing songs on Reels saved as drafts versus posted Reels
If you created a Reel but saved it as a draft instead of posting it, you can edit the song before you share it. Open your profile, tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines), select Drafts, and find your Reel. Tap it and select Edit to change the song before posting.
The process is nearly identical to editing a posted Reel, except you will see a Share or Post button at the end instead of a Save button. This is actually the easiest time to change a song, because you have not posted yet and there is no time limit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will changing the song on my Reel affect how many people see it?
No. Instagram's algorithm does not reset when you edit a Reel. Your view count, likes, and comments stay the same, and the Reel continues to be shown to people based on how it was performing before the edit. The change is invisible to your audience — they only see the new song if they watch the Reel again after you have made the change.
Can I change a song on a Reel I posted more than a week ago?
Yes. Unlike Stories, Reels can be edited anytime after posting, no matter how long ago you shared them. You can change the song on a Reel from months ago if you want to. Open your profile, find the Reel, tap the three dots, and select Edit.
What if the song I want to use is not in Instagram's music library?
Instagram's music library is limited to songs that have licensing agreements with the platform. If a song is not available, you cannot add it to a Reel or Story through the app. You would need to either choose a different song from the library or create new content with a song that is available.
Do I need to re-upload the video file to change the song?
No. When you edit a Reel or Story to change the song, you are only swapping the audio track — the video file itself stays the same. You do not need to upload anything or wait for processing. The change happens instantly in the app.
Can I change a song on a Reel that someone else shared or reposted?
No. You can only edit content that you originally posted from your own account. If someone else reposted your Reel or shared it to their Story, you cannot edit their version. You can only edit the original Reel on your own profile.