How to Add Music to an Instagram Post
Quick answer
Add music to a post by tapping Add music on the final share screen, searching for a song, and picking the segment you want. Stories use the Music sticker from the sticker tray, and Reels use Add audio in the editor. Business accounts see a smaller, royalty-free library.
Step by step
- 1
Create your post
Pick your photo or carousel and edit it as usual. Continue to the share screen where you write the caption.
- 2
Tap Add music
The option sits below the caption field. Search by song title or artist, or browse the suggestions.
- 3
Choose the clip
Drag the waveform to select the segment you want. Photo posts play a clip on loop while people view them.
- 4
Share the post
Tap Share. The song title shows on the post and links to its audio page.
- 5
Add music to a Story instead
In the Story editor, open the sticker tray and tap the Music sticker. Search, pick the segment, and choose a display style.
Worth knowing
- Business accounts cannot use most commercial tracks. Switch to a creator account or use the royalty-free library.
- Music availability varies by country and by license, so a track that works for one account may be missing for another.
Doing this for a brand, not just an account?
Trending audio is one of the few free distribution levers left on Instagram, and using it consistently is easier with a planned posting workflow.
Common questions
Why can't I find a song on Instagram?
The most common reason is account type. Business accounts only get the royalty-free library. Region licensing and artist takedowns also remove tracks.
Can I add music to a post that is already published?
Not to photo posts. You would need to delete and repost. Reels audio also cannot be swapped after publishing.
How long can the music clip be on a photo post?
Up to 90 seconds on a single photo. On carousels the clip plays across the slides as viewers swipe.