Adding music to your posts is one way to level up your Instagram game. But how do you add copyrighted music on Instagram legally? Read on to learn how to add music to your Instagram reel and the tips and tricks we use to add copyrighted music, and even royalty-free music, on Instagram videos.
How to Add Music to Instagram Reels
Tap the plus sign (+) button at the bottom.
Tap Reel and select the clips you want to include in the reel. You can edit on the app if you haven't edited the clips yet.
Instagram will suggest audio you can use for the video. If you are looking for a specific song, you can tap Search from Instagram's music library.
Once you have chosen the music, tap it and click Next.
You can also change the music by tapping the music icon found at the top.
Tap Next to add caption, tag people, add location, and other details, then tap Share if you're ready to post.
How to Add Music to Instagram Stories
Tap the plus sign (+) on your feed or profile.
Select a photo or video you want to post. Depending on which part you want to post, you can crop clips, then tap Done.
Tap the music sticker at the top.
Select a track from the Instagram music library.
Select which part of the song to include, then tap Done. Then you can add captions or stickers if you like.
When you're ready to post, tap Your story.
How to Add Music to an Instagram Feed Post
Tap the plus sign (+) button at the bottom.
Select the video you want to post. For multiple videos, select to double square icon. You can edit on the app if you haven't edited the photos or videos yet.
Once you've hit Next, tap the music icon at the top right to select the music for the post.
You can then select which part of the track you want to include. Then tap Done.
Tap Next to add other details to your post and when you're ready to share.
If you have already added music while you were editing on a different platform, continue reading below for the tips and tricks we use to add copyrighted music on Instagram.
Copyright Tips and Tricks
Use Instagram's Music Library
Instagram's built-in music library has vast options for royalty-free tracks for your Instagram stories, videos, or reels. This is the safest way to ensure that your Instagram post remains compliant with copyright laws.
License Music from Reliable Sources
If you're looking for unique songs to use on your Instagram story, you can try licensed music from Epidemic Sound, which provides copyright-free music that won't get flagged for copyright infringement on your videos.
Use Royalty-Free Music
Opt for royalty-free music where you pay once and use it indefinitely without recurring fees. This is not free music but is free of ongoing royalties. Reliable sources include Stockmusic.net and YouTube's Audio Library​.
Utilize Creative Commons Music
This option allows you to use music that artists have made available for free under certain conditions, which often require attribution and non-commercial use. Websites like the Free Music Archive offer such tracks​.
Incorporate Public Domain Music
Music in the public domain is available for public use without any copyright infringement. This includes songs that have copyrights expired, generally 70 years after the author's death. Websites like IMSLP/Petrucci Music Library offer access to these songs​.
Create or Commission Your Own Music
If you have the resources to create your own original music or hire someone to create custom track, this ensures that you are the copyright holder of that music, avoiding copyright law violation. You can also use AI-generated music. If you use your own music on your Instagram post, you will have no issue using the same content on other social media platforms.
Use Short Clips of Copyrighted Music
Keep your clips short to avoid your Instagram video being muted or removed if you are planning to include copyrighted music. Instagram also advises that videos be primarily visual and the copyrighted music should not be the focus of the video.
Facebook’s Sound Collection
Since Facebook and Instagram are owned by Meta, the copyright-free music and sound effects offered on Facebook can also be used on Instagram. However, there are limitations for business accounts regarding songs from recording artists.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to know if a song is copyrighted on Instagram?
Unfortunately, there's no way to know if a song is copyrighted on Instagram unless it's a song you made or commissioned, or you are the copyright owner, or it is in the public domain registry. It is always safe to assume that a song is protected by the copyright law and you'll need to purchase a license to use it in your video.
What will happen if I use copyrighted music on Instagram without permission?
Your audio or clips from the video may be removed or muted once Instagram detects copyrighted music. They may also block or delete your content if the copyright infringement is substantial.
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