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Adding music to your Instagram stories can enhance your storytelling and engage your followers in a unique way. Instagram provides various features that allow you to customize your stories, and adding music is one of them. Whether you want to share your favorite songs, set the mood for a specific moment, or simply add a fun element to your stories, this feature can help you achieve that. In this blog post, we will explore the different methods to add music to your story on Instagram and provide some additional tips to enhance your storytelling.

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The Challenge of Adding Music to Story on Instagram

One of the challenges users often face when trying to add music to their Instagram stories is the limited options available. Not all songs are licensed to be used on Instagram, and sometimes the songs you want to use may not be available in the app’s music library. Additionally, the steps to add music can vary depending on your device and operating system. However, with the methods we will discuss in this blog post, you will be able to overcome these challenges and add music to your stories effectively.

Things You Should Prepare for

Before we delve into the methods to add music to your Instagram story, there are a few things you should prepare:

1. Update your Instagram app: Make sure you have the latest version of the Instagram app installed on your device.
2. Check music availability: Familiarize yourself with the music available in the app’s library and check for any specific restrictions or limitations.
3. Explore third-party apps: If you want to use songs that are not available in the Instagram music library, consider exploring third-party apps that allow you to add music to your videos and then import them into your Instagram story.

Now that you are prepared, let’s explore the methods to add music to your Instagram story.

Method 1: Adding Music via Instagram Music Library

To add music to your story using the Instagram music library, follow these steps:

1. Open the Instagram app on your device and tap on the camera icon in the top-left corner of the screen.
2. Capture a photo or video for your story or select one from your gallery by swiping up.
3. Tap on the sticker icon at the top of the screen, which looks like a square smiley face.
4. Select the "Music" sticker from the available options.
5. You can either browse through popular songs, search for a specific song or artist, or explore different genres and moods.
6. Once you have found the song you want to add, tap on it to preview and customize the sticker.
7. You can trim the song by dragging the sliders on the timeline or choose a specific section of the song for your story.
8. Customize the sticker by adjusting its size, position, and design.
9. Tap on "Done" to add the music sticker to your story.

Pros:
1. Easy and convenient to use directly within the Instagram app.
2. Wide variety of songs available in the music library.
3. Seamless integration with other Instagram stickers and features.

Cons:
1. Limited to the songs available in the Instagram music library.
2. May not have the specific song or artist you want to use.
3. Not available in all countries due to licensing restrictions.

Method 2: Adding Music via Third-Party Apps

If you want to use songs that are not available in the Instagram music library, you can use third-party apps to add music to your videos and then import them into your Instagram story. Here’s how:

1. Install a third-party app that allows you to add music to videos, such as InShot or Splice.
2. Open the app and import the video or photo you want to add music to.
3. Browse through your device’s music library or use the app’s built-in music options to select the song you want to add.
4. Trim the song or adjust its duration to fit your video.
5. Once you have customized the video with the desired music, save it to your device.
6. Open the Instagram app and tap on the camera icon to create a new story.
7. Swipe up to access your device’s gallery and select the video you edited with the music.
8. Customize your story with additional stickers, text, or filters if desired.
9. Tap on "Your Story" to share the story with your followers.

Pros:
1. Provides more flexibility in choosing the music you want to use.
2. Allows you to fully customize your videos before adding them to your Instagram story.
3. Can be used with various editing features and effects available in third-party apps.

Cons:
1. Requires an additional app to edit the videos with music.
2. Some third-party apps may have limited free features and require a subscription for full functionality.
3. Adds an extra step in the process of sharing your story on Instagram.

Method 3: Adding Music via Screen Recording

If the song you want to use is not available in the Instagram music library and you don’t want to use third-party apps, you can add music to your story by recording your device’s screen while playing the song. Follow these steps:

1. Open the music app on your device and play the song you want to use in your Instagram story.
2. Open the Control Center (on iOS devices, swipe down from the top-right corner; on Android devices, swipe up from the bottom of the screen).
3. Tap on the screen recording icon to start recording.
4. Navigate to the Instagram app and open the camera to create a new story.
5. Play the screen recording of the song in the background while capturing your photo or video for the story.
6. Stop the screen recording and exit the Control Center.
7. Customize your story with additional stickers, text, or filters if desired.
8. Tap on "Your Story" to share the story with your followers.

Pros:
1. Allows you to use any song from your device’s music library.
2. No need to install additional apps or rely on the Instagram music library.
3. Offers more flexibility in choosing the exact section of the song for your story.

Cons:
1. Requires screen recording, which may affect the quality of the video or audio.
2. Adds an extra step in the process of adding music to your story.
3. May not be available on all devices or operating systems.

Method 4: Using Instagram Music Stickers

In addition to adding music directly to your story, you can also use Instagram’s Music Stickers to share the song you are currently listening to. Follow these steps:

1. Open the music app on your device and play the song you want to share on Instagram.
2. Open the Instagram app and create a new story by tapping on the camera icon.
3. Capture a photo or video for your story or select one from your gallery.
4. Swipe up to access the stickers and scroll to find the "Music" sticker.
5. Tap on the sticker and you will see the song you are currently listening to.
6. Customize the sticker by choosing a different music visualizer, lyrics, or changing the background color.
7. Position and resize the sticker as desired.
8. Tap on "Done" to add the music sticker to your story.

Pros:
1. Allows you to share the song you are currently listening to with your followers.
2. Provides customization options for the music sticker, such as visualizers and lyrics.
3. Enhances the audiovisual experience of your Instagram story.

Cons:
1. Limited to sharing the song you are currently playing and does not add the music directly to your story.
2. May not be available for all songs or artists.
3. Does not provide the option to customize the length or specific section of the song.

Why Can’t I Add Music to My Instagram Story?

Adding music to your Instagram story may not be possible due to a few reasons. Here are some common reasons and their fixes:

1. Music not available in your region: Certain songs or music features may not be available in your country due to licensing restrictions. In this case, you can try using a VPN service to change your virtual location and access the music library.

2. Outdated Instagram app: Make sure you have the latest version of the Instagram app installed on your device. Outdated versions may not support the latest features, including adding music to stories.

3. Device compatibility issues: Some older devices or operating systems may not support the music feature on Instagram. Check the system requirements and consider updating your device if necessary.

Q1: How can I update my Instagram app?

A: To update your Instagram app, go to your device’s app store (Google Play Store for Android devices or App Store for iOS devices), search for Instagram, and tap on the "Update" button if available.

Q2: Why is music not available in my country?

A: Music availability on Instagram is subject to licensing agreements, and certain songs or artists may not have permission to be played in specific regions. Using a VPN service can help you access music that is restricted in your country.

Q3: Why is the music sticker not showing up in my stickers options?

A: The music sticker may not be available for all users or in all regions. Ensure that you have the latest version of the Instagram app installed and check if the music feature is available in your country.

Q4: Can I add my own music to Instagram stories?

A: Instagram provides music from its library for you to add to your stories. However, if you want to add your own songs, you can use third-party apps to edit videos with your chosen music and then import them into your Instagram story.

Q5: Can I add music to an existing Instagram story?

A: No, once you have posted a story without music, you cannot add music to it afterwards. To add music, you will need to create a new story.

Additional Tips

Here are some additional tips to enhance your music-driven Instagram stories:

1. Experiment with different genres and moods to find the perfect song that complements your story.
2. Use stickers and GIFs to visually represent the music and create a dynamic viewing experience.
3. Add lyrics or captions to your story to engage your followers and encourage them to sing along or interact with your content.
4. Use the sticker resizing and position options to blend the music sticker seamlessly into your story.
5. Consider using a combination of methods to add music to your stories and expand your options.

In Conclusion

Adding music to your Instagram story can elevate your storytelling and engage your audience on a deeper level. Although there may be limitations and challenges, the methods we have discussed – using the Instagram music library, third-party apps, screen recording, and music stickers – provide various ways to add music to your stories. By following the steps and incorporating the additional tips, you can create captivating and music-driven stories that resonate with your followers. Happy story-ing!