Reels is a new Instagram feature that allows users to create and share short-form videos set to music. While there are millions of songs available through Instagram’s music library, it’s understandable if you want to add your own original music to your Reels.
However, adding original music to Reels can be a bit of a challenge, especially if you’re not familiar with digital audio software. In this blog post, we will walk you through several methods that you can use to add your own original music to Instagram Reels.
Video Tutorial:
The Challenge of Adding Original Music to Reels
Instagram’s music library contains millions of songs that you can use to create Reels. However, you might want to use your own original music instead. While this might seem like a straightforward process, it can be quite challenging, especially if you’re not familiar with digital audio software.
Adding original music to Reels requires a few steps, including creating your music, converting it into the correct format, and syncing it with your Reels video. But don’t worry, we will guide you through the process step by step.
Things You Should Prepare for
Before we start discussing methods, let’s first talk about the things you need to prepare before adding original music to your Reels.
1. Audio Editing Software: You’ll need a digital audio workstation (DAW) to create and edit your original music. Some popular options include Ableton Live, Logic Pro, and GarageBand.
2. Audio Interface: An audio interface is a device that is used to connect your computer to your musical instruments, such as a guitar or a keyboard.
3. Microphone: You’ll also need a microphone to record your music and vocals.
4. Instagram Account: Obviously, you’ll need an Instagram account to use Reels.
Method 1: Adding Original Music to Reels via GarageBand
GarageBand is Apple’s free digital audio workstation (DAW) that is available on Macs and iOS devices. If you’re an iPhone or Mac user, you might already have GarageBand installed on your device. Here’s how you can add original music to Reels using GarageBand.
1. Open GarageBand and create a new project.
2. Choose a tempo for your music by tapping on the metronome icon.
3. Choose the type of instrument you want to use by tapping on the keyboard or guitar icon.
4. Add notes to the piano roll by tapping on the screen.
5. Record any vocals by tapping on the microphone icon.
6. Once you’re finished recording, tap on the share icon and select Save to Files.
7. Choose the format you want to save your file in. We recommend choosing either MP3 or M4A.
8. Save the file to your device.
9. Open Instagram and start creating your Reel.
10. Tap on the music icon and select the audio file you just created.
Pros:
– GarageBand is a free for Apple users.
– You can create and record original music within the app.
– You can customize the tempo and instrument settings.
Cons:
– GarageBand is only available on Apple devices.
– It can take some time to learn how to use the app.
– You need to export your audio file before you can add it to Reels.
Method 2: Adding Original Music to Reels via Adobe Audition
If you have access to Adobe Audition or any other audio editing software, you can use that to create your original music. Here’s how you can add original music to Reels using Adobe Audition.
1. Open Adobe Audition and create a new project.
2. Record your original music or import an existing audio file.
3. Edit the music using the various tools available, such as EQ, compression, and reverb.
4. Save the file to your device in either MP3 or M4A format.
5. Open Instagram and start creating your Reel.
6. Tap on the music icon and select the audio file you just created.
Pros:
– You can import existing audio files into Adobe Audition.
– Adobe Audition provides a wide range of tools to enhance your audio quality.
Cons:
– Adobe Audition is expensive if you don’t already have access to it.
– You need to export your audio file before you can add it to Reels.
Method 3: Adding Original Music to Reels via Audio Hijack
Audio Hijack is software that allows you to record audio from any source, such as microphones, software instruments, and sound effects. Here’s how you can add original music to Reels using Audio Hijack.
1. Open Audio Hijack and select your input source.
2. If you’re recording an instrument, connect it to your computer using an audio interface.
3. Open Instagram and start creating your Reel.
4. Start recording your audio in Audio Hijack.
5. Once you’re finished recording, save the file to your device in either MP3 or M4A format.
6. Tap on the music icon in Instagram and select the audio file you just created.
Pros:
– Audio Hijack is a flexible software that can record audio from any source.
– Audio Hijack is relatively affordable.
Cons:
– You need to export your audio file before you can add it to Reels.
– Audio Hijack can take some time to set up and learn.
Why Can’t I Add Original Music to Reels?
1. Reels Limits: Instagram has a limit on the length of audio files you can add to Reels. If your original music exceeds this limit, you won’t be able to add it to Reels.
2. Incorrect File Format: Instagram only accepts MP3 and M4A file formats for Reels audio. If your original music is in a different format, you’ll need to convert it to either of these formats.
3. Copyright Infringement: If your original music includes samples or copyright-protected material, Instagram might not allow you to add it to Reels.
Fix:
1. Check Instagram’s Reels limits before creating your original music.
2. Convert your original music to either MP3 or M4A format.
3. Make sure your original music doesn’t include any copyright-protected material.
Additional Tips
– Before creating your original music, make sure you come up with a clear idea and plan what you want to convey through your music.
– Test your audio file in a different media player to make sure it sounds good before adding it to Reels.
– Remember that the audio quality of your added music can affect the overall quality of your Reel.
5 FAQs About Adding Original Music to Reels
Q1: Can I add original music to Reels using only my phone?
A1: Yes, you can use apps like GarageBand or Audio Hijack to create original music using your phone.
Q2: Can I use any audio file format for Reels?
A2: No, Instagram only accepts MP3 and M4A file formats for Reels audio.
Q3: How long can my original music be for Reels?
A3: Instagram’s Reels limit audio files to a maximum of 30 seconds long.
Q4: Can I use copyrighted material in my original music for Reels?
A4: No, Instagram does not allow copyrighted material in Reels.
Q5: Can I delete or edit my original music after it’s been added to Reels?
A5: Yes, you can delete or edit your Reel at any time.
In Conclusion
Adding original music to Reels can be challenging, but with the right tools and knowledge, you can create a Reels video that stands out. We hope that this blog post has provided you with the information you need to add your own original music to your Instagram Reels. Good luck, and happy creating!