Instagram is a popular social media platform that allows users to share photos and videos with their followers. One of the exciting features of Instagram is the ability to add music to your stories. This feature adds a fun and creative element to your stories, and allows you to express yourself in a unique way. In this blog post, we will explore the various methods you can use to add a story with music on Instagram, and provide some helpful tips along the way.
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The Challenge of Adding Music to Your Instagram Stories
Adding music to your Instagram stories may seem like a simple task, but it can be a bit tricky if you don’t know where to start. Instagram offers several methods for adding music to your stories, each with its own set of steps and requirements. It can be overwhelming to navigate through these options and find the one that works best for you. Additionally, there may be restrictions on the type of music you can use due to copyright issues.
Things You Should Prepare for
Before you begin adding music to your Instagram stories, there are a few things you should prepare for. First, make sure you have the latest version of the Instagram app installed on your device. Instagram frequently updates its features, so it’s important to keep your app up to date to access the latest tools and options. Additionally, you should have some music files saved on your phone or access to a music streaming service that is compatible with Instagram’s music library.
Method 1: How to Add Music to Your Instagram Stories via the Music Sticker
To add music to your Instagram stories, one of the simplest methods is using the Music sticker feature. This feature allows you to search for and add music to your story directly within the Instagram app. Here are the steps to add music to your Instagram stories via the Music sticker:
Step 1: Open the Instagram app and tap on the camera icon in the top-left corner to create a new story.
Step 2: Capture a photo or video for your story by tapping the circular button at the bottom of the screen. You can also upload a photo or video from your phone’s gallery by swiping up on the screen.
Step 3: Once you have your photo or video, tap on the Sticker icon located at the top of the screen. It looks like a smiling face with a folded corner.
Step 4: Select the "Music" sticker from the available options. This will open the music library.
Step 5: Search for a song or browse through the available categories to find the music you want to add to your story. You can preview the song by tapping on it.
Step 6: When you have chosen a song, you can trim it by dragging the slider to select the desired part. You can also customize the appearance of the music sticker by tapping on it and selecting from the available options.
Step 7: Once you are satisfied with the song and its appearance, tap on the "Done" button in the top-right corner.
Pros:
1. Easy to use and accessible within the Instagram app.
2. Wide variety of music options to choose from.
3. Ability to customize the appearance of the music sticker.
Cons:
1. Limited to Instagram’s music library, which may not include all the songs you desire.
2. The song length is limited, and you can only include up to 15 seconds of each song.
Method 2: How to Add Music to Your Instagram Stories Using a Third-Party App
If you want more control over the music you add to your Instagram stories, you can use a third-party app that specializes in adding music to videos. These apps offer additional features and customization options that may not be available within the Instagram app itself. Here’s how you can add music to your Instagram stories using a third-party app:
Step 1: Download a third-party app that allows you to add music to videos. Some popular options include InShot, Splice, and VideoShop.
Step 2: Open the app and import the video or photo you want to add music to.
Step 3: Select the music you want to add to your video. Most apps will provide a library of royalty-free music to choose from, or you can upload your own music files.
Step 4: Adjust the length and volume of the music to fit your video.
Step 5: Once you are satisfied with the music and its placement, export the video to your phone’s gallery.
Step 6: Open the Instagram app and tap on the camera icon to create a new story.
Step 7: Swipe up on the screen to access your phone’s gallery, and select the video you created in the third-party app.
Pros:
1. More control over the music options, as you can choose from a wider range of songs and even use your own music files.
2. Ability to customize the video and music to your liking.
Cons:
1. Requires downloading and using an additional app, which may take up storage space on your device.
2. May have a learning curve if you are not familiar with the third-party app’s interface and features.
Method 3: How to Add Music to Your Instagram Stories via Instagram Music Library
Another method to add music to your Instagram stories is by using the music library directly within the Instagram app. This feature allows you to select songs from Instagram’s extensive library and add them to your stories. Here’s how you can add music to your Instagram stories via the Instagram music library:
Step 1: Open the Instagram app and tap on the camera icon in the top-left corner to create a new story.
Step 2: Capture a photo or video for your story by tapping the circular button at the bottom of the screen. You can also upload a photo or video from your phone’s gallery by swiping up on the screen.
Step 3: Once you have your photo or video, tap on the Sticker icon located at the top of the screen. It looks like a smiling face with a folded corner.
Step 4: Select the "Music" sticker from the available options. This will open the music library.
Step 5: Browse through the available songs or search for a specific song or artist.
Step 6: When you have found the song you want to add to your story, tap on it to preview it.
Step 7: Adjust the length of the song by dragging the slider to select the desired part. You can also customize the appearance of the music sticker by tapping on it and selecting from the available options.
Step 8: Once you are satisfied with the song and its appearance, tap on the "Done" button in the top-right corner.
Pros:
1. Conveniently located within the Instagram app, so no need to download additional apps or open external websites.
2. Extensive music library with a wide variety of songs and genres to choose from.
3. Easy integration with other Instagram stickers and features.
Cons:
1. Limited to the songs available in Instagram’s music library, which may not include all the songs you desire.
2. The song length is limited, and you can only include up to 15 seconds of each song.
Method 4: How to Add Music to Your Instagram Stories Using External Audio Editing Software
If you want more advanced control over the music and audio effects in your Instagram stories, you can use external audio editing software to create the perfect soundtrack. This method requires additional steps and tools, but it allows for more creativity and customization. Here’s how you can add music to your Instagram stories using external audio editing software:
Step 1: Choose an audio editing software that suits your needs. Some popular options include Adobe Audition, GarageBand, and Audacity. These software programs allow you to edit audio files with precision and add effects.
Step 2: Import the music file you want to use into the audio editing software. Make any necessary edits, such as trimming the song or adjusting the volume levels.
Step 3: Export the edited music file as a separate audio file, such as an MP3 or WAV file.
Step 4: Open the Instagram app and tap on the camera icon to create a new story.
Step 5: Capture a photo or video for your story by tapping the circular button at the bottom of the screen. You can also upload a photo or video from your phone’s gallery by swiping up on the screen.
Step 6: Once you have your photo or video, tap on the Sticker icon located at the top of the screen. It looks like a smiling face with a folded corner.
Step 7: Select the "Music" sticker from the available options. This will open the music library.
Step 8: Tap on the "Library" option at the top of the screen.
Step 9: Swipe left on the menu at the bottom of the screen to access the "For You" tab.
Step 10: Scroll down to the bottom and tap on the "Upload" button.
Step 11: Select the edited music file from your phone’s gallery.
Step 12: Adjust the length of the song by dragging the slider to select the desired part. You can also customize the appearance of the music sticker by tapping on it and selecting from the available options.
Step 13: Once you are satisfied with the song and its appearance, tap on the "Done" button in the top-right corner.
Pros:
1. Complete control over the music editing and customization.
2. Ability to add unique audio effects and create a personalized soundtrack.
Cons:
1. Requires additional software and tools, which may not be accessible to all users.
2. More time-consuming and complex compared to other methods.
Why Can’t I Add Music to My Instagram Stories?
There are several reasons why you may be unable to add music to your Instagram stories. Here are some common issues and their fixes:
1. Reason: You are using an outdated version of the Instagram app.
Fix: Update your Instagram app to the latest version from your device’s app store. Instagram frequently releases updates that include bug fixes and new features, including the ability to add music to your stories.
2. Reason: Music sticker is not available in your region or account.
Fix: Check if the music sticker feature is officially available in your region. Some music licensing agreements may restrict the availability of the music sticker in certain countries. Additionally, make sure you are using an Instagram account that is not set to private, as that may limit access to certain features.
3. Reason: Copyright restrictions prevent you from using certain songs.
Fix: Instagram has licensing agreements with music labels and publishers to ensure compliance with copyright regulations. If a song is not available for use in your region or violates copyright restrictions, it may not be selectable in the music library. Try using a different song or explore the other methods mentioned in this blog post.
Additional Tips
Here are some additional tips to enhance your experience of adding music to your Instagram stories:
1. Use music that enhances your story: Choose a song that complements the content of your story and enhances the overall mood or message you want to convey.
2. Try different music genres: Experiment with different music genres to find the one that best suits your style and resonates with your audience.
3. Consider the length of the song: Keep in mind that Instagram limits the length of songs in stories to 15 seconds. Choose a song with a catchy or memorable part within the allowed time frame.
5 FAQs about Adding Music to Instagram Stories
Q1: Can I add my own music to Instagram stories?
A: Yes, you can add your own music to Instagram stories by using a third-party app or external audio editing software. These methods allow you to upload your own music files and add them to your stories.
Q2: Can I use any song in the Instagram music library for my stories?
A: The availability of songs in the Instagram music library may vary depending on your region and licensing agreements. Some songs may not be selectable due to copyright restrictions or regional limitations.
Q3: How long can a song be in an Instagram story?
A: Instagram limits the length of songs in stories to 15 seconds. You can select a specific part of the song within this time limit to add to your story.
Q4: Can I edit the volume or other audio settings of the music in my Instagram story?
A: The options for editing the volume or other audio settings of the music in your Instagram story may depend on the method you choose to add music. Some third-party apps or external audio editing software offer more advanced audio editing capabilities.
Q5: Can I add multiple songs to a single Instagram story?
A: Currently, Instagram allows you to add only one song to a story. However, you can edit the length of the song to include different parts within the 15-second time limit.
In Conclusion
Adding music to your Instagram stories can elevate your content and make it more engaging and enjoyable for your audience. Whether you use the Music sticker feature, a third-party app, the Instagram music library, or external audio editing software, each method has its pros and cons. Consider your preferences, the available options, and any limitations or restrictions to choose the method that best suits your needs. With a little creativity and experimentation, you can create captivating stories that resonate with your followers and leave a lasting impression.