Adding background music to your Instagram videos can greatly enhance the viewer’s experience and make your content more engaging and entertaining. Whether you’re sharing a dance video, a travel montage, or any other type of video on Instagram, adding the right background music can help set the mood and make your content more memorable. In this blog post, we will explore different methods and techniques to add background music to your Instagram videos.
Video Tutorial:
The Challenge of Adding Background Music in Instagram Videos
One of the main challenges when it comes to adding background music in Instagram videos is that Instagram does not provide a built-in option to add music to your videos directly within the app. Unlike some other social media platforms, such as TikTok, which have a vast library of licensed music to choose from, Instagram requires users to bring their own music and add it to their videos before uploading them to the platform.
Things You Should Prepare for
Before delving into the methods of adding background music to your Instagram videos, there are a few things you should prepare for:
1. Choose the right music: Select a piece of music that aligns with the theme and atmosphere of your video. The music should complement the visuals and enhance the overall experience for your viewers.
2. Ensure proper licensing: If you plan to use copyrighted music in your videos, it’s essential to obtain the necessary licenses or seek permission from the copyright owner. Using copyrighted music without permission can lead to copyright infringement and potential legal consequences.
3. Consider the duration: Instagram has a maximum video length of 60 seconds for feed posts, so make sure the background music you choose fits within this duration. Longer videos can be posted on IGTV or broken down into multiple shorter clips for feed posts.
Method 1: Adding Background Music via Instagram’s Music Library
Instagram offers a music library that allows you to add licensed music tracks to your Stories, Reels, and other video content. Follow these steps to add music to your Instagram videos using the platform’s music library:
1. Open the Instagram app on your mobile device and tap on the camera icon in the top-left corner of the screen.
2. Choose whether you want to create a Story, Reel, or upload a video to your feed.
3. Select the video you want to add background music to or record a new one.
4. On the editing screen, tap on the sticker icon, which looks like a square smiley face.
5. In the sticker options, you’ll find the "Music" sticker. Tap on it to access Instagram’s music library.
6. Browse through the music library to find a song that suits your video. You can search by song title, artist, genre, or mood.
7. Once you’ve found the desired song, select the portion you want to use by dragging the sliders on the timeline. You can preview the selection by tapping the play button.
8. Customize the appearance of the music sticker by resizing, repositioning, or changing the style.
9. Tap "Done" to apply the background music to your video.
10. Edit the rest of your video as desired and proceed to post it on your Instagram feed or story.
Pros:
1. Easy to access within the Instagram app.
2. Wide selection of licensed music tracks to choose from.
3. Seamless integration with Instagram’s editing features.
Cons:
1. Limited to using music only within Instagram’s music library.
2. No option to upload custom music tracks.
Method 2: Adding Background Music via Third-Party Video Editing Apps
If you want more flexibility and control over the background music in your Instagram videos, you can use third-party video editing apps. These apps provide a wide range of features and tools to edit your videos and add custom music tracks. Here’s how to add background music to your Instagram videos using a third-party video editing app:
1. Download and install a video editing app that offers music functionality. Some popular options include iMovie (for iPhone users), Adobe Premiere Rush, InShot, or VLLO.
2. Open the app and import the video you want to edit.
3. Import the music track you want to use as background music. You can choose a track from your device’s library or download royalty-free music from websites like Bensound or Epidemic Sound.
4. Trim the music track to the desired length if necessary.
5. Drag and drop the music track onto the timeline or designated audio track in the video editing app.
6. Adjust the volume of the background music to ensure it doesn’t overpower the main audio.
7. Merge the audio and video tracks to create a cohesive video.
8. Edit the rest of your video as desired, adding captions, transitions, or effects.
9. Save the edited video to your device’s camera roll.
Pros:
1. More control over the selection and customization of background music.
2. Ability to import custom music tracks or choose from a wider range of options.
3. Additional video editing features and tools.
Cons:
1. Requires downloading and learning to use a third-party video editing app.
2. Can be time-consuming, especially for users unfamiliar with video editing.
Method 3: Adding Background Music via Video Editing Software
For users comfortable with more advanced video editing techniques, using video editing software on a computer can provide even greater control over background music. Here’s how to add background music to your Instagram videos using video editing software:
1. Import the video file you want to edit into your preferred video editing software. Popular options include Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, or DaVinci Resolve.
2. Create a new audio track and import the music file you want to use as background music.
3. Drag and drop the music file onto the audio track.
4. Trim the music track to the desired length if necessary.
5. Adjust the volume levels of the background music and main audio to achieve a balanced mix.
6. Edit the rest of your video as desired, adding transitions, effects, or text overlays.
7. Export the edited video in a suitable format for Instagram, such as MP4 or MOV.
8. Transfer the exported video to your mobile device for uploading to Instagram.
Pros:
1. Maximum control and flexibility over background music selection and customization.
2. Access to advanced video editing features and tools.
3. Ability to work with high-quality video files.
Cons:
1. Requires advanced video editing skills and knowledge.
2. Editing on a computer may not be as convenient or accessible as mobile apps.
Method 4: Adding Background Music via Instagram Video Editing Apps
In addition to using third-party video editing apps, there are also dedicated Instagram video editing apps available that specifically cater to the platform’s features and requirements. These apps often include built-in music libraries and editing tools optimized for Instagram videos. Here’s how to add background music to your Instagram videos using an Instagram video editing app:
1. Download and install an Instagram video editing app such as InShot, VivaVideo, or Quik.
2. Open the app and import the video you want to edit.
3. Explore the app’s music library and select a suitable background music track.
4. Trim the music track to fit the length of your video if necessary.
5. Adjust the volume levels of the background music and main audio to achieve the desired balance.
6. Customize the appearance of the music sticker or overlay if the app offers such features.
7. Edit the rest of your video as desired, adding filters, effects, or captions.
8. Save the edited video to your device’s camera roll.
Pros:
1. Specifically designed for Instagram video editing.
2. Simplified interface and easy-to-use editing tools.
3. Direct integration with Instagram for seamless sharing.
Cons:
1. Limited editing capabilities compared to full-fledged video editing software.
2. May require in-app purchases or contain ads.
Why Can’t I Add Background Music to Instagram Videos?
There are a few reasons why you may encounter difficulties when trying to add background music to Instagram videos:
1. Copyright restrictions: Instagram has strict rules regarding copyrighted music, and using copyrighted tracks without proper licenses can lead to copyright infringement issues. To avoid this, it’s important to either use royalty-free music or obtain the necessary licenses for copyrighted tracks.
2. Incompatibility with Instagram’s features: Instagram’s lack of a built-in option to add custom music directly within the app limits the ability to incorporate background music seamlessly. Users must rely on external methods and techniques to add music to their videos before uploading them to Instagram.
3. Platform limitations: Instagram’s maximum video length for feed posts (60 seconds) and specific requirements for stories and Reels may pose challenges when trying to synchronize background music with longer or more complex videos. Editing apps and video editing software can help overcome these limitations.
Fixes:
1. Use royalty-free music: There are numerous websites and platforms that offer royalty-free music for personal and commercial use. By choosing these tracks, you can avoid copyright issues when adding background music to your Instagram videos.
2. Obtain licenses: If you want to use copyrighted music in your Instagram videos, consider obtaining the necessary licenses or permissions from the copyright owners. This can involve reaching out to the music rights holders or using platforms that facilitate music licensing.
3. Explore external editing options: Utilize video editing apps or software that provide more extensive editing features and flexibility when it comes to adding background music. These tools enable you to synchronize the music precisely with your video and meet Instagram’s requirements.
Additional Tips
Here are some additional tips to enhance your experience with adding background music to Instagram videos:
1. Experiment with different music genres and styles to find the best fit for your video content. A well-chosen background music track can significantly enhance the mood and narrative of your videos.
2. Consider using audio editing techniques to further customize the background music. You can adjust the volume at specific points, fade in or fade out the music, or add sound effects for added impact.
3. Pay attention to copyright restrictions and licensing requirements when using background music in your Instagram videos. Respect the intellectual property rights of musicians and creators by properly attributing the music or obtaining the necessary licenses.
5 FAQs about Adding Background Music to Instagram Videos
Q1: Can I use any music in my Instagram videos?
A1: No, you cannot use any music in your Instagram videos. Using copyrighted music without permission can violate copyright laws. It’s best to use royalty-free or licensed music to avoid legal issues.
Q2: Are there any apps or websites that provide royalty-free music for Instagram videos?
A2: Yes, there are several platforms that offer royalty-free music specifically for use in Instagram videos. Some popular options include Epidemic Sound, Artlist, and Soundstripe.
Q3: Can I add background music to old Instagram videos?
A3: Yes, you can edit and add background music to previously uploaded Instagram videos using video editing apps or software. However, you would need to re-upload the edited video to replace the original.
Q4: How can I ensure that the background music doesn’t overpower the main audio in my Instagram videos?
A4: When adding background music, it’s important to balance the volume levels between the music and the main audio of your video. Most video editing apps and software provide tools to adjust audio levels and achieve a harmonious mix.
Q5: Can I upload my own custom music tracks to Instagram?
A5: No, Instagram does not have a feature that allows users to upload custom music tracks directly within the app. However, you can add music to your videos before uploading them using methods described in this blog post.
In Conclusion
Adding background music to your Instagram videos can significantly enhance the overall viewer experience and make your content more engaging and memorable. While Instagram does not provide built-in options for adding background music, various methods and techniques exist to include music in your videos. Whether you choose to use Instagram’s music library, third-party video editing apps, video editing software, or dedicated Instagram video editing apps, each method offers different levels of control and customization. Experiment with different approaches to find the one that best suits your creative vision and enhances your Instagram videos. Remember to respect copyright laws and licensing requirements when using background music in your content.