How to Add Music to Instagram Story (5 Easy & Updated Methods)

To add music to your Instagram Story, open the Instagram app, create a new story, tap the sticker icon, and select the Music sticker. From there, you can search for a song, choose a 5–15 second clip, and customize how it appears whether with lyrics, album art, or audio-only.

If the sticker is missing or a specific song doesn’t show up, you can also share music through Spotify, Apple Music, or SoundCloud, or even manually add your own audio using video editing apps. Below, we’ll break down each method step-by-step and show you how to fix common issues like missing music options or regional limits.

Why Adding Music to Your Instagram Story Matters

Using the right music in your Instagram Stories and Reels isn’t just about setting the mood it can directly boost your reach. Many creators and brands have noticed that using trending or relevant music tracks increases both Story views and Reels views significantly.

Instagram’s algorithm favors content that keeps users engaged. Music, especially popular or emotionally resonant tracks, encourages users to watch longer and interact more. This leads to better performance in the feed and higher visibility.

Whether you’re sharing personal moments or promoting content, adding music can make your Stories and Reels stand out, helping you grab attention in a fast-moving feed and potentially reach new audiences.

Method 1; Use Instagram’s Built-In Music Sticker

The easiest and most direct way to add music to your Instagram Story is by using the Music sticker available within the app. This method lets you browse songs, choose a specific part of the track, and display lyrics or album art on the screen.

Here’s how to do it step by step:

Open the Instagram app and create a new Story
Take a photo or video, or select one from your gallery.
Tap the sticker icon (usually at the top of the screen)
This opens the sticker tray where you’ll find various options.
Select the “Music” sticker
You’ll be taken to Instagram’s music library.
Search for a song or browse categories
Use the search bar to find specific songs, or scroll through popular, mood-based, or genre-based suggestions.
Choose the part of the song to play (5 to 15 seconds)
Drag the slider to select the section you want.
Pick a display style
Choose how the music will appear: with lyrics, album art, or as a small audio bar.
Position the sticker and post your Story
Move and resize the sticker on the screen as you like. Then tap “Your Story” to publish.

This method works for personal and creator accounts in supported regions. If you don’t see the music sticker, it may be due to account type or regional restrictions, which we’ll cover shortly.

Method 2; Add Your Own Music to Instagram Story

If the built-in Music sticker doesn’t show up, or you want to use a custom track that isn’t in Instagram’s library, you can still add music manually using external apps. This method gives you full control over the audio but requires a bit of editing before uploading your Story.

Option 1: Use a Video Editing App (e.g., InShot, CapCut, Descript)

Open your video editing app and import your Story content
Choose the video or photo you want to use in your Story.
Add your music file
Import a song or audio clip in MP3, WAV, or AAC format. Trim it to fit the Story (max 15 seconds for each slide).
Adjust the sync and volume
Make sure the music matches the timing and doesn’t overpower any speaking audio (if applicable).
Export the video with music included
Save it in a compatible format like MP4.
Upload to Instagram Story as usual
Open Instagram, create a Story, and select the video from your gallery.

Important: Only use music you own or have permission to share. Instagram may mute or remove Stories that contain unlicensed audio.

Option 2: Record While Playing Music in the Background

This is a simpler, lower-quality workaround:

Play the song on your phone or a speaker.
Open Instagram and start recording your Story.
The camera will pick up the music in the background.

This works best for ambient background tracks but may result in lower audio quality.

Method 3; Share Songs from Spotify or Apple Music

If you can’t find the song you want in Instagram’s built-in music library, you can share music directly from Spotify or Apple Music to your Story. While this doesn’t embed the full song into your Story like the Music sticker, it creates a clickable preview that lets viewers listen to the track in the music app.

How to Share from Spotify:

Open the Spotify app and play the song you want.
Tap the three dots (···) next to the track.
Select Share > Instagram Stories.
You’ll be redirected to Instagram with the song’s cover art loaded in your Story draft.
Post it to your Story followers can tap it to play the full song in Spotify.

How to Share from Apple Music:

Open Apple Music and find the song.
Tap the share icon.
Select Instagram from the sharing options.
The song appears in your Story with a link to open in Apple Music.

This method is great for sharing music taste or promoting your own tracks, especially if you’re a musician. While it doesn’t technically add music to Instagram post in the traditional sense, it’s still an effective way to connect music with your visual content.

Method 4; Use SoundCloud or Shazam to Share Music

Instagram also supports sharing music directly from SoundCloud and Shazam, which is especially useful for discovering and posting songs that aren’t widely available on Instagram’s built-in library.

How to Share a Song from SoundCloud:

Open the SoundCloud app and find the track you want to share.
Tap the share icon below the waveform.
Select Instagram Stories.
The track will be added to your Story as a preview with the album art and a “Play on SoundCloud” link.
Post your Story. Viewers can tap the link to listen on SoundCloud.

This is a great option for independent artists, fans of underground music, or creators who want to promote non-mainstream tracks.

How to Share Music via Shazam:

Open Shazam and let it identify a song playing nearby.
Once the song is recognized, tap the share icon.
Select Instagram Stories from the sharing menu.
The song will be added to your Story with a clickable link back to Shazam or the streaming platform.

This method is ideal when you hear a song in public and want to share it instantly without needing to search manually.

Bonus Tips for Using Music Creatively in Stories

Once you know how to add music to your Instagram Story, the next step is to use it strategically and creatively. Music isn’t just background noise it can shape how your content is understood and remembered. Here are a few simple ways to take your Story music to the next level:

1. Match the Music to the Mood

Pick songs that reflect the tone of your Story. Upbeat tracks work well for celebrations or product launches, while calm or emotional music fits reflective or storytelling content. Matching music to visuals makes your message more cohesive.

2. Time Your Edits to the Beat

If you’re posting multiple clips or Reels as Stories, try syncing transitions or text effects with the beat of the music. It adds polish and makes your content feel more dynamic.

3. Use Lyrics as Part of the Message

Instagram offers sticker styles that show animated lyrics. Use this to emphasize a specific phrase that relates to your message whether it’s funny, inspirational, or dramatic.

4. Mix Text, Effects, and Music for Stronger Impact

Combine the music sticker with text overlays, filters, and effects to guide the viewer’s focus. A short quote or caption timed with the music drop can create a powerful storytelling moment.

5. Use Lesser-Known Songs to Stand Out

Instead of trending songs that everyone is using, try adding underrated or unique tracks. This helps differentiate your content and can be part of your visual branding.