As Instagram’s head Adam Mosseri famously said, “Instagram is no longer a photo-sharing app.” And he wasn’t kidding. The platform has transformed into a massive ecosystem with over a billion monthly users, where creators, brands, and everyday people share ideas, moments, and stories, mostly through video. With so many users looking for how to add music to Instagram posts to make their content more engaging, it’s clear that audio has become just as important as visuals on the platform. You just need to know the right, legal methods to include music into your posts. Below, you’ll find every legitimate way to add adio to your Instagram posts without getting flagged. If you want your posts to perform better once you add music, many creators also _boost Instagram views quickly_ to help their content reach a wider audience.
Read more: How To Add Music To Instagram Stories
Can You Add Music Directly to Instagram Posts?
Short answer: Not yet , at least not for every user.
Instagram offers built-in music for Reels and Stories, but feed posts still don’t come with an in-app music sticker for most regions.
That means:
- You can’t tap “Add Music” when uploading a regular post
- You can’t browse Instagram’s music library
- You can’t legally add copyrighted songs inside the app itself
Why? Because Instagram’s music licensing agreements differ for each format. Reels and Stories have their own licensed music library. Feed posts do not.
However, Instagram is slowly rolling out direct music access for posts in limited regions (more on this below).
Until then, creators need alternative solutions. Creators who want to strengthen their overall presence also try to_increase Instagram followers_so their music-enhanced posts attract more engagement naturally.
Why Instagram Restricts Music on Feed Posts
To understand the limitation, it helps to know how copyright works.
Music on Instagram falls into three categories:
1. Copyrighted Commercial Music
Think Beyoncé, Drake, Bob Marley, Taylor Swift , basically anything you’d hear on Spotify. Instagram must license these tracks individually for specific features.
2. Royalty-Free Music
This music is safe to use because the creator has given permission, often through a paid license.
3. Original Audio
Music you created yourself , always allowed.
Because licensed, commercial songs cost money per feature type, Instagram only allows them in places where the licensing agreement applies , currently Stories and Reels.
If you upload copyrighted music in a feed post, Instagram’s audio detection system can:
- Mute your video
- Restrict playback
- Take your post down
- Limit your distribution
This is why adding music to posts requires external tools or licensed tracks.
How to Legally Add Music to Your Instagram Post?
Even though Instagram doesn’t offer built-in music for feed posts, you still have several reliable ways to safely add music before uploading.
Below are the best, legal methods.
1. Use a Third-Party App to Add Music Before Uploading
Since Instagram hasn’t added music directly to posts (yet), third-party video editing apps have stepped in to fill the gap. These apps let you:
- Add songs from their built-in music library
- Import tracks from your device
- Add royalty-free or licensed audio
- Edit your video and music together
Just keep in mind:
Adding copyrighted music through an app does not make the music automatically legal. If Instagram detects unlicensed commercial music in your video, they may still take action.
Below are two of the most reliable apps for adding music to your post.
Tempo
Tempo is one of the most user-friendly video editing apps available. Designed for beginners, it lets you quickly create polished videos without needing to master complex software.
Key Features
- Simple, intuitive editing interface
- Large library of music and effects
- Template-based editing for quick results
- Easy Instagram export
Tempo requires a subscription after a free 3-day trial, but its simplicity makes it appealing for quick edits.
How to Add Music to Your Video Using Tempo
- Open the Tempo app
- Tap the video icon in the top-right corner
- Select your video clips
- Tap the check mark to confirm
- Select the Music button at the bottom
- Browse the in-app library and pick a track
- Tap Use to add it
- Trim or edit the audio
- Save your video
- Tap Instagram → Open → Post
- Upload it to your feed
Once you’ve done it once or twice, this process becomes second nature.
Add Background Music to Video
This app is exactly what it sounds like , a simple tool for adding music behind your videos.
Key Features
- Add music from built-in tracks or your own files
- Add voiceovers
- Trim clips frame-by-frame
- Fade-in and fade-out effects
- Clean, user-friendly interface
It’s affordable, easy to use, and perfect for people who want quick results without complicated editing.
How to Use It
- Open the app
- Upload your video
- Select Add Music
- Choose a track from their library or import your own
- Adjust the volume, trimming, and timing
- Add optional fade effects
- Export the finished video
- Upload it to Instagram
The app also makes it simple to export in Instagram-friendly formats so your upload looks crisp.
2. Use TikTok to Add Music, Then Upload to Instagram
If you use TikTok, this method is extremely convenient.
TikTok has one of the largest licensed music libraries in the world. You can use any track in your video inside TikTok, and then save the video to upload to Instagram.
Benefits of This Method
- Free to download
- Huge music library
- No third-party app needed
- Perfect for vertical videos
- The music is already synced to your clip
But there’s one important note:
TikTok’s music is licensed only for TikTok usage.
If Instagram detects copyrighted TikTok music in a feed post, it may still mute or restrict the video.
Tip: Remove the TikTok Watermark
Upload using:
- CapCut
- TikTok’s “Save without watermark” (if available in your region)
- Third-party watermark removers
This helps avoid compression and improves Instagram’s quality detection.
Read more: Does Instagram Notify Your Friends When You Screenshot?
3. Use Royalty-Free or Licensed Music Only
The safest, most E-E-A-T-friendly method is to use music you’re legally allowed to publish anywhere.
Great sources for royalty-free music
- YouTube Audio Library (free)
- Epidemic Sound (paid)
- Artlist (paid)
- Incompetech (free/credited)
Why this method is best
- Zero risk of muted audio
- Zero copyright issues
- Perfect for businesses and creators
- Works globally
If you’re a brand or influencer, this is the method Instagram actually prefers.
Tips to Avoid Instagram Copyright Issues
To keep your post safe:
- Use royalty-free music whenever possible
- Avoid uploading full-length copyrighted songs
- Keep commercial music clips short
- Don’t use ripped songs from Spotify or YouTube
- If you're a business account, note that your music library is much more restricted
- When testing a risky audio clip, post it to a private account first
These simple precautions can save you a lot of headaches (trust us).
If you’re aiming to improve performance across your posts, you can also_get more likes on Instagram_to help your content gain credibility and stronger engagement signals.
Final Verdict
While Instagram doesn’t offer built-in music for feed posts in most regions, you still have plenty of ways to add music to your videos before sharing them. Third-party apps like Tempo make editing effortless, TikTok offers instant access to trending sounds, and royalty-free libraries give you complete peace of mind.
Whether you're posting for fun, building your brand, or creating content professionally, you now know how to safely add music to your Instagram posts , without dealing with takedowns or copyright frustrations.
And with Instagram testing music for posts in select countries, a global rollout isn’t far off. Soon, the perfect soundtrack for your next post might just be one tap away.
You can read additional Instagram articles here.
FAQ
How do I legally add music to my Instagram post?
You can legally add music to Instagram posts by using royalty-free audio, licensed tracks from platforms like Epidemic Sound or Artlist, or original music you created yourself. Instagram’s detection system flags copyrighted commercial songs, so the safest method is uploading videos that contain music you own the rights to or music that is explicitly cleared for commercial use.
Why does Instagram remove audio from my video after I post it?
Instagram removes or mutes audio when it detects copyrighted music that hasn’t been licensed for feed posts. Even if the track plays normally on your device or inside a third-party app, Instagram uses automated copyright detection to block music that violates its policies. Using royalty-free tracks or adding music through Reels instead of feed posts will prevent audio removal.
Can I use the Instagram music library for regular posts?
Yes, you can use the Instagram music library for regular posts, but it depends on your account type and the specific post. The library is licensed for personal, non-commercial use, so using it on a personal account is generally fine. However, commercial accounts have limited access to popular music, and using the library in branded or sponsored posts is often restricted to avoid commercial use violations
Is it safe to upload Instagram posts with copyrighted songs added through editing apps?
Not always. Even if you add music using apps like Tempo, CapCut, or InShot, the song is still copyrighted. Instagram can still mute, block, or remove the video. Editing apps don’t grant usage rights. If you want to avoid violations, choose royalty-free audio, licensed music, or original songs.
Can I upload a TikTok video with music to Instagram without getting flagged?
Yes , but with caution. TikTok music is licensed only for use on TikTok. When you upload the same video to Instagram, the music may trigger Instagram’s copyright system. To avoid this, either use original TikTok sounds, royalty-free tracks, or upload via a watermark-free edit through CapCut using non-commercial audio.
Why doesn’t my Instagram app show the “Add Music” option for posts?
The "Add Music" option may not appear on your Instagram app due to several reasons, including having a business account, a regional restriction, an outdated app, or a temporary glitch. To fix this, try updating the app, switching to a personal or creator account, or checking Instagram's server status.
Can business accounts add music to Instagram posts?
Business accounts have limited access to Instagram’s music library due to licensing rules for commercial use. Many popular tracks are unavailable for businesses.
How can I add music to Instagram without using Reels or Stories?
You can add music to Instagram feed posts by editing the audio directly into your video before uploading using apps like Tempo, InShot, CapCut, Add Background Music to Video, or Adobe Premiere Rush. This allows you to include background music, but remember that copyright rules still apply.
Is adding music to Instagram posts allowed in 2025?
Yes , but only through external editing or in regions where Instagram rolled out the feature for posts. Globally, Instagram still restricts built-in music for feed posts, so creators must rely on third-party apps, royalty-free libraries, or TikTok to add music before uploading.
