Your Instagram Story is fighting for attention in a crowd of 500 million daily viewers. That's a lot of eyeballs—and most are scrolling fast enough to create a digital wind tunnel. Music is that secret ingredient that makes people actually stop and pay attention to what you've created, transforming your Story from another blip in the feed into something worth watching.

Adding music to your Instagram content does more than just prevent awkward silence—it creates an emotional connection that keeps viewers engaged. Whether you choose chart-topping hits or obscure indie tracks, the right soundtrack gives your Story a personality that plain visuals just can't achieve on their own.

Below, we'll walk through every method for adding music to your Instagram Story—from the built-in music sticker (when it works) to the workarounds you'll need when Instagram inevitably throws a technical curveball your way.

Troubleshoot region and business account music sticker limits

Instagram's music sticker is subject to location-based licensing, which means some users may not have access if they live in a restricted region. If you suspect that a region lock is preventing you from using the feature, check Instagram's official support pages to see if it’s offered in your area. Business accounts generally face additional limitations due to stricter copyright enforcement. To avoid takedowns, consider using only royalty-free tracks or audio you have permission to share, as outlined in Instagram's copyright guidelines. Once you confirm these requirements, you’ll have a smoother time integrating engaging music into your Stories.

What is the Instagram music sticker for Stories?

The Instagram music sticker is one of the many sticker options offered (like polls, questions, GIFs, etc.) to add music to Instagram Story content. This popular feature lets you easily incorporate songs and musical accompaniment to enhance your Instagram Stories, making them more engaging and expressive.

Here's an example of what the Instagram music sticker might look like:

There are six visual stickers and an audio-only option for adding music to your Instagram Story. Four options place lyrics on the screen, while two show off the album art. You can also select which part of the song you want to play, allowing you to strategically pick the lyrics that accompany your Story. This flexibility helps you match the perfect song section to your content.

Access the music sticker by tapping the music note icon at the top of the screen in your Stories customization dashboard or by opening the full stickers page and selecting the music option. Both methods give you full access to Instagram's music library for your Story.

Add your personal or original audio to Instagram Stories

Beyond using built-in libraries, some creators prefer to feature original music or personal audio recordings in their Stories. Start by verifying your audio is in a supported format like MP3 or WAV, keeping in mind Instagram usually limits Story audio to a maximum of 60 seconds. Trim your file so that it aligns precisely with your visual content. Because custom audio isn’t automatically cleared, confirm you own the rights or review Instagram's copyright guidelines to avoid inadvertently infringing intellectual property. Afterward, import your music clip into the Story creation process and let your unique soundtrack elevate your narrative.

How to add music to Instagram Story: 6 easy methods

There are six simple ways to add music to your Instagram Story content, all with a different app. Let's walk through each method so you can choose the one that works best for your specific needs.

1. Using the Instagram music sticker

First, Instagram lets you add music right in the app using the music sticker we mentioned above. Here's how to use it.

Step 1: Create your Instagram Story

Put together your Story creative to start. You can take a photo or video from your camera roll and upload it to Instagram. Or, open the app and use the camera available within the Stories dashboard.

Step 2: Tap the music icon

Once you create your Story, tap the music icon in the top right corner of the screen. Or, tap the stickers icon next to it to explore other sticker options.

Step 3: Select music for your Story

After tapping the music button, your song library will appear. If you've used this option before, songs you've searched for and used will be mentioned, as well as similar songs. This makes it easy to find your favorite tracks for future Stories.

You can also browse popular themes and songs, or use the search bar to find a specific song for your Instagram Story. If you've viewed other posts on Instagram, you can save the songs they use to access later. Find those under the "Saved" folder that sits below the search bar.

When choosing a song, you can use any part of it that lasts between 5 and 15 seconds. Pick the length, then tap Done to add the song to your Story. Instagram limits music clips to this duration to maintain engagement while respecting copyright considerations.

Step 4: Choose your music sticker design

Once you've chosen the song, you have seven different sticker designs to choose from in three different categories:

• Audio only (no visual on the screen)
• Song lyrics (four different designs of song lyrics appearing on the screen)
• Album cover art (two options for the song's cover art to appear on the screen along with the song title)

Settle on your sticker design, resize it, and drag it around the screen until you've placed it where you want it, then post your Story. And voila! You've added music to your Instagram Story in four simple steps.

2. Using Descript to add music to Instagram Story

There are more ways to add music to your Instagram Story than the native app—especially because the music library might not have everything you're looking for or may be limited in certain regions. Let's explore alternative methods for adding your own music to Instagram Story.

Another option is to fully edit your Story, complete with music, before publishing it. And we of course recommend using Descript's Instagram video editor to do that.

Step 1: Create your Story content

Again, start by creating your Instagram Story content. Record a video of whatever you want to share—a product, an announcement, maybe a rant about silverware trays.

Step 2: Import your Story to Descript

Import that Instagram video into Descript. Make any edits to the video, such as adding captions, enabling Studio Sound, or trimming the video. Then, choose the music you want to add.

Step 3: Add music to your Story in Descript

Descript has a stock media library for music clips and sound effects. If you want more options, search for royalty-free tracks or pay for licensed (read: legal) music to add to your video. Upload your music files to Descript and edit them into your video. This gives you more flexibility with audio formats and lets you use songs that aren't available in Instagram's library.

Step 4: Export your music-enhanced Story to Instagram

Save your video as either an MP4, MOV, or even a GIF file so that you can import it to your Instagram Stories. Swipe up in the Stories creation dashboard to choose your new video, with music attached, to share to your Story. This method is particularly useful for business accounts that may have music restrictions.

3. Adding music from Apple Music to Instagram Story

If you're an Apple Music user, you can easily share a song from the Apple Music app to your Instagram Story.

Step 1: Open the Apple Music app

Start by opening up the Apple Music app on your smartphone.

Step 2: Find the song you want to share

Browse to find the song you want. Look through your playlists or liked songs, or search for a specific song.

Step 3: Share the song to your Instagram Story

Click the share icon, then choose Instagram from the available options. The song will be published as a standalone Story, allowing users to click the link to listen to it in Apple Music.

4. Adding SoundCloud music to Instagram Story

Up-and-coming artists often use SoundCloud. You might be interested in sharing music from SoundCloud for many reasons, but especially if you (or a favorite artist) are newer and trying to reach an audience through Instagram.

Step 1: Open the SoundCloud app

Start by opening the SoundCloud app.

Step 2: Find the track you want to share

Next, find the music you want to share on your Instagram Story.

Step 3: Share the track to your Instagram Story

Click the share icon and choose Stories. It will appear with the cover art as a link to listen to the song in SoundCloud. This is the perfect option for new musicians trying to spread the word about a new song.

5. Adding Shazam-identified songs to Instagram Story

If you hear a song while you're out and about that you want to share to Instagram, you can use the Shazam app to do so.

Step 1: Open the Shazam app

First, open Shazam.

Step 2: Identify a song playing nearby

Next, use it to discover what the song playing is nearby. You can also access previously discovered songs in your library.

Step 3: Share the discovered song to Instagram Story

Tap the ellipses to get the option to share the song to your Instagram Story.

6. Adding Spotify music to Instagram Story

Last, but not least, if you're a Spotify user, you might choose to share a song from Spotify.

Step 1: Open the Spotify app

Open the Spotify app to start.

Step 2: Select the song you want to share

Browse through playlists, favorite songs, or articles to find the music you want to share on Instagram.

Step 3: Share the track to your Instagram Story

Tap on the ellipses next to the song of your choice and then tap Share. Choose Stories from the list of sharing options.

4 benefits of adding music to Instagram Story

Why bother with adding music to your Instagram Story? There are actually quite a few benefits that incorporating music into your social media strategy can have. Let's explore how the right song can transform your Instagram Stories.

Connect with your followers through music

It's a psychological fact that music makes us happy. Listening to our favorite songs can create an emotional response. So incorporating music that your target audience likely enjoys can create an enhanced emotional connection between your brand and its customers.

Increase Story engagement with music

Adding music creates a more immersive experience, which can lead to increased engagement. Choose the right songs to go along with your content to maximize clicks, messages, or whatever your goal is on Instagram. Try to match the beat or vibe of your content with the right music.

Enhance your storytelling with music

The right song can also help tell your story. Browse through the Instagram music library to find an option that helps portray the same mood your content does. The right music can emphasize the point you're trying to make, whether you're using the Instagram music sticker or adding your own custom song to your Story.

Build brand identity through Story music

Consider finding a theme song or playlist to help your audience recognize your brand through sound. This can be an even better way to improve brand identity, awareness, and recognition.

💡TIP: Create a playlist on Spotify that you can refer to anytime you're looking for music to add to your Instagram Stories.

Enhance your Instagram Stories with Descript

Instagram Reels and Stories are great for hooking viewers and turning them into followers. But creating engaging Stories ain't easy. Make your Instagram Stories better by taking advantage of Descript's Instagram video editor.

With Descript, you can edit videos from start to finish in a single platform:

• Add subtitles so your videos can be viewed without sound.
• Remove background noise that your smartphone camera may have picked up (i.e., no need for expensive audio equipment).
• And of course, add music to your Instagram Stories.

Sign up for a Descript account to discover how you can create even more polished and engaging Instagram Stories.

Add music to Instagram Story: Frequently asked questions

Why can't I add music to my Instagram Story?

If you cannot add music to your Instagram Story, you may unfortunately reside in one of the regions where this feature is not supported. Business accounts also face restrictions with the music sticker functionality. However, Instagram is working to release the feature across the globe and expand options for business users.

How to add custom music to Instagram Story?

The Instagram app is always expanding its music library, but if your preferred audio isn't available, consider creating your Story video in a video editor like Descript to add it manually. Or, you can simply link to it using your preferred streaming app. These workarounds are especially helpful for adding your own music to Instagram Story when the song you want isn't in Instagram's library.

How to add music to Instagram Story on iPhone?

There are many ways to add music to Instagram Stories from an iPhone. We've outlined six ways in this article, like the music sticker, Spotify, and Apple Music.

However, only iOS users are able to select a music clip from Instagram's library before recording their video. Android users don't have access to this feature yet.

How do I fix region restrictions for Instagram music?

Check Instagram's official support pages to see which countries have access to the music sticker. If your region is excluded, you can still add music by uploading personal audio or using a video editor like Descript. Just ensure you follow any licensing rules before posting. Sometimes using a business account intensifies these region-based limitations, so try a personal account if possible.

How do I avoid Instagram audio takedowns?

The best way is to pick music you’ve created yourself or have specific rights to share, matching Instagram's copyright guidelines. This keeps your Story from getting muted or removed. If you rely on Instagram’s built-in music library, pick from songs cleared for your account type. Business accounts sometimes have fewer options, so ensure the track isn’t flagged for licensed use. Always preview your post to confirm everything aligns before hitting publish.