How to upload your music to instagram?
In today’s digital age, platforms like Instagram, owned by Facebook, have become essential for promoting music and building a presence as an internet celebrity. By adding a song to Instagram Stories or Reels, musicians can enhance their content using production music or even upload their own tracks.
Whether using Apple Inc. devices or others, you can scroll through your camera roll, take a photo or video, and easily add music with Instagram’s "Music" sticker, available in the top right corner of the screen. The platform automatically syncs your music, allowing users to preview and share clips.
Depending on your distribution, you could earn royalties. Follow this guide to leverage Instagram’s tools, from free music options to full song previews, and grow your fanbase with ease. Producer royalties play a crucial role in ensuring music creators receive fair compensation for their work, whether through streaming platforms, sync licensing, or performance rights organizations. Learn more about maximizing your earnings in the evolving digital landscape.
How to Upload Your Music to Instagram
The first step is to create a music file for Instagram Reels. You can use any audio editing software to do this. Once your music file is created, save it in MP3 format, a widely supported format in Instagram's Music Library.
Once your music file is in MP3 format, upload it to Instagram. Open the Instagram app on your phone, go to the "Media" tab, tap on the "+" icon, and select "Music" from the Instagram Music Library. Then, choose the music file you want to upload.
Finally, add a caption and tap "Share." Your music will now be available for your followers on Instagram, enhancing your presence in the Instagram Reels community. Mastering Spotify as a producer is just the beginning—leveraging platforms like House of Tracks can help you take your music career to the next level by offering high-quality Progressive House ghost productions, Tech House tracks, and more to expand your catalog and reach a wider audience.
After selecting the music you want to use, click on it. You'll see various options. Click "Share" to preview your video with the included music. If satisfied, click "Share" in the bottom right corner to upload your music to Instagram.
How to Get Your Music on Instagram in 2025
Adding music to Instagram Stories and Reels is extremely popular - but how exactly can you add music to your Instagram in 2025? This guide will walk you through everything you need to know.
With over 1 billion monthly active users, Instagram is a massive platform for sharing photos, videos, Stories and Reels. The ability to add songs, including your original music, makes it an excellent way to promote your work, grow your fanbase and increase streams.
This article, we'll cover different options for uploading your music to Instagram in 2025, including directly through Instagram's music library as well as third party apps and services. We'll also provide tips for using music effectively to market yourself on Instagram and gain more insight into social media marketing. This includes strategies for how to add music and use royalty-free music to enhance your posts.
Is It Possible to Add Your Own Music to Instagram Stories and Reels?
Yes, Instagram offers a couple different options that allow you to use your own music.
The main way is directly through Instagram's music library. When you add a song to your Story or Reel, you can select "Browse" to search Instagram's catalog of songs. Here you'll find a library of popular songs that you can legally use, as well as the ability to add your music.
To do this, your music needs to be properly distributed so that Instagram has access to it. Top music distribution services like DistroKid, TuneCore, CD Baby and others will get your music onto Instagram.
There are also third-party apps you can use to add music from other sources like Spotify, SoundCloud or your phone's music library. This allows you to choose a song from a wide range of sources for your video or soundtrack.
How to Add Your Own Music to Instagram's Music Library
Uploading your music directly to Instagram's catalog allows any user to find and use your song in their Stories and Reels. Here's how it works:
First, distribute your music through a service like DistroKid, TuneCore, CD Baby or another distributor.
This will get your song metadata and audio file onto various music platforms and stores, including Instagram. Make sure your track is properly tagged with name, artist, album, cover art, etc.
Once your music is distributed, it can take a few days to appear in Instagram's music library. After it processes, your song will show up when users search or browse music within Instagram. This is how to upload music effectively to the platform.
Now when creating a Story or Reel, users can select your song to add it as background music. They'll see the song title and your name as the artist, making it easy for them to recognize your work and helps drive engagement.
Using a distributor like DistroKid allows you to upload unlimited songs for one yearly fee. So you can add your whole music catalog to Instagram this way and potentially earn royalties depending on the terms of your chosen distributor.
How to Use Third-Party Apps to Add Music to Instagram
If you don't want to wait for music distribution or prefer adding songs directly from other sources, third-party iOS and Android apps provide another option.
Apps like Vibes, Music for Instagram Stories, or Tunedly let you add music to Instagram Stories from Spotify, Apple Music or your phone's music library.
The process varies by app but generally involves:
- Connecting your streaming music accounts like Spotify
- Browsing your library to select a song
- Adding the song as background music to your Instagram Story or photo or video
- Trimming the song length or selecting a portion to use
The app handles converting the song into an Instagram-compatible format. Most include premium features but offer free trials.
While this method is faster, the downside is it doesn't add your music to Instagram's general catalog for discovery. Only you and your followers will hear songs added through third-party apps. This approach also doesn't allow you to take full advantage of Instagram's music to an Instagram post features.
Tips for Using Music to Market Yourself on Instagram
Adding your music to Instagram Stories and Reels provides a valuable marketing opportunity. But how can you use it most effectively? Here are some key tips:
Promote new song releases. Share 15-30 second previews of your newest single to tease it.
Increase song streams. Direct people to listen on Spotify, Apple Music etc by mentioning it in your caption or comments.
Share behind-the-scenes footage. Give fans sneak peeks at your studio sessions, concerts, etc.
Engage followers with Q&As. Use a stream of your song in the background while answering fan questions via text on the Story.
Post lyrics. Share your lyrics overtop video footage and tag yourself as the songwriter. You can also add text to make it more engaging.
Run giveaways and contests. Require sharing your Reel or Story as an entry method.
Show your personal life. Attach your music to photos/videos from your daily routine. This helps create a personal connection and builds your profile.
Collaborate with other artists. Jointly promote songs or do an "Instagram takeover" on each other's accounts.
The key is finding creative ways to connect with fans while showcasing your music. Instagram Stories and Reels provide a format for short, attention-grabbing videos that can help your tracks on Instagram gain traction in the music industry.
Can You Monetize Your Music on Instagram?
At this time, Instagram does not have a built-in monetization system specifically for music. However, you can potentially earn money indirectly:
If you use music distribution, you'll collect royalties whenever your Instagram songs get used or streamed on other platforms. This can lead to significant royalty payment over time.
Promoting your music effectively on Instagram can help boost listeners and followers, which you can convert into revenue in various ways (shows, merchandise, other streaming income, etc.)
If accepted into Instagram's Reels bonus program, you can earn cash bonuses for top performing Reels that use your music. This is a great way for creators to benefit financially from their content. It's important for creators to consider using a business account to track performance metrics.
So while not a direct monetization method yet, Instagram provides huge exposure value to help drive income through other channels when you upload your music. Take advantage of this platform to expand your reach and increase your income.
Key Takeaways for Getting Your Music on Instagram in 2025
Here are the main points to remember:
Use a distributor like DistroKid to get your music into Instagram's official library for Reels and Stories.
Alternatively, leverage iOS/Android apps to instantly add songs from Spotify, Apple Music etc.
Strategically promote your music by sharing previews, videos, lyrics and other engaging content.
Drive streams, followers and engagement to expand your fanbase. This can help build your brand and increase your presence on Instagram.
Consider creative ways to generate indirect revenue from the exposure Instagram provides, like sharing your music across other streaming media platforms.
Adding your songs to Instagram Stories and Reels provides an amazing platform to reach new listeners. Following this guide will help you maximize your Instagram music presence in 2025 and beyond!
Everything you should know about music for Instagram!
