How To Add Music to Instagram Stories

Do you ever feel like everyone knows how to add music to Instagram Stories besides you? If so, it’s not just you.

Instagram is *always* rolling out new features. It’s hard, even for seasoned pros, to keep track. The devil works hard, but Mark Zuckerberg works harder.

But knowing how to add music to Instagram Stories is one of the best ways to boost your engagement. So here, we’ve broken it down for you step by step. *No* tech-savviness required. By the end of this, you’ll be slapping soundtracks on your Stories like a social media DJ. Let’s do this. 🎶

How To Add Music to Instagram Stories (and Look Like You Know What You’re Doing)

#1. Access the Story Creation Feature

First things first: open Instagram. Then tap the “+” button on your profile pic or swipe right from your home feed. That’s your golden ticket into Storyland.

Pro tip: if you’re already viewing someone else’s Story, swipe up and you’ll be right there too.

#2. Create or Upload Your Content

After that, it’s time to make a decision. Are you filming a brand-new masterpiece? Or, are you uploading a pic or video from your camera roll?

You can, for instance:

• Tap the shutter button to snap a new photo or hold it to record a video

• Swipe up or tap the square in the bottom-left corner to upload from your camera roll

Choose wisely. Your Story deserves the good angles.

#3. Navigate to the Music Sticker

Once your content is up, tap the sticker icon (that happy little smiley square near the top of your screen). That opens the sticker menu, AKA the playground of Stories.

From there, tap “Music” (you may need to scroll a bit). To save yourself some time, you can also tap the music note icon next to the sticker icon. Boom. You’re in the music zone.

#4. Choose Your Song

Now comes the fun part. Instagram offers a whole library of bangers, ballads, and background vibes.

For example, you can:

• Search by song title, artist, or keyword

• Browse through “For You” or “Trending” if you’re feeling indecisive

So, pick a track that matches the mood. Coffee shots? Go jazzy. Product drop? Cue the dramatic pop anthem.

#5. Customize the Music Snippet

Instagram will automatically drop you into the most recognizable part of the song. But you’re not stuck with it. Use the slider to select the exact snippet you want.

You can, for instance:

• Choose up to 15 seconds

• Make sure the beat drops right when your cat jumps on the table (iconic)

#6. Customize the Sticker Display

Once you’ve chosen your slice of audio, it’s time to style the music sticker itself.

Instagram offers a few display options:

• Lyrics (with several font styles)

• Album cover

• Minimalist title/artist display

Tap through the options to find what fits your vibe. And yes, you can also move, resize, or rotate the sticker anywhere on your screen. Go wild.

#7. Finalize and Share

After that, give your Story a once-over. Maybe add some text, tag your biz account, or slap on a GIF if you’re feeling cheeky.

Then tap “Your Story”, “Close Friends”, or “Send To” depending on who deserves this masterpiece. Congratulations! You’ve now learned how to add music to Instagram stories.

#8. Share Music Directly via Streaming Apps

Last, but not least, here’s a bonus trick. You can also share music directly from Spotify or Apple Music to your Instagram Stories.

In short, here’s how:

1. Open your music app and start playing the track you love

2. Then tap the share icon

3. After that, select Instagram Stories from the options

4. Instagram will auto-generate a Story with the album art and link

Please note: these stories don’t play the music directly, but they do give followers a link to listen. It’s great for musicians, podcasters, or anyone wanting to flex their taste.

Time To Crank Up Your Social Game

And now that you know how to add music to Instagram stories, you’re officially a part of the IG insiders club. Feel free to brag to your family and friends who are still in the dark. Or maybe if you’re feeling nice, send this article their way to enlighten them.

But hey, if you’re a business trying to do more than slap a trending audio over a blurry boomerang, we’ve got you. At Scott Social, we’re a boutique social media marketing agency in sunny Phoenix, Arizona. And we’re here to help you turn scrolls into sales. From eye-catching content creation to talking to your followers like actual humans. We handle it all.

Ready to make some social media magic together? If so, let’s chat.

Get Schooled on Instagram ↓

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WRITTEN BY:

Alexis Dubree
Intern