How to Add Music to Instagram Reels (And Why Your Choice of Tune Can Make or Break Your Video)

Instagram Reels has quickly become a staple in the social media landscape, offering users a creative outlet to share short, engaging videos. Whether you’re a content creator, a business, or just someone who loves to share snippets of your life, adding music to your Reels can elevate your content to new heights. But with so many options available, how do you choose the perfect track, and more importantly, how do you add it to your video? In this guide, we’ll dive into the step-by-step process of adding music to Instagram Reels, exploring the nuances of sound selection and how it can significantly impact your viewer engagement.

Understanding the Power of Music in Instagram Reels

Before diving into the technicalities, let’s talk about why music is crucial. Music sets the tone, captures emotions, and can make or break the overall vibe of your Reel. It has the power to evoke memories, create anticipation, and reinforce your message. Choosing the right track can make your content more relatable, memorable, and even viral.

Step-by-Step Guide to Adding Music to Instagram Reels

1. Open Instagram and Navigate to Reels

First, ensure you have the latest version of the Instagram app installed on your phone. Open the app and navigate to the Reels section, usually indicated by the icon that looks like a camera with a circular motion.

2. Create or Upload Your Video

You have the option to create a new video directly within the app or upload an existing one from your camera roll. If you’re creating a new video, press and hold the record button to capture your clip.

3. Access the Music Library

Once you’ve finished recording or uploading your video, you’ll be taken to the editing screen. Here, you’ll see various editing tools along the bottom of the screen. Tap on the music note icon to access the Instagram music library.

4. Browse and Search for Music

Instagram’s music library is extensive, featuring popular songs, sound effects, and even trending audio clips. You can browse by genre, mood, or popularity. Alternatively, use the search bar to find specific songs or artists.

5. Preview and Select Your Music

As you browse through the library, you’ll be able to preview snippets of each track. Listen carefully to ensure the song aligns with your video’s theme and mood. Once you’ve found the perfect track, select it.

6. Customize Your Music Clip

After selecting a song, you’ll have the option to trim it to fit your video’s duration. Drag the sliders to choose the start and end points of the music clip. This allows you to feature the most impactful part of the song without it feeling too long or abrupt.

7. Adjust the Volume

Use the volume controls to balance the music with your video’s original sound. This is particularly important if your video includes dialogue or important audio that you want to be heard clearly.

8. Add Additional Audio Effects (Optional)

Instagram also allows you to add sound effects or voiceovers to your video. If you want to add a bit of extra flair, tap on the “Sound Effects” or “Voiceover” button and record your audio.

9. Review and Post

Before publishing, review your video to ensure the music and visuals are in sync. Once you’re satisfied, add a captivating caption, apply any filters or effects, and hit the “Share” button.

Tips for Choosing the Right Music

• Know Your Audience: Understand what type of music resonates with your followers. Are they more into pop, rock, or electronic music? Tailor your choices accordingly.
• Match the Mood: The music should complement the tone of your video. Happy moments deserve upbeat tunes, while serene scenes might call for softer melodies.
• Trending Audio: Leverage trending audio clips to increase your chances of going viral. Keep an eye on what’s popular in the Reels community.
• Originality: While trending music can boost engagement, don’t shy away from using lesser-known tracks that reflect your unique personality or brand.
• License Considerations: Make sure the music you use is licensed for commercial use, especially if you’re a business. Instagram’s music library provides licensed tracks, but if you use music from elsewhere, ensure you have the rights to do so.

Engagement Strategies with Music

• Create a Series: Develop a series of Reels that use the same song or a playlist of related tracks to create a cohesive theme.
• User-Generated Content: Encourage your followers to create their own Reels using a specific song or sound and tag you in their posts. This can foster a sense of community and increase engagement.
• Collaborations: Partner with musicians or artists whose music aligns with your brand. Featuring their music can bring in new audiences and create a mutually beneficial collaboration.

Related Questions

Q: Can I use my own music on Instagram Reels? A: Yes, but it must be uploaded to a platform that Instagram supports, such as SoundCloud or Spotify, and must be available within Instagram’s music library.

Q: How do I know if a song is licensed for commercial use on Instagram? A: Instagram’s built-in music library includes only tracks that are licensed for commercial use on the platform. If you use music from outside sources, it’s your responsibility to ensure you have the necessary permissions.

Q: Can I edit the music after posting a Reel? A: No, once you’ve posted a Reel, you cannot edit the music without deleting and re-posting the video.

Q: How long can the music clip be in an Instagram Reel? A: The music clip can be as long as your video, up to the maximum length allowed for Reels, which is currently 60 seconds.

Q: Can I add lyrics to my Reel along with the music? A: While Instagram doesn’t have a built-in feature to add lyrics, you can use third-party apps to create text overlays with lyrics and then import those into your Reel.