Music can elevate your Instagram Reels from good to great. They set the mood, punctuate key moments, and propel the narrative forward. Sure, some reels can be posted without background music, but the right audio tracks can transform the entire video for the better.
We’ll walk you through adding music to your Reels with this guide.
How to Add Music From the Instagram Library
Instagram has an in-app library filled with music that you can slap onto your videos. The library is expansive but not unlimited, so you may not find the song you’re searching for sometimes. Here’s how it’s done:
- Open the Instagram App: Launch the Instagram app and navigate to the Reels creation screen. You can access this by swiping right from the home screen or tapping the create (+) icon at the bottom and selecting “Reel.”
- Record Your Reel or Upload Existing Clips: There are two options for capturing your video content:
- Record Directly: Hold down the capture button at the bottom of the screen to record your video clips within the Reels interface. You can record multiple clips and trim them later.
- Upload Existing Videos: Tap the gallery icon in the bottom left corner to access your phone’s photo library. Select the video clip(s) you want to use and tap “Add” to import them into your Reel.
- Access the Music Library: Once you’re happy with your video content, tap the music note icon at the top of the screen. This opens the Instagram Music Library.
- Find Your Perfect Track: Browse the music library, or search for a specific song using the search bar at the top.
- Preview and Select Your Music: Tap on a song to preview it. You can also trim the music by dragging the white bar at the bottom of the screen to choose the specific part of the song you want to use in your Reel.
- Adjust Music Volume: Swipe up on the video to edit it. Scroll through the options and tap on “Volume.” Here, you can adjust the music volume using the slider to ensure it complements your video’s natural audio. Tap “Done” when you’re satisfied.
- Finalize Your Reel and Share: Once you’re satisfied with the music selection, tap the “Next” button to move on to the final stage where you can add location tags and captions. Click “Share” when you’re done and your video will be sent.
Pro Tips for Captivating Audio Reels
Here are some additional tips to ensure your musical Reels resonate with your audience:
- Match the Music to the Action: Pay attention to how the music aligns with the visuals on screen. Consider using crescendos to highlight key moments or syncing instrumental breaks with transitions.
- Keep it Concise: While music is powerful, avoid long stretches of silence or music without visuals. Maintain a good balance between music and visual storytelling.
- Experiment with Different Genres: Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. Try different music genres to see how they can enhance the mood and message of your Reels.
By following these steps and incorporating these tips, you can confidently add music to your Instagram Reels and create captivating musical masterpieces!
