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Why Can’t I Add Music to My Instagram Story?

Published June 4, 2024

Ever crafted the perfect Instagram story only to be frustrated by the missing music sticker? You’re not alone. Sometimes, Instagram doesn’t let you add music to your stories, which can be a real downer. This is worse when a specific tune is exactly what you need to make your story perfect.

If you have ever wondered why this happens, you’re in luck. This article discusses some reasons you might be facing this musical roadblock and offers solutions to get your story back on track.

Why Won’t Instagram Let Me Add Music to My Story?

Several factors can prevent you from adding music to your Instagram story. Here are the most common culprits:

  • Regional Restrictions: Music licensing can be a complex issue. Due to copyright limitations, Instagram may not have the right to offer that audio in your specific region. While Instagram offers many features, they don’t plan to play a story with music that hasn’t been licensed.
  • Outdated App: Using an outdated version of the Instagram app can lead to missing features, including the music sticker. Ensure you’re running the latest app version from the App Store or Google Play Store.
  • Network Connectivity Issues: A weak or unstable internet connection sometimes prevents features from loading correctly. Ensure you have a strong Wi-Fi or mobile data connection to access all story features.
  • Temporary Glitches: Like any complex software, Instagram can experience occasional glitches. A temporary app glitch might be the culprit behind the missing music sticker. Try restarting the app or device to see if it resolves the issue.

Troubleshooting Tips to Get Your Music Back

Once you’ve identified the potential cause, here are some solutions to get your story back on track:

  • Update the App: If you’re using an outdated version, head to the App Store or Google Play Store and download the latest update for Instagram.
  • Check Your Region: Unfortunately, if regional restrictions are the culprit, there’s not much you can do directly beyond using a VPN. However, you can keep an eye on future updates as licensing agreements might change.
  • Reconnect and Refresh: A weak internet connection can disrupt features. Try connecting to a stronger Wi-Fi network or switching to mobile data and see if the music sticker reappears.
  • Restart the App (and Maybe Your Device): A simple restart can sometimes clear temporary glitches. Close the Instagram app completely and reopen it. If the issue persists, try restarting your phone or tablet.
  • Report the Issue: If none of the earlier solutions work, you can report the issue directly to Instagram. Navigate to your profile page and tap the hamburger menu icon to open the “Settings and Activity” menu. Swipe down and select “Help,” followed by “Report a Problem.”

That opens Instagram’s problem-reporting mode. Here, you are told to get to the broken part of the app and shake your phone to point the devs in the right direction. Use this to report your issue.

Conclusion

While the music sticker is a great feature, you can still craft engaging Instagram Stories without it. But we’ve shown you how to get your music back so you can unleash your creativity with your regained audio.

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Written By:
AUTHOR & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Jessica is a consultant, researcher, and the editor-in-chief of the Buzzoid blog, who specializes in social media, marketing, and digital strategy. She is a graduate of Antioch College and earned her MBA at Boston College’s Carroll Graduate School of Management, specializing in STEM Management.

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