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

Published April 26, 2024

Instagram’s Story feature has become one of the most important on the platform. With this feature, users can share snippets of their lives and other content that would be gone after 24 hours.

The perfect Instagram stories blend captivating visuals with a great audio track. This combination, when implemented correctly, can boost your account. However, some users find adding music to their stories difficult due to some issues.

If you’re facing the frustration of not being able to add music to your Instagram story, don’t fret. This guide will explore some common reasons behind this limitation and offer solutions to get you grooving again.

Why Doesn’t the Music Come?

The primary way to add music to your Instagram story is through the Music sticker. This sticker gives you access to a vast library of licensed music, allowing you to overlay captivating tunes on your photos and videos.

However, encountering limitations while adding music is a frequent experience for many users. Here are some reasons why you might not be able to add music to your Instagram story:

  • Regional Restrictions: Music licensing agreements can be complex. Due to copyright limitations, the Music sticker feature isn’t available in all countries or regions. A quick internet search can confirm if you’re in one of the restricted locations.
  • Outdated App: Using an outdated version of the Instagram app can lead to missing features or glitches. So, make sure you have the latest update installed.
  • Network Connectivity Issues: A slow or unstable internet connection might prevent the music library from loading correctly.
  • Branded Content Restrictions: If you’re sharing branded content in your story, Instagram might turn off certain features like music stickers to comply with advertising policies.

How Do I Get My Music Back?

Now that we understand the potential roadblocks to adding music to your story, let’s discuss solutions. Here are some steps you can take to get the sound back:

  • Update the Instagram App: Open the app store on your device and check for available updates for Instagram. Updating the app ensures you have access to the latest features and bug fixes that could solve your problem.
  • Restart Your Device: A simple restart can clear temporary glitches hindering the app’s functionality.
  • Switch to Wi-Fi: If you’re using cellular data, try switching to a stable Wi-Fi connection for a smoother experience while accessing the music library.
  • Pre-Record with Music: Record your video or photo content using another app that allows you to add music. Do all your editing there, then upload the pre-recorded content to your Instagram story. However, Instagram can still go through your sound and mute it if it violates their copyright regulations.
  • Switch to a Creator Account: Creator accounts have much more leeway in music than business accounts, so you can consider switching. Creator accounts offer most of the features you already enjoy on your business account.

Conclusion

You can add some music to your Instagram Stories by following these steps. However, you can also try effective alternatives like voice-overs for your stories. These kinds of videos can still work wonders for your account. After all, you can make a good story with or without a soundtrack.

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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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