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Why Is Instagram Removing Songs?

Published July 9, 2024

It hasn’t always been smooth sailing on Instagram. Some issues have sprung up in the past and others have been continuous to this day. However, regular updates easily fix some, and others require some skills to bypass.

A common issue on Instagram is the removal of songs. Users notice that the music on their stories and reels suddenly disappears and is completely replaced by silence. So, why is this happening? Has it happened before and is there a way around it? All the answers you need are right here, so read on and discover them all.

Instagram Is Removing Songs, but Not for the First Time

It was back in 2023 when a glitch in the software resulted in the removal of songs on Instagram. Users noticed that their stories and reels no longer had any audio – just silence. It was a big issue, and you wouldn’t think it would happen again.

But it has and still does, but there are reasons for it. So yes, it’s not just a glitch. Instagram is indeed removing songs from posts, and you’ll see why soon.

Why Is Instagram Removing Songs?

The main reason for what users consider a problem is that Instagram is trying to avoid licensing and copyright infringements. There are challenges with using certain songs on your stories or promotional posts. More emphasis on promotional posts is needed because business accounts suffer from this issue more frequently than private accounts.

The Problem With Business Accounts and Songs on Instagram

We all know that business accounts on Instagram can use any music to promote any of their products. But what happens when some songs in question cause copyright infringement issues? That’s where the action of Instagram removing songs comes into play.

Ultimately, it’s a move by Instagram to reduce the risk of any lawsuits. Some artists might not be comfortable with their songs being rampant on the platform, especially when they are not gaining from it.

Spotting the Issue

The next thing to know is how to spot when you have encountered this issue. There won’t be a flag with a description reading, “We have removed x music.” But there are some common indicators of Instagram removing songs:

  • Firstly, when you type in music, there are no search results.
  • The music sticker in the story editing screen doesn’t work properly.
  • Sometimes, the sticker itself is unavailable.
  • Minor indications include the song not playing properly or specific music being unavailable due to licensing, which are also signs of the issue.

What Can You Do?

Remember that there are two likely causes – a glitch in the software or licensing challenges. If the issue is based on the former, you can always restart, update, or reinstall the Instagram app.

However, if it’s a licensing issue, you’ll have no choice but to search for alternative sounds or, better yet, create your own.

Bottom Line

Instagram isn’t removing songs for the sake of it. It’s a move to curb copyright issues and ensure there are no inappropriate links between brands or users and certain songs. So, if you encounter this problem, you can always explore thousands of other available options.

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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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