In this guide
Create a Reel and choose an available track with the audio control, then preview its timing and balance against the video’s original sound. To use your own file, add it in a video editor before upload and check the rights for your intended use.
To add music to an Instagram Reel, start a Reel in the Instagram app, open its audio or music control and choose an available track. Select the portion that fits your video, then preview the music alongside any original sound before sharing. To use a music file saved on your device, you can add it in a video editor before uploading the finished video.
These approaches differ: an in-app track is selected through Instagram’s music tools; an embedded soundtrack is already part of the video file. In either case, check whether your voice is still understandable and whether you have the rights needed for the use.
Add music in Instagram
- Start a Reel. In the Instagram app, open the creation flow, choose Reel and record or select your video clips.
- Open audio. Tap the music-note or audio control, then browse or search the tracks offered to your account. Preview a candidate before selecting it.
- Choose the section. Use the available track controls to select the portion you want. Check that the first audible beat or lyric lines up with the intended action.
- Review the mix. In the editing screen, check the audio controls available for the selected track and original clip sound. Adjust them as needed and listen to a full spoken sentence against the music.
- Preview and share. Watch from the beginning through the end. Check timing, speech, transitions and any abrupt cut before continuing to the share screen.
Meta describes searching its music library in its introduction to Reels and editing clips and audio together in its Reels editing update. These announcements describe features at publication; labels, availability and layout can change by app version, account and region.
Add your own music file to a Reel
- Choose your source. Use your own recording or audio for which you have the necessary permission. Keep the original video and music files.
- Open a video editor. Import the video and music as separate timeline items. Move the music to the desired cue and trim the portion you need.
- Balance the audio. If the video has dialogue, retain its original soundtrack and lower the music until the words are clear. Check the first and last moments for cuts or missing tails.
- Export and upload. Save a new video, play the actual file, then select it when creating the Reel. Preview the Instagram version and review any notices before sharing.
Embedding a soundtrack in a video does not automatically distribute it to Instagram’s licensed music library or guarantee that it will appear as a reusable sound. Keep the editable project if you want to revise the balance later.
The free audio trimmer can prepare an excerpt from a mono or stereo MP3 or WAV up to five minutes and 50 MiB. Download the excerpt and import it into your video editor; the tool does not edit video or upload to Instagram. For a wider walkthrough, see how to add audio to video.
Keep your voice audible
Listen to the busiest spoken section with the music playing. Lower the music where it masks words and verify that original clip audio has not been muted. Avoid relying on a single volume percentage: the source recordings may have very different levels.
If the original soundtrack already combines unwanted music and speech, reducing that soundtrack reduces both. Use the separate tracks from the original project where possible. Otherwise, music removal can test an estimate from a supported file. It can leave music or alter speech, so review both outputs. AI downloads require an account and sufficient credits, with the cost shown before download.
Music permissions and availability
Music available in the app can differ by account and location, and commercial uses may have different requirements. Check the current terms and available music for your particular account and post. A song being available to listen to, or crediting its artist, does not automatically establish permission for every reuse.
For music added outside Instagram, confirm that your permission covers the recording, composition and intended publication. If a track is unavailable or an upload is muted, review the platform’s notice and use an appropriately licensed alternative.
Troubleshooting
| Problem | What to check |
|---|---|
| The wrong part of a song plays | Return to the audio selection or editing controls and choose the desired excerpt, then preview again. |
| Your voice is missing or too quiet | Check whether original clip audio is muted and lower the added music. If both are already in one file, adjust the original separate tracks. |
| A track is unavailable | Check the music offered for your account, region and use; choose a permitted alternative. |
| You need your own audio file | Prepare the soundtrack in a video editor, export a new video and upload that file. Review any platform notices. |
Common questions
Can I keep the original video sound and add music?
Where the editor offers both controls, retain the original clip audio and adjust the added music. Preview the entire Reel because the setting and available controls may vary.
Can I use any song I downloaded?
Downloading a song does not automatically grant the right to synchronize and publish it. Check the permissions for your recording and intended use.
Does Saturalabs post a Reel for me?
No. Its tools prepare supported local audio; video editing and Instagram publishing are separate steps.