The safe way to use a popular song on Instagram is to add it from Instagram’s own music library, which is licensed for use in the app. Outside the library, use Meta’s free Sound Collection, music you have a license for, or your own audio. Crediting the artist, cutting the song short or editing it doesn’t give you the right to use it.
Add music from Instagram’s library
- In the Story or Reels camera, add a photo or video.
- Tap the music option (in Stories, the music sticker) and search for a song.
- Choose the part of the song you want and post.
In Stories, a music clip can be up to 15 seconds. Business profiles see a smaller selection of songs because of licensing (Later). If you’re a business and the song you want isn’t there, that’s why.
Free music for any account
Meta’s Sound Collection has thousands of music tracks and sound effects you can use at no cost, without limits (Instagram). It’s the simplest option for business accounts.
What Meta’s music guidelines say
- The more full-length recorded tracks in a video, the more likely it is to be limited, so shorter clips are recommended.
- There should always be something to watch. Recorded audio shouldn’t be the main point of the video.
- Music in Stories and filming a band or artist performing live are allowed.
- If a video breaks the rules, parts of it can be muted, the video can be blocked, or a Live can be interrupted (Instagram).
Instagram published these guidelines in 2020.
Myths that don’t protect you
- “I credited the artist.” Giving credit avoids plagiarism, but attribution isn’t a defense to copyright infringement (BYU Copyright Licensing Office).
- “I only used a few seconds.” The US Copyright Office says there are no legal rules permitting the use of a specific number of words, a certain number of musical notes, or a percentage of a work (U.S. Copyright Office). Only a court decides what is fair use.
- “I edited the song.” A remix or sped-up version still uses the original recording, and editing doesn’t give you a license.
Change the song on a post you already published
Since July 2026 you can replace the audio on feed posts and carousels. Open the post, tap the menu, tap Edit and swap the audio. Likes, comments, shares and reach stay the same (TechCrunch).
If your video was muted or removed
Instagram sends you a notice. If you have the rights to the music, or think the decision is wrong, you can appeal from the notice or send a counter-notification through Instagram’s Help Center (Instagram Help). Musicians and labels who own music can apply for Meta’s Rights Manager to protect it.
FAQ
Can I use any song if I give credit?
No. Credit doesn’t replace permission.
Why can’t my business account find a popular song?
Business profiles get a limited music selection because of licensing. Use the Sound Collection instead.
Is 15 seconds of a song fair use?
There is no safe number of seconds. Fair use depends on all the circumstances.
Does trending audio help my Reels?
Instagram says trending audio can affect distribution. For more, see our Reels ideas.