Over the years, Instagram has evolved into a platform where content creators can make money, garner a following, and collaborate. It’s become a competitive platform where businesses are vying for consumers’ attention by making stand-out social media content — and one of the ways companies make that content is by adding audio.
Why you should add music to your Instagram Reels and Stories
Incorporating music does more than just create more interesting posts — it drastically helps your content’s visibility online.
According to LaterBlog, one of the top ways to get your content viewed by more users is by incorporating music from Instagram’s library or by creating original audio for your posts. While there are many ways to boost the visibility of your content, using music is effective because Instagram’s algorithm prioritizes content that incorporates more than just static images, such as Reels and Stories containing audio, and shows it to a wider span of users.
In addition, including music helps your content stand out from the pack as users scroll through their feeds. Audio adds another layer to your content which can define the mood and aesthetic your brand is hoping to convey.
[Read: How to Monetize Instagram: 5 Tips for Entrepreneurs]
According to LaterBlog, one of the top ways to get your content viewed by more users is by incorporating music from Instagram’s library or by creating original audio for your posts.
How to add music to your Instagram Reels
Adding music to your Instagram Reels is simple and comes with many benefits. Follow these steps to get started:
- Open up the Instagram app and tap on the “+” icon in the top right-hand corner.
- Click the “Reels” option.
- On the left-hand side of the screen, select the audio icon to choose a song to use for your content. Creators can alternatively record a Reel first, then add audio later using the music tab.
- Browse through audio tracks to find the right song for your Reel. You can use the search bar to find specific tracks or click on “See More” to discover new audio. Songs can be previewed before using them by tapping the play icon next to each track's title.
- Once you choose a track, you’ll decide on the particular part of the song you’d like to use. A slider will appear at the bottom of the window that allows you to choose a section of the track — pink spots on the slider indicate which parts of the song are most popular in Reels.
If you decide you want to use a different track, songs can be deleted from Reels by selecting the trash can icon at the top left-hand side of the screen.
[Read: How to Use Instagram Reels for Your Business]
How to add music to your Instagram Stories
Adding music to an Instagram Story is a simple way to elevate your content from good to great. Here’s how to get started:
- Open the Instagram app, click on the Story icon at the top left of the screen. The icon will have your account’s profile picture and a blue plus-sign. Alternatively, you can click on the plus icon (+) in the top, right-hand corner and click “Story” to create a new one.
- Record using the Story camera or choose to upload a prerecorded Story from your personal video library. After the video is uploaded, swipe up or click on the sticker button.
- Scroll down to find the “Music” button, which is usually found in the fourth row of options on the sticker page.
- Browse through Instagram’s music catalog and audio you’ve previously saved on your account. Search for music using the search bar at the top of the page and preview it by pressing the play button on the right-hand side of each song selection.
- Make your selection by pressing on the song, then choose which part of the song to use by moving the slider. Similar to Reels, pink spots on the slider indicate which parts of the song are most popular in Stories.
- Choose how you want to use the music in your Story. You can display lyrics on the screen in different fonts, or you can display the album cover and title.
When you’re happy with your Story, press “Done” at the top of the page in the right-hand corner and post it by choosing “Your Story” at the bottom of the left-hand side.
With a few simple steps, you can make your brand’s Instagram presence more engaging and entertaining for your followers. Get more tips for making the most of Instagram in our guide.
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