How to Add Music to Instagram Reels in 2026 (Step-by-Step + Fixes)

Audiodrome   |   Last Updated: January 4th, 2026   |   19 min read   |   Blog

Add music to Instagram Reels with the in-app Audio tool and keep control of the result. Choose a track from the music library or use original audio, reuse audio from another Reel, then replace muted audio fast when a track disappears.

Personal, Creator, or Business? Start with the lane

Start with one question: Will this Reel live as personal sharing, or will it promote something? Personal sharing includes friends, hobbies, and everyday updates. Promotion includes a product, a service, a channel growth push, a client deliverable, or any plan to boost for reach. That single choice decides which audio tools and music sources stay safe later.

If a brand, a client, a partnership, or an ad budget enters the plan, your Reel moves into a promotional lane. Choose music like you plan to run it as an ad, even if you post it organically first. This habit prevents last-minute re-edits when you switch on boosting or Partnership Ads later inside Instagram.

Instagram’s in-app music library works best for personal, non-commercial sharing. Meta sets stricter rules for business and promotional publishing, and you need appropriate licenses that cover the platform and your use. When you lack that coverage, pick promo-safe sources such as Sound Collection or properly licensed royalty-free music before you start editing the Reel today.

Pick your safest audio source before you edit (so you don’t have to remake the Reel)

Before you add music, pick the source that fits your lane so your Reel stays usable if you post it today and promote it later.

If the Reel is truly personal and will stay organic

Use the in-app music library inside Reels. Instagram licenses this catalog for personal sharing, so it works well for everyday posts and trend-style edits. Choose your song first, then match your cuts to the beat and keep the edit simple. This path keeps your workflow fast when you plan organic reach only.

If the Reel is promotional / commercial / non personal

Start with Meta Sound Collection when you want a safer option inside Meta’s ecosystem. It gives you music and sound effects that fit business publishing, so you can build the Reel once and reuse it for boosting or brand content. Pick your track here before you edit visuals, since the audio choice sets the pace and the timing for your cuts.

Third-party royalty-free libraries work well when you need a specific vibe that you cannot find in Meta tools. Focus on licenses that clearly allow Instagram and Facebook publishing for your exact use, such as client work, product promos, or ads. Save the invoice, the license terms, and the track details in a folder so you can prove rights fast if a review asks.

Working with a licensed composer or producer gives you the cleanest path when you want a custom sound. Ask for a written license or permission that names the track, the creator, your brand, and the allowed platforms. Keep the files and agreement alongside your project so you can reuse the audio across campaigns without stress. This option also avoids trend locks tied to in-app catalogs.

Your own audio file fits best when you want full control over timing and mix. Build the video in an editor, add your audio track, export, then upload as a Reel. This workflow keeps the beat stable, keeps voice clarity strong, and prevents surprises when you adjust visuals inside Instagram. It also supports consistent branding across posts.

Heads-up: If you plan boosting or Partnership Ads, skip trend picks from the in-app library and start with Sound Collection or licensed music, plus proof.

Where the Meta music tools are (so you stop hunting)

The Instagram music library lives inside the Reels editor. When you start a Reel and tap Audio, Instagram opens a licensed catalog where you can search songs, preview clips, and pick the exact segment for your video. This option fits quick organic edits because timing and selection happen right in the app, within seconds today.

Meta Sound Collection lives on a separate Meta site, outside Instagram. You browse tracks and sound effects on your desktop, download the audio file, then drop it into your video editor so you can sync cuts and beats cleanly before upload. After export, you post the finished Reel with the audio already embedded in the video.

Add music from the Instagram music library

Instagram starts the Reel flow in two different pickers, one for photo selections and one for video clips, and each path shows slightly different editing and audio options, even though the core “pick a track, choose the segment, then finish” steps stay the same.

Create a Reel from images (photo Reel)

Open Instagram’s Create flow and switch the mode selector to REEL (the same selector row that shows POST / STORY / REEL).

On the New reel picker screen, tap the drop-down at the top left (it shows Recents) and choose where your photos live, such as Recents, Favourites, or All albums.

Tap each photo you want to include. Instagram marks each selected image with a number badge (1, 2, 3) so you can see the order. When you finish selecting, tap Next (bottom right).

On the Suggested audio screen, you have two clean choices: pick a track from the suggested row, or tap the Search icon to choose your own track. If you want to build the Reel first and add music later, tap Skip.

Inside Search music, use the top tabs to narrow choices: For you, Trending, Saved, or Royalty-free.

You can also use the search bar to find a specific song. When you see a track you want to reuse later, tap the bookmark icon to save it.

Continue through Next until you reach the publishing screen that shows Preview and Edit cover. Add your caption, adjust options like Audience, then choose Save draft if you want to finish later or Share to publish.

Create a Reel from a video

Open Instagram’s Create flow and switch the mode selector to REEL. On the New reel picker screen, tap the drop-down at the top left and switch to Videos so you see video clips instead of photos.

Tap the video you want to use. Instagram adds a small number badge (like “1”) on the selected clip so you can confirm your selection. If you want more than one clip, tap additional videos to build a sequence.

Tap Next to open the Reel editor. You’ll land on a preview screen with “Swipe up to edit” and a tool row along the bottom. Tap the music note icon to open the audio picker. You can also tap Suggested audio at the top if it appears and you want a quick option.

In the audio picker, use the Search bar or browse the tabs like For you, Trending, Original audio, Saved, and Royalty-free. If you already have your own audio file ready, tap Import (top right) to bring it in.

Tap a track to apply it, then choose the exact section you want. Use the waveform scrubber and handles on the “Choose the part that you want for your reel” screen, then tap Done.

Continue through the final screen with Preview and Edit cover, add your caption, then tap Share to publish or Save draft to finish later.

Use audio from another Reel (Import audio)

Step 1: Open the music picker, then look at the top right of the search area and tap Import. Instagram shows this option beside the search bar, so you can pull audio fast without digging through menus. Use this when you already have the sound you want in a clip on your phone, and you want it ready for Reels.

Step 2: On the Import screen, choose the video that contains the audio you want. Use the Recents drop-down if you need a different folder or album, then tap the clip so Instagram can grab the sound from it. After you import, go back to your Reel and line up the audio with your visuals before you publish.

“Import audio” helps when you want the same sound on a new Reel right now, because Instagram applies it to your draft as your active audio choice. Saving audio helps when you want the sound later, because it bookmarks the track in your Saved tab for quick access. Use Save audio when you plan content ahead and want a short list of options ready.

Add your voice

Step 1: After you record your clips, tap the microphone icon on the editor toolbar, then tap Next to move into the editing view where Instagram places your recording on the timeline.

Step 2: In the timeline editor, find the Voiceover track and tap it so you can line it up with the moment you start speaking. Use the timeline to place your voice in the right scene, and zoom in when you need tighter timing.

Step 3: With the Voiceover track selected, use the controls like Volume and Fade to make your voice clear and steady. Keep the voice strong at the start, then adjust levels so the rest of the Reel stays easy to hear as you finish the edit.

Choose this method when you want your own voice to lead the Reel, like a tutorial, a walkthrough, or a quick story. It also works well for behind-the-scenes clips where real sound adds trust. Use it when you own the original track and want full control over how it sits under the video.

Add music to only part of a Reel (and how to chain multiple tracks)

Use partial audio when you want music to hit a specific moment instead of running wall to wall. Pick your track, open the audio editing view, then set the start point so the song begins exactly where your scene needs energy. Drag the end point so the music stops when your moment ends, like an intro hook, a reveal, or the final beat.

Some app builds also support more than one audio segment in the same Reel. When you see that option, place one track for the first section and a second track for the next section, then align each change to a clear cut in your video. Keep the switch clean and intentional, so the viewer hears a purposeful shift rather than a jump.

Add your own audio file (edit first, then upload to Reels)

This workflow gives you full control over timing and sound before you publish. You set the exact beat drop, hook, and transitions while you still have a clean timeline in front of you. You also lock your mix so the voice, music, and room sound stay consistent from start to finish.

Start in your video editor and build the Reel the way you want it to look and sound. Add your audio file, set the cut points on the beat, then export a finished video with the music already embedded. Upload that finished file to Reels so your timing stays stable when you move to Instagram.

After upload, use Instagram for the fast finishing touches that help performance. Add on-screen text, captions, stickers, or a short extra voiceover if your message needs clarity. Keep those additions simple so the audio you already mixed stays the main rhythm driver for the edit.

Use this approach for promotional work when you want reliable rights and reusable assets. Meta’s Music Guidelines set a clear rule for commercial or non-personal publishing and require appropriate licenses for the music you use in that context. Keep your license proof with the project files so you can answer reviews fast and keep distribution smooth.

Business account missing popular songs? Here’s why (and what to do)

When you use a professional or business profile, Instagram may show a smaller music catalog, including fewer trending songs, and it can affect what stays eligible for monetization. Meta explains that the licensed music library targets personal, non-commercial use, so access can be limited to limit commercial use without proper rights. Availability also shifts by country and licensing deals, so a song can appear today and disappear later.

Start with audio that fits the promotion from day one, so you build once and publish with confidence. Use Meta Sound Collection for tracks listed as free to use in videos you create and share on Facebook and Instagram, or choose a royalty-free library that gives a license covering Instagram and your exact use. If you need full control, embed your own audio file before upload and keep license proof ready.

Troubleshooting (Reels audio missing, limited, muted, or “sounds wrong”)

Small audio issues usually come from one place: Instagram stacks audio sources, then you hear whichever source sits highest in the mix or still has rights for your use, and how to handle claims fast.

My voice/original sound disappeared after adding music (volume mix)

This happens when the music track plays louder than your original audio, so your voice drops under the song even though it still exists in the edit. Instagram mixes music, original sound, and voiceover as separate layers, and the loudest layer wins your listener’s attention. The result feels like your voice vanished, even when the timeline still shows your clip.

Open the audio controls and rebalance the mix with the sliders for each audio type. Raise your original audio or voice track until it sounds clear, then lower the music until it supports the video instead of covering it. Preview the Reel from the start and fine-tune the levels so your voice stays steady through the first seconds and your hook lands cleanly.

Replace muted audio on an Instagram Reel (official recovery)

Sometimes Instagram removes a track after publishing, and your Reel shows an Audio unavailable label instead of the song. When that happens, swap the muted track right inside the Reel, so the post keeps its views and comments. This flow keeps your Reel live while you choose a replacement from available licensed audio.

Open the muted Reel, tap Audio unavailable, then tap Replace audio. Tap Replace audio again, pick a new track, and choose the part you want for your Reel before you confirm. Instagram limits replacement to audio that is available for your account and your publishing lane at that moment, so keep your choice simple and publish fast.

If the Reel is meant for boosting/ads

Boosting and ads add another review layer, so your music choice needs stronger rights coverage from the start. Meta’s Music Guidelines say commercial or non-personal use requires appropriate licenses, so plan for promotion before you edit the Reel around a trend song. This approach saves you from rebuilding the entire edit when you move from organic reach to paid delivery.

Use Meta Sound Collection for promo safe tracks inside Meta’s ecosystem, or use music with a license that explicitly covers Instagram and Facebook for your exact use. Keep your proof in one folder, including the license terms and receipt, so you can answer checks fast and keep delivery smooth. When you embed your own audio file before upload, you also lock your timing and avoid last-minute swaps.

FAQs

These quick answers match real Reels problems people run into, with simple fixes you can apply in minutes.

Adding music muted my voice. How do I keep background music and keep talking?

Music often sits louder than your original audio, so your voice drops under the track even though it is still there. Open the Reel editor, go to audio controls, then lower the music and raise the original audio or voiceover until the speech stays clear. Before you share, replay the first seconds and confirm your voice stays audible through the hook.

Can I upload a Reel with my own music already in the video?

Yes, you can export a finished video with music embedded, then upload it as a Reel. This works best when you want full control over timing, beat cuts, and the final mix before Instagram adds anything. If you later add an in-app song on top, it can drift out of sync, so keep one main music source and build around it.

How do I use audio from one clip across a Reel with multiple clips?

Start by choosing the clip that has the audio you want, then set that sound as the main audio for the whole Reel. After that, add your other clips as visuals and keep the same audio bed running underneath the full timeline. If you need the audio to hit certain moments, trim the visuals to match the sound rather than switching audio per clip.

Half of my Instagram music disappeared, or says audio unavailable. What happened?

This usually comes from licensing changes, account type limits, or region availability, so songs can appear for others while your account cannot access them. When you tap a track and see audio unavailable, pick another licensed option that Instagram offers for your account at that moment. If you need stable access for promo work, use Sound Collection or properly licensed music and keep proof with the project.

Reels will not let me add audio. It says the original audio is no longer available.

This happens when a trending sound changes status, gets restricted, or becomes unavailable for your account, even if other Reels still show it. Try opening the Reel creation flow again, then choose a different audio source from the music picker, or use a saved alternative you already bookmarked. If you need that exact vibe, switch to a licensed replacement track that stays available for your lane.

I cannot find certain songs on Reels. Why does my music library look limited?

Instagram shows different music catalogs based on account type, country, and current licensing, so two accounts can see different results on the same day. If you post as a creator or business profile, trending tracks may disappear because the in-app library focuses on personal, non-commercial use. For promo content, start with Sound Collection or licensed royalty-free music so your workflow stays consistent.

Post Once, Promote Anytime

Great Reels sound simple because the prep happens early. Pick the lane, lock the source, and keep your audio mix clean before you publish. Save proof for promo work, bookmark backup tracks, and export an edit-first file when timing matters. Then post once and reuse confidently.

Author: Dragan Plushkovski

Hey there! I’m the founder of Audiodrome and a longtime creative in the digital product space. I’ve worked on over 60 product launches, managed video and music production workflows, and now help creators find the perfect royalty-free tracks for their content.

I understand how the law works behind the content we create, because I’ve spent years dealing with it firsthand. Alongside building Audiodrome, I’ve worked as a licensed forensic accountant and run a trademark protection agency, so I know what it takes to stay compliant, protect your content, and avoid the traps that catch so many creators off guard.

You can also find my work at mojbrend.mk (trademark protection, Macedonian) and plushkovski.com (forensic accounting, Macedonian). Read More

Audiodrome was created by professionals with deep roots in video marketing, product launches, and music production. After years of dealing with confusing licenses, inconsistent music quality, and copyright issues, we set out to build a platform that creators could actually trust.

Every piece of content we publish is based on real-world experience, industry insights, and a commitment to helping creators make smart, confident decisions about music licensing.

Resources

Meta – Music Guidelines (commercial or non-personal use needs appropriate licenses) Instagram Help Center – Why licensed music can be unavailable (business accounts, post types, countries/regions) Instagram Help Center – Add music or audio to Reels (Audio tools in the Reel editor) Instagram Help Center – Create and edit Reels (includes “Audio unavailable” and Replace audio flow) Instagram Help Center – What audio you can use in your Reel (availability and account-based limits) Meta Business Help – Add music in Ads Manager (availability by format and placement) U.S. Copyright Office – Circular 30 (Works Made for Hire and why written terms matter)

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