Instagram has evolved from a simple photo-sharing app to a comprehensive platform for storytelling, brand building, and creative expression. One of the most engaging ways to enhance your Instagram video posts is by adding music. Whether you’re a seasoned influencer, a budding content creator, or just someone who loves sharing moments with friends, incorporating music into your videos can elevate your content to new heights. In this article, we’ll explore various methods to add music to your Instagram video posts, discuss the benefits of doing so, and provide tips to ensure your videos resonate with your audience.
Why Add Music to Your Instagram Videos?
Before diving into the “how,” let’s first understand the “why.” Music has the power to evoke emotions, set the tone, and create a memorable experience for your viewers. Here are a few reasons why adding music to your Instagram videos is a game-changer:
-
Emotional Connection: Music can instantly connect with your audience on an emotional level. Whether it’s a heartfelt ballad or an upbeat track, the right music can make your video more relatable and engaging.
-
Enhanced Storytelling: Music can serve as a narrative tool, helping to convey the story or message behind your video. It can highlight key moments, create suspense, or provide a sense of closure.
-
Increased Engagement: Videos with music tend to capture attention more effectively than those without. This can lead to higher engagement rates, including likes, comments, and shares.
-
Brand Identity: For businesses and influencers, music can be a part of your brand identity. Consistently using specific genres or tracks can help your audience recognize your content instantly.
Methods to Add Music to Instagram Video Posts
Now that we’ve established the importance of music in Instagram videos, let’s explore the various methods to add music to your posts.
1. Using Instagram’s Built-In Music Feature
Instagram offers a built-in music feature that allows you to add music directly to your videos before posting. Here’s how you can use it:
- Step 1: Open the Instagram app and tap on the “+” icon to create a new post.
- Step 2: Select the video you want to upload from your camera roll or record a new one.
- Step 3: After selecting or recording your video, tap on the “Next” button.
- Step 4: On the editing screen, tap on the “Music” icon (a music note) at the top of the screen.
- Step 5: Browse through the music library, search for a specific track, or explore curated playlists.
- Step 6: Once you’ve found the perfect track, you can preview it and adjust the timing to sync with your video.
- Step 7: Tap “Done” and proceed to add captions, hashtags, and other details before posting.
2. Adding Music from External Apps
If Instagram’s music library doesn’t have the track you’re looking for, you can use external apps to add music to your video before uploading it to Instagram. Here are some popular apps for this purpose:
-
InShot: InShot is a versatile video editing app that allows you to add music, trim clips, and apply filters. You can import your video, add music from your device’s library, and then export the edited video to Instagram.
-
VivaVideo: VivaVideo offers a wide range of editing tools, including the ability to add music, text, and effects. You can also use its built-in music library or import tracks from your device.
-
iMovie: For iOS users, iMovie is a powerful tool for video editing. You can import your video, add music from your iTunes library, and then export the final product to Instagram.
3. Using Third-Party Websites
There are also websites that allow you to add music to your videos online. These platforms are particularly useful if you’re working on a desktop or prefer not to download additional apps. Some popular options include:
-
Kapwing: Kapwing is an online video editor that lets you upload your video, add music from its library or your own files, and then download the edited video for Instagram.
-
Clideo: Clideo is another online tool that offers a simple interface for adding music to videos. You can upload your video, choose a track, and then download the final version.
4. Creating Original Music
If you’re musically inclined or have access to a musician, creating original music for your Instagram videos can set your content apart. Original tracks can be tailored to fit the mood and theme of your video perfectly, making your content unique and memorable.
Tips for Adding Music to Instagram Videos
While adding music to your Instagram videos is relatively straightforward, there are a few tips to keep in mind to ensure your content stands out:
-
Choose the Right Track: The music you select should complement the content of your video. Consider the mood, tempo, and lyrics (if any) to ensure they align with your message.
-
Sync Music with Visuals: Timing is crucial. Make sure the music syncs well with the visuals, especially if you’re highlighting specific moments or transitions in your video.
-
Volume Control: Ensure the music doesn’t overpower your video’s audio. Adjust the volume levels so that the music enhances the video without drowning out any important sounds or dialogue.
-
Copyright Considerations: Be mindful of copyright laws when using music in your videos. Instagram’s music library is generally safe to use, but if you’re adding music from external sources, make sure you have the necessary rights or permissions.
-
Experiment with Genres: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different genres of music. Sometimes, an unexpected track can make your video more interesting and engaging.
-
Use Music to Tell a Story: Think of music as a storytelling tool. Use it to guide your audience through the narrative of your video, creating a more immersive experience.
FAQs
Q1: Can I add music to an Instagram video after posting it?
A1: Unfortunately, once a video is posted on Instagram, you cannot add music to it directly. However, you can delete the post, edit the video to include music, and then repost it.
Q2: How do I add music to an Instagram Story?
A2: To add music to an Instagram Story, swipe up after recording or uploading your video, and select the “Music” sticker. You can then choose a track from Instagram’s music library and adjust its placement and duration.
Q3: Can I use any song from Spotify on my Instagram video?
A3: No, you cannot directly use songs from Spotify on Instagram videos due to licensing restrictions. However, you can use Spotify’s “Canvas” feature to create short video loops with music, which can then be shared on Instagram.
Q4: What should I do if the music I want to use is not available on Instagram?
A4: If the music you want to use is not available on Instagram, you can use external apps or websites to add the music to your video before uploading it to Instagram. Just ensure you have the necessary rights to use the track.
Q5: How can I make sure the music doesn’t get muted on Instagram?
A5: To avoid having your music muted on Instagram, use tracks from Instagram’s music library or ensure that any external music you use is properly licensed. Instagram’s algorithm may mute videos that use copyrighted music without permission.
By following these methods and tips, you can effectively add music to your Instagram video posts, creating content that resonates with your audience and enhances your social media presence. Whether you’re sharing a personal moment, promoting a brand, or simply expressing your creativity, music can be the perfect accompaniment to your visual storytelling.