Can I post a reel with a song?

Asked by: Davin Kovacek  |  Last update: March 6, 2026
Score: 4.9/5 (26 votes)

Yes, you can absolutely post a Reel with a song, either by choosing from Instagram's vast music library directly in the app during creation or by adding your own music via a third-party video editor before uploading, making your Reels more engaging and discoverable.

Can you post reels with copyrighted music?

As long as it's 'stock music' that you have the rights too through your editing platform, you cannot be flagged for copyright infringement.

How to put music in reels without copyright?

How To Add Music To Instagram Reel Without Copyright Problems: Step-by-Step

  1. Use Instagram's Licensed Music Library-But Read the Fine Print. ...
  2. Use Copyright-Free or Royalty-Free Music. ...
  3. Create and Upload Your Own Original Music. ...
  4. Get Permission or a Licence from the Copyright Holder.

How to avoid copyright on Instagram reels?

If you are forced to use copyrighted music, ensure you share credit with them in your Instagram reel caption. Your disclaimer should be clear, mention the original creator and tag them. That way, even though Instagram will not flag your post or go easy on you with the penalties.

Can I use 20 seconds of copyrighted music on Instagram?

According to this source, even a brief use of copyrighted material without permission can be an infringement. To avoid these issues, it's encouraged to explore royalty-free music or copyright-free music alternatives, especially when looking to add background music to your Instagram posts or Instagram reels.

How to Edit AUDIO in Instagram Reels 2023

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How do you post reels on Instagram without it saying you copyright music?

Stay protected by using licensed or royalty-free music; either create your own tracks, get permission from artists, or use trusted music licensing platforms like Soundstripe for fully cleared songs.

How can I legally use a song in a video?

In order to use that recording, you'll need a master use license. Together, a master use license and a sync license will allow you to add your favorite songs to the films and video games you create. The good news is that you don't have to contact famous celebrities directly in order to obtain these licenses.

How do people use copyrighted music on Instagram?

How to legally use copyrighted music

  1. Only use music that you've written and recorded yourself.
  2. Reach out to artists directly and negotiate a way to use their music for certain uses.
  3. Use a music licensing company like Soundstripe to provide you with royalty free music that has been fully licensed and cleared for all uses.

How do I avoid copyright strikes using music?

If what you are using isn't in the public domain, you WILL need to obtain a license to use it. The more formal the license, the more protected you are when using it. Also, keep in mind that many recordings have copyright for the song and the recording of the song itself.

Why can't I add music to my reel on Instagram?

If you're not seeing the music sticker in Reels, make sure your app is updated to the latest version by visiting the App Store or Google Play Store. Keep in mind that the music sticker isn't available to everyone. When you record a reel, you'll see a tool menu on the left.

What makes audio go viral on Reels?

Trending audio can make that happen on platforms like Instagram. When you use sounds people are already engaging with, your content has a better chance of getting noticed—and not just by your current followers. Instagram's algorithm prioritizes Reels and Stories that use popular audio, which can give you an easy boost.

How to make a reel with a full song?

How to add music to Instagram video: step-by-step guide

  1. Open the Instagram app.
  2. Open your Instagram camera and select 'Reels' at the bottom of your screen.
  3. Create your Reel within Instagram's in-app editor and tap Audio (the music icon) at the top of your screen.

Can you get sued for using copyrighted music on Instagram?

Companies that rely on digital marketing and social media are now facing serious consequences over music copyright. Many have been hit with multimillion-dollar lawsuits for unwittingly using popular songs in social media posts without proper licensing.

Can you use copyrighted music if you give credit?

Generally, to use the sound recordings or musical works of another artist, you must: Use a work that is already in the public domain. Get permission from the copyright holder directly, or license the work according to the terms set by the licensing contract.

Can I post a video on Instagram with a song?

Similar to photos though, Instagram lets you add 5 to 90 seconds of music from directly within the app. Whether it's scenic beauty or a snippet from your vlog, video feed posts that are entertaining, informative, and persuasive can do a great job of capturing attention.

How to avoid copyright music in Instagram?

Here are some tips to help:

  1. Include Visuals. Instagram's music copyright rules state that your video should include a visual component if you want to use music. ...
  2. Keep It Short. ...
  3. Credit The Artist. ...
  4. Live Music. ...
  5. Try Facebook Sound Collection. ...
  6. Instagram Reels.

Can I use 30 seconds of copyrighted music on Instagram?

No, you need to obtain the necessary licenses or permissions from rights holders to use copyrighted music legally on Instagram.

What music can you use on Instagram reels?

You can record a reel with your own original audio, with original audio by another Reels creator, or with audio from the Instagram audio library using the Audio tool in Reels. Note that you can't use original audio from a feed video unless you remix the video.

Can I use 10 seconds of a copyrighted video?

You can't use 10 seconds (or any specific amount) of a copyrighted video and automatically be safe; fair use depends on the purpose (commentary, education, parody), the amount used, the nature of the work, and its impact on the original market, but using short clips for transformative purposes might qualify, though copyright holders often issue claims, requiring you to dispute under fair use, which is a legal defense, not a rule. There's no magic number, and using the "heart" or most significant part of the work, even briefly, can still be infringement. 

How much does it cost to get permission to use a song?

Licensing a song costs anywhere from $0 to over $100,000, depending heavily on the song's popularity, prominence in your project, media type (film, TV, YouTube), exclusivity, and duration; major hits can cost tens of thousands (like a Taylor Swift song potentially $50k-$100k) while lesser-known tracks for indie projects might be a few hundred to a few thousand, requiring separate payments for master (recording) and publishing (composition) rights. 

What is the 30 second rule on YouTube?

The "30-second rule on YouTube" refers to two key concepts: first, the crucial first 30 seconds of a video to hook viewers, as YouTube counts a view after this mark; and second, a content editing guideline where something engaging, like a visual change or new topic, should happen at least every 30 seconds to maintain audience interest and prevent them from clicking away. It's about grabbing attention immediately and continuously refreshing the content to match short attention spans, ensuring viewers stay engaged long enough for a meaningful view and to improve watch time, a key factor for the YouTube algorithm. 

Can I post reels with copyrighted music?

Most music is protected by copyright. That means you can't use just any song on your Reel, even if you personally bought it or heard it on the radio. The rights to use that song on Instagram belong to the artist and their label.

What to caption to avoid copyright music?

The content used in this video is intended for educational and informational purposes only. All rights to the images, music, clips, and other materials used belong to their respective owners. I do not claim ownership over any third-party content used.

How do influencers use copyrighted music?

Understanding Copyright and Licensed Music

To avoid copyright infringement, influencers should obtain licenses or use royalty-free music from a Music Library. Music licensing platforms, like Collabhouse, offer a Music Library where influencers can find original, licensed music for their content.