How to Add Music to Video without Copyright on Instagram?

Adding song to your Instagram videos can greatly enhance the overall impact of your content, but it is important to know how to add music to video without copyright on Instagram. Using the right music, without facing infringement issues, is key.

Whether you’re looking for perfect songs, sound effects, or creating original tunes, there are several online resources available.

Instagram offers its own music icon, allowing users to access instant tracks legally. Alternatively, you can use clips of music from royalty-free libraries or compose your own original audio. This step guide will explore different music sources, showing how to avoid copyright problems and keep your videos engaging.

From Instagram’s built-in options to free or licensed tracks, there are many ways to add songs while ensuring compliance. Follow these steps to include the right audio in your content without worrying about copyright.

What Are Instagram’s Copyrighted Music Policies?

Copyright rules support the desire of musicians and their labels to be paid for their creative effort when they produce music.

Instagram is one of the many sites with stringent standards against the unapproved use of copyrighted content. However, social media sites like Instagram frequently strike agreements with content owners to permit the use of some protected material under particular restrictions.

Instagram and the music industry have teamed to permit restricted copyrighted music usage on the app. Instagram released an announcement on May 20, 2020, outlining certain significant guidelines, even if the complete terms of these agreements are private.

• It is acceptable to record live performances of music. You should be fine if you share Stories, Reels, or Instagram Live footage from the performance when you go to a concert. “Music in Stories” is fully allowed.
• Using an excessive number of fully recorded songs could make it more difficult for you to stream live. Your broadcast may be cut short if you’re playing track after track when streaming on Instagram Live.
• Video clips with music should generally be brief. Even though it’s unclear exactly what constitutes “short,” when in doubt, go for short-form content.
• When using music that is protected by copyright on Instagram, you should always include a video component. Playing music only without any visual component is not allowed.
• Certain governments may not permit the use of music. Even though 90 nations have music available on Instagram, certain locations do not currently own the rights, thus these guidelines could not apply to you.

How Does Instagram Detect Copyrighted Music?

Instagram uses an automated system known as Content ID, similar to those employed by other major social media platforms, to detect copyrighted music in user uploads.

When you upload a video or audio clip, Instagram’s system scans the content for audio that matches copyrighted material in its database. If it detects a match, the post is flagged for potential copyright infringement. This system operates in real time and applies to both Instagram Stories and regular posts.

The Content ID system ensures that rights holders can protect their song from being used without permission. It works by comparing the audio in your post to a vast library of copyrighted songs and soundtracks. If a match is found, Instagram can take actions such as muting the audio, removing the video, or notifying the user of a copyright claim.

However, since the detection is automated, errors can occur. Sometimes, Instagram may flag music even if the user has obtained the necessary permissions or licenses. These mistakes can lead to unnecessary takedowns or muted audio, despite compliance with copyright rules.

Does Instagram have its own copyrighted music?

Yes, Instagram does have its own library of copyrighted music that users can legally add to their content. This feature is called “Instagram Music” and it’s an important part of the platform’s content creation tools. Here’s some key information about Instagram’s music library:

Licensed music: Instagram has negotiated licensing agreements with major record labels and music publishers. This allows users to add popular, copyrighted songs to their Stories, Reels, and posts without worrying about copyright infringement.

Extensive library: The library contains millions of tracks from various artists, genres, and eras. It includes both well-known hits and lesser-known tracks.

Regular updates: Instagram frequently updates its library of music with new releases and popular songs.

Usage limitations: While the song is available for use, there are some restrictions. For example, the length of the music clip you can use may be limited, especially in Stories.

Geographical restrictions: The availability of certain songs may vary by region due to licensing agreements.

Business accounts: Some business accounts may have more limited access to the music library due to commercial use considerations.

Attribution: When you use a song from Instagram’s library, it automatically attributes the artist and song title in your post.

It’s important to note that while Instagram’s music library is vast and continually growing, it doesn’t include every song ever recorded. Some artists or specific tracks may not be available due to licensing issues or other factors.

This feature allows content creators to enhance their posts with popular music while respecting copyright laws. It’s a win-win situation where users get access to a wide range of music, and artists and rights holders are compensated for the use of their work.

Can I use copyrighted music on Instagram Stories?

Yes, you can use copyrighted music on Instagram Stories, but only under certain conditions. Instagram has secured licensing agreements with music rights holders, allowing users to add song from its Instagram Music Library to their Stories without worrying about copyright infringement.

When you add song directly through Instagram’s built-in music feature, you’re using tracks that have been pre-cleared for use on the platform. This means you can choose from a wide selection of popular songs and audio clips that are licensed for this purpose.

However, if you attempt to upload a Story containing copyrighted song from an external source (for example, a song that is not part of Instagram’s library), Instagram’s Content ID system may flag your Story, resulting in muted audio, removal of the Story, or other copyright enforcement actions.

Key Points to Keep in Mind:

• Music from Instagram’s Library: Safe to use and fully licensed.
• External Copyrighted Music: Risk of being flagged, muted, or removed if Instagram’s system detects unlicensed music.
• Global Availability: Instagram Music is available in many countries, but it may not be accessible everywhere due to regional licensing restrictions.

By sticking to Instagram’s built-in music options, you can enjoy using copyrighted song without running into copyright issues.

How to Add Music to Video Without Copyright on Instagram?

To add music to a video without infringing copyright on Instagram, follow these steps:

Use Instagram’s Music Library

Instagram offers a built-in music library that allows you to add licensed music to your stories and reels without worrying about copyright issues. This feature is available directly within the app, providing a vast collection of popular songs and instrumentals.

Since Instagram holds the licensing rights for this song, using it in your content ensures that you’re fully compliant with copyright regulations.

To add music, simply create a story or reel, tap the sticker icon, and select the “Music” option.

From there, you can search for specific tracks or browse genres and moods.

You can also choose the exact section of the song you want to play in your video. This feature is ideal for users who want to enhance their videos with tune without dealing with the complexities of licensing or royalty fees. It’s an easy, hassle-free way to add song to your Instagram content legally.

Use Royalty-Free Music

Royalty-free music is a great option if you want to add tune to your Instagram videos without worrying about copyright infringement.

There are several online platforms, such as YouTube Audio Library, Free Music Archive, and Bensound, that offer music tracks for free or at a low cost under royalty-free licenses. This means you can use the tune without needing to pay ongoing royalties, as long as you follow the specific usage rules, such as providing attribution if required.

Royalty-free music is widely used by content creators to avoid the risk of their videos being flagged or removed due to copyright violations. Before using a track, ensure you carefully read the licensing terms to understand whether it’s suitable for commercial or personal use.

Adding royalty-free music to your Instagram videos is an effective way to elevate your content while staying within legal boundaries.

Purchase Licensed Music

If you want to use popular or specific music tracks in your Instagram videos, purchasing a license from music platforms like Epidemic Sound, Artlist, or AudioJungle is a legal option. These platforms allow you to buy the rights to use high-quality, pre-licensed song in your content, offering different pricing models based on your needs, such as one-time purchases or subscription services.

When you purchase licensed music, you gain legal permission to use it in your videos, ensuring that your content won’t be flagged or removed for copyright violations on Instagram. This method is particularly useful for businesses, influencers, and content creators who need access to premium music for marketing, branding, or other professional uses.

Once you have a license, you can use the tune across various platforms, including Instagram, without worrying about copyright issues. Always keep records of the licensing agreement for future reference.

Create Your Own Music

Creating your own music is the most foolproof way to avoid copyright issues when adding tune to Instagram videos.

If you have musical skills or access to music production software, you can compose and record original music that is entirely your own. When you create your own song, you automatically hold the rights to it, ensuring you won’t face any copyright claim or legal challenges.

Even if you’re not a professional musician, beginner-friendly music production tools like GarageBand, FL Studio, and Ableton Live can help you craft simple, yet unique, music tracks that suit your video content.

By using your original tune in Instagram videos, you not only avoid copyright problems but also add a personal touch to your content. This method is particularly advantageous for creators who want complete control over their creative assets and brand identity.

Collaborate with Musicians

Collaborating with musicians is another effective way to add song to your Instagram videos without worrying about copyright issues. Independent artists and smaller musicians are often willing to allow their song to be used in exchange for exposure, proper credit, or even a small fee.

By collaborating, you can gain access to unique and original tracks that aren’t available in mainstream libraries, providing your content with a distinctive sound.

To initiate a collaboration, reach out to musicians whose style matches your video’s theme, and negotiate the terms of use, such as attribution requirements or payment.

Be sure to formalise the agreement in writing, even if it’s informal, to avoid any misunderstandings. This approach not only ensures you comply with copyright laws but also supports independent artists, helping them reach a broader audience through your content.

Collaboration adds a creative, personalised edge to your Instagram videos.

Does giving credit mean you can use copyrighted music on Instagram?

No, simply giving credit to the original artist or copyright holder does not give you the legal right to use copyrighted music on Instagram or any other platform. This is a common misconception, but it’s important to understand the legal implications.

Here’s a more detailed explanation:

Copyright basics: Copyright law gives the creator of original work exclusive rights to its use and distribution. This includes music, and covers both the composition and the sound recording.

Giving credit is not enough: While crediting the artist is a respectful practice, it does not substitute for obtaining proper permission or licensing to use copyrighted material.

Permission is required: To legally use copyrighted song, you generally need explicit permission from the copyright holder(s) or to use it under terms of a specific license they’ve granted.

Potential consequences: Using copyrighted song without permission, even with credit given, can lead to:

• Your content being muted or removed
• Your account being penalised or suspended
• Potential legal action from copyright holders

Instagram’s policies: Instagram has systems in place to detect copyrighted music. If you use such song without proper authorisation, your post may be blocked or muted, even if you’ve given credit.

Fair use is limited: While there’s a fair use doctrine in copyright law, it’s complex and generally doesn’t cover using entire songs or significant portions of them in social media posts.

Instagram’s music feature: The platform’s built-in music feature allows you to legally use many copyrighted songs, as Instagram has negotiated licensing agreements for this use.

Alternatives: If you want to use song outside of Instagram’s licensed library, consider:

• Using royalty-free music
• Creating your own song
• Obtaining proper licenses for the song you want to use 

What’s Next?

There are a couple of options to add music to your Instagram videos without copyright infringement. You can use copyright-free music from numerous websites, access licensed songs, or even rely on public domain songs. These provide a range of songs for creators who need legal audio options.

Platforms like Instagram also offer an option for creators to access a vast library of high-performing tracks. For more personalised content, you can create custom sounds or collaborate with the original sound author to legally use their work.

Additionally, Bytescare Digital Protection offers comprehensive solutions to protect your creations across both tangible and digital platforms. Don’t let copyright issues harm your work. Book a demo with us today and safeguard your creative future.

FAQs