Instagram Music Not Working?
In 2023, Instagram continues to be one of the most popular social media platforms worldwide, with its Music Sticker feature enhancing Instagram Stories and Reels. However, many users experience frustration when Instagram Music stops working, making it impossible to add their favorite tracks to their stories. This article dives deep into the causes of this issue, offering detailed solutions to help you resolve Instagram Music errors, understand possible restrictions, and optimize your overall experience.
Instagram Music: A Quick Overview
Instagram introduced the Music Sticker feature in June 2018, allowing users to add music to their Instagram Stories. By selecting a song and applying it to a photo or video, the feature adds another dimension to content creation, making posts more engaging and personalized.
Since its release, it has been widely adopted by users around the world to create mood-enhancing, shareable stories.
Despite its popularity, Instagram Music is not immune to technical glitches. The feature sometimes stops working, leaving users without the ability to add music to their stories or posts.
Let’s explore the most common causes of Instagram Music issues and how to fix them.
Why Isn’t Instagram Music Working?
Instagram Music may not work for several reasons, from app-related bugs to copyright restrictions and internet issues. Understanding why it happens is the first step toward fixing the problem.
1. Outdated Instagram App
The most common reason for Instagram Music malfunctioning is using an outdated version of the app. Instagram frequently updates its platform to introduce new features and fix bugs. If you’re using an older version, some features, including the Music Sticker, may not function properly.
Solution:
Update your app. Visit the Google Play Store or Apple App Store and download the latest version of Instagram. Turning on automatic updates ensures that you always have the most recent version.
2. Copyright Restrictions
Instagram enforces strict copyright regulations. Not all music tracks are available in every region due to licensing agreements. If you’re trying to use a song that’s not available in your country, Instagram Music won’t let you add it to your story.
Solution:
Check if the song is available in your location. If it isn’t, try selecting a different song. Alternatively, you can use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to access Instagram from another region where the song may be available.
3. Poor Internet Connection
A weak or unstable internet connection is another frequent cause of Instagram Music not working. If your connection isn’t strong enough, music may not load properly, or the feature might not be available.
Solution:
Switch to a stronger network. If you’re on mobile data, switch to a stable Wi-Fi connection and try again. You can also restart your router or modem to resolve any connection issues.
4. Location Restrictions
Instagram Music isn’t available in all regions. While Instagram is a global platform, some of its features, including the Music Sticker, are restricted to certain areas. If you are in a country where Instagram Music isn’t supported, you won’t be able to access it.
Solution:
Use a VPN to change your virtual location to a country where Instagram Music is available. A VPN hides your IP address and allows you to access Instagram’s features as if you were in a supported region.
5. Account Type Issues
If you are using a business account, you might face restrictions when trying to use Instagram Music. Many users report that business accounts don’t always have access to the same music library as personal accounts.
Solution:
Switch back to a personal account. Go to your Instagram settings, change your account type, and try adding music to your story again. Keep in mind that business accounts are generally restricted due to licensing agreements.
How to Fix Instagram Music Issues:
Now that you understand the common causes of Instagram Music not working on post and story, let’s dive into the solutions to resolve the issue.
1. Switch to Another Network Connection
If you’re experiencing issues with Instagram Music, the first step is to check your internet connection. A poor connection often leads to missing music stickers or a broken music search field.
Steps to follow:
- Try switching from mobile data to Wi-Fi or vice versa.
- Use another device to verify the stability of your connection.
- If using Wi-Fi, restart your router to improve the signal.
- If the problem persists, contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP) for assistance.
Switching to a different network often resolves connectivity-based Instagram Music problems.
2. Update Instagram
Maintaining the latest version of Instagram is crucial. Updates not only introduce new features but also fix bugs and glitches in the app.
Steps to follow:
- Open Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
- Search for Instagram.
- If an update is available, click “Update.”
- Turn on automatic updates to ensure you’re always on the latest version.
Outdated apps can cause compatibility issues with Instagram Music, so it’s essential to update the app regularly.
3. Switch Back to Your Personal Account
Business accounts on Instagram don’t always have access to the same music catalog as personal accounts. This can limit your ability to add music to your stories.
Steps to follow:
- Go to Instagram settings.
- Tap “Account.”
- Choose “Switch to Personal Account.”
- Retry adding music to your story.
Switching back to a personal account often resolves issues with music availability, especially if you previously used a business profile.
4. Clear Instagram Cache
App data stored in the cache may sometimes lead to malfunctions. Clearing the Instagram cache helps resolve errors.
For iPhone users:
- Uninstall the Instagram app.
- Reinstall it from the App Store.
For Android users:
- Go to “Settings.”
- Select “Apps” > “Instagram.”
- Tap “Clear Cache.”
Clearing the cache frees up storage space and refreshes the app, allowing Instagram Music to work properly.
5. Reinstall Instagram
If all else fails, uninstalling and reinstalling Instagram can resolve many technical issues, including Instagram Music errors.
Steps to follow:
- Press and hold the Instagram app icon until it jiggles.
- Tap the “minus” icon on iPhone or select “Uninstall” on Android.
- Reinstall Instagram from the App Store or Google Play Store.
This process resets the app and fixes any corrupted files or settings that could be causing issues.
6. Check Instagram’s Status
Sometimes the issue isn’t on your end—Instagram’s servers could be down. When Instagram’s services are temporarily unavailable, features like Music may stop working.
Steps to follow:
- Visit DownDetector to check Instagram’s service status.
- Check social media platforms like Twitter to see if others are experiencing the same problem.
If Instagram is down, you’ll need to wait until their services are restored.
7. Use a VPN
If Instagram Music isn’t available in your region, using a VPN can help you access it. VPNs allow you to change your IP address and access content that’s restricted in your location.
Steps to follow:
- Download a reputable VPN app from the App Store or Google Play Store.
- Connect to a server in a country where Instagram Music is available.
- Restart the Instagram app and try accessing the Music Sticker again.
Popular VPN apps include NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Surfshark.
8. Contact Instagram Support
If none of the above solutions work, contacting Instagram’s support team may help you resolve the issue.
Steps to follow:
- Visit the Instagram Help Center.
- Browse FAQs or search for troubleshooting articles.
- Use the “Report a Problem” feature within the app to submit a support request.
Instagram’s support team can offer assistance and help identify any account-specific problems.
Can You Add Music to Instagram Posts?
Unfortunately, Instagram doesn’t allow users to add music directly to regular posts, unlike Stories and Reels. If you want to include music in a post, you’ll need to get creative.
Two ways to add music to Instagram posts:
- Record a video with music in the background: If music is playing in the background while you record your video, it will be included when you upload the post.
- Use a third-party video editor: You can add music to your video using a video editing app, then upload it to Instagram as a post.
Apps like InShot or Adobe Premiere Rush allow users to add music tracks to their videos before sharing them on Instagram.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why isn’t Instagram Music working in 2024?
Your Instagram app might be outdated. Go to the App Store or Play Store, download the latest version, and ensure your internet connection is stable.
Why can’t I add music to my Instagram Story in 2024?
This feature might be restricted in your location. Try using a VPN to change your virtual location and access Instagram Music.
Why did the Instagram Music feature disappear?
If you switched to a business account, you might lose access to Instagram Music. Switch back to a personal account to restore the feature.
Why can’t I download songs in my area?
Songs may not be licensed in your region. Licensing agreements restrict music availability based on location.
Why are some songs unavailable on Instagram?
This may be due to bugs or regional restrictions. Update your app, switch regions using a VPN, or wait for Instagram to resolve the issue.
Final Thoughts
Instagram Music is a fun feature that can elevate your stories, but it doesn’t always work perfectly. Whether you’re dealing with app issues, network problems, or region restrictions, the solutions listed above should help you troubleshoot and resolve Instagram Music errors. Remember to update your app, check your network, and use tools like VPNs if necessary. If all else fails, Instagram’s support team can offer further guidance.
By following these steps, you can enjoy a smooth Instagram Music experience and continue sharing stories with the perfect soundtrack.
