Introduction: Why Can’t I Play Music on Instagram Story?
If you’ve ever tried to add music to an Instagram story, only to be met with a “Music Unavailable” message, then you’re not alone. Unfortunately, this is a common issue among Instagram users, and one that can be frustrating to troubleshoot. In this article, we’ll explore why you can’t play music on Instagram stories and provide some helpful tips for creating engaging content without it.
How to Troubleshoot When You Can’t Play Music in an Instagram Story
Before searching for solutions to the problem of not being able to play music in your Instagram story, it’s important to first make sure the issue isn’t on your end. Here are some simple steps you can take to troubleshoot the issue:
Check Your Internet Connection
Make sure your device is connected to a reliable internet connection. If you’re using Wi-Fi, try connecting to a different network or resetting your router. If you’re using cellular data, try switching to Wi-Fi or vice versa.
Ensure Your App is Up-to-Date
Make sure you have the latest version of the Instagram app installed on your device. To check, open the App Store (for iOS) or Google Play Store (for Android) and search for Instagram. If there’s an update available, download it and try adding music to your story again.
Restart Your Device
If all else fails, try restarting your device. This will clear out any temporary files or settings that may be causing the issue. After restarting, try adding music to your story again.
What to Do When You Can’t Add Music to Your Instagram Story
If you’ve gone through the troubleshooting steps above and are still unable to add music to your story, there are a few other options you can try. Here are some alternatives to playing music in your Instagram story:
Look for Alternatives in the Instagram Music Library
The Instagram music library is constantly updating its selection of songs, so if you can’t find the song you want to use in your story, try searching for similar genres or artists. You might be surprised at what you find!
Try Adding Music from a Third-Party App
There are several third-party apps available that allow you to add music to your Instagram story. Some popular options include SoundShare, StoryTune, and Music Stories. These apps can be downloaded from the App Store or Google Play Store.
Exploring the Reasons Behind Instagram’s Removal of Music from Stories
In 2018, Instagram removed the ability to add music to stories due to copyright issues. Here are a few factors that contributed to this decision:
Instagram’s Copyright Policy
According to Instagram’s copyright policy, it is illegal to post content that infringes on another artist’s copyright. Since songs often belong to multiple copyright holders (such as the artist, record label, publisher, and songwriter), it can be difficult to properly license the music for use in stories.
Limitations of Music Rights
Another factor is the limitations of music rights. In order to license a song for use in stories, Instagram would need to acquire the rights from each of the copyright holders. This process can be time consuming and expensive, making it difficult to offer a large selection of songs.

Strategies for Creating Engaging Content Without Music on Instagram Stories
Although it can be frustrating not to be able to add music to your Instagram story, there are still plenty of ways to create engaging content without it. Here are some strategies to keep in mind:
Use Visuals and Text to Tell a Story
You don’t need music to tell a story. Instead, focus on creating visually appealing content and write compelling captions to draw viewers in. For example, instead of playing a song, you could use animated GIFs and playful fonts to bring your story to life.
Focus on Quality Content
Whether it’s a photo, video, or text, make sure the content you’re posting is high quality. Poorly lit photos, shaky videos, and typos can all detract from the overall impact of your story.

How to Get Around Not Being Able to Play Music in Your Instagram Story
If you’re determined to use music in your story, there are a few workarounds you can try. Here are some options:
Use Audio Clips from Videos
If you have a video clip with music playing in the background, you can use an audio editing app to extract the audio and save it as a separate file. Then, you can upload the audio file to your story.
Record Your Own Music or Sounds
If you’re musically inclined, you can record your own music or sound effects and upload them to your story. You can also use recording apps like Voice Memos (iOS) or RecForge II (Android) to capture sounds around you.
Tips for Making Interesting Instagram Stories without Music
If you’re looking for ways to make your stories more interesting without music, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
Utilize Popular Hashtags
Using popular hashtags in your stories can help increase their visibility and reach. Try searching for relevant hashtags on Instagram to see which ones are trending.
Focus on Quality Visuals
High-quality visuals are essential for creating engaging stories. Make sure your photos and videos are well-lit, in focus, and free from distractions.
Incorporate Creative Editing Techniques
Adding filters and effects to your photos and videos can help give them a unique look. There are plenty of editing apps available that offer a variety of tools and features.
Conclusion
Although it can be frustrating not to be able to add music to your Instagram story, there are still plenty of ways to create engaging content without it. From exploring alternatives in the Instagram music library to recording your own music, there are lots of options available. With a little creativity and experimentation, you can create unique stories that will captivate your audience.
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