Use royalty-free music libraries like YouTube Audio Library, Epidemic Sound, or Soundstripe to find copyright-free music for your Instagram Reels. Check the licensing terms to ensure the tracks are cleared for commercial use on social media. Create original music using AI-powered tools like Amper Music or AIVA, which generate unique, rights-cleared tracks based on your input. Collaborate with independent musicians who are willing to license their music for your Reels in exchange for exposure or a small fee. Utilize Creative Commons-licensed music by searching platforms like ccMixter or Free Music Archive, but always double-check the specific license terms before using a track.

Method 1: Use Instagram’s Built-In Music Library

Instagram provides a built-in music library with a vast selection of licensed songs and audio clips that you can use in your Reels without worrying about copyright infringement. To access this library, simply open the Instagram app and create a new Reel. When you reach the editing screen, tap on the “Music” button located at the top of the screen. This will open the music library, where you can browse through various categories such as “Popular,” “Moods,” and “Genres.” You can also use the search bar to find specific songs or artists. Once you’ve found a track you like, tap on it to preview the song. You can adjust the portion of the song you want to use by dragging the slider at the bottom of the screen. Instagram allows you to use up to 15 seconds of a song in your Reel. When you’re happy with your selection, tap “Done” to add the music to your Reel. The song will automatically sync with your video, but you can make further adjustments by trimming or extending the clip. Keep in mind that Instagram’s music library is regularly updated, so check back often for new tracks. Using Instagram’s built-in music library is the easiest and safest way to add music to your Reels without facing copyright issues. Plus, it’s a great way to discover new songs and artists that align with your brand’s style and tone. By leveraging this feature, you can create engaging Reels that capture your audience’s attention and showcase your business in a creative way, all while staying compliant with mobile-first indexing best practices.

Demonstration of accessing Instagram's built-in music library for Reels
Person scrolling through Instagram’s music library on their smartphone

Method 2: Find Royalty-Free Music on Stock Audio Websites

Collection of logos representing top websites for finding royalty-free music
Collage of logos from popular royalty-free stock audio websites

Top Stock Audio Websites

Finding high-quality, royalty-free music for your Instagram Reels is crucial to avoid copyright issues. Here are some of the best stock audio websites to explore: 1. Epidemic Sound: With an extensive library of over 35,000 tracks and 90,000 sound effects, Epidemic Sound offers a wide variety of genres and moods. Their subscription model allows unlimited downloads and use across multiple platforms, including Instagram. 2. Artlist: Artlist provides a curated collection of royalty-free music from independent artists worldwide. Their user-friendly interface makes it easy to find the perfect track for your Reel, and their license covers all social media platforms. 3. Soundstripe: Boasting a diverse library of high-quality music and sound effects, Soundstripe offers a subscription-based model that grants unlimited licenses for your content. Their intuitive search features help you quickly find the right audio for your Reels. 4. Premium Beat: Owned by Shutterstock, Premium Beat offers a wide selection of exclusive, royalty-free music tracks and sound effects. While they don’t have a subscription model, their individual licenses are affordable and cover social media use. 5. Audioblock: Audioblock provides users with access to over 100,000 music tracks and sound effects through their subscription-based service. Their user-friendly platform makes it simple to find the perfect audio for your Instagram Reels. By exploring these top stock audio websites, you’ll be well on your way to finding the ideal royalty-free music to elevate your Instagram Reels while steering clear of any copyright concerns.

Method 3: Use Creative Commons Music

Creative Commons (CC) is a nonprofit organization that provides free, easy-to-use copyright licenses for creators to share their work with the public. By using creative commons licenses, musicians can allow others to use their music under specific conditions, such as requiring attribution or prohibiting commercial use. To find CC-licensed music for your Instagram Reels, start by searching on platforms like Free Music Archive, ccMixter, or Jamendo. These sites curate a wide variety of songs that are available under various CC licenses. When browsing, pay close attention to the specific license terms for each track to ensure it aligns with your intended use. Before using any CC-licensed music in your Reels, carefully review the license details. Most licenses require you to provide proper attribution to the original creator, which typically includes their name, the song title, and a link to the music source. Make sure to include this information in your Reel’s caption or description to comply with the license terms. Keep in mind that while CC-licensed music is free to use, it may not always be the best fit for your brand or content. Take the time to find high-quality tracks that complement your Reels and resonate with your target audience. With a little research and attention to licensing details, you can leverage the wealth of creative commons music to elevate your Instagram Reels without running into copyright issues.

Method 4: Collaborate with Independent Musicians

Collaborating with independent musicians is a mutually beneficial way to source original music for your Instagram Reels. Many up-and-coming artists are eager for exposure and may be willing to allow the use of their music in exchange for credit and promotion. To find potential collaborators, explore platforms like SoundCloud, Bandcamp, and Instagram itself, focusing on artists whose style aligns with your brand. When reaching out, be professional and transparent about your intentions. Introduce yourself, explain how you discovered their music, and outline your proposal. Be specific about how you plan to use their music and what you’re offering in return, such as tagging them in your Reel, sharing a link to their music, or even a small licensing fee if your budget allows. Once you’ve reached an agreement, ensure you follow through with proper crediting. Tag the artist in your Reel, mention them in the caption, and include a link to their music or social media profiles. This not only fulfills your end of the deal but also helps your audience discover new talent, fostering a sense of community and demonstrating your commitment to supporting independent artists. Remember, building relationships with musicians takes time and effort. Be patient, respectful, and open to feedback. By nurturing these connections, you may find yourself with a go-to roster of artists who are excited to collaborate with you on future projects, providing a reliable source of copyright-free music for your Instagram Reels.

Independent musician creating custom audio tracks in a home studio setting
Musician in a home recording studio creating original tracks

Method 5: Create Your Own Original Music

Creating your own original music for Instagram Reels is a surefire way to avoid copyright issues. Even if you lack musical expertise, user-friendly tools like GarageBand (for Mac and iOS) or online music makers such as Soundtrap and Bandlab enable you to craft custom audio tracks easily. These platforms offer a wide range of virtual instruments, loops, and effects that you can mix and match to create unique compositions. Start by exploring the built-in libraries of sounds and experimenting with different combinations until you find a style that resonates with your brand. Keep your tracks simple, focusing on a catchy beat or melody that complements your visual content. Aim for a length of 15-30 seconds, which is ideal for Instagram Reels. When creating your own music, consider the mood and energy you want to convey. Upbeat, positive tracks work well for promoting products or sharing fun, behind-the-scenes content, while more laid-back or emotive pieces can enhance storytelling or inspirational posts. Remember, the goal is to create memorable, on-brand audio that elevates your Reels and sets them apart from the competition. By investing a little time in crafting your own music, you’ll not only avoid copyright concerns but also reinforce your unique brand identity and engage your audience more effectively.

Conclusion

By exploring legal music sourcing options like royalty-free music websites, Instagram’s music library, original compositions, collaborations with musicians, and using your own recordings, you can confidently enhance your Instagram Reels while respecting copyrights. Experiment with these methods to find the perfect soundtrack that resonates with your brand and engages your audience. Remember, the right music can elevate your Reels, capture attention, and leave a lasting impression on your viewers. As you incorporate music into your content strategy, always prioritize creativity, authenticity, and legal compliance to build a strong and reputable presence on Instagram.