How to Find Royalty-Free Music on Instagram: A Complete Guide

July 16, 2025 / Instagram

To find royalty-free music on Instagram, you can use Instagram’s in-built music library, explore third-party apps that offer free music, or look for creators who provide royalty-free music through platforms like SoundCloud, YouTube, or independent music websites.

Music plays a vital role in enhancing the content we share on Instagram. Whether you’re posting a video, a story, or a reel, the right background music can elevate your post and make it more engaging for your audience. However, one of the biggest concerns for creators is ensuring that the music they use is royalty-free. Using music without the proper license can lead to your content being taken down, your account being flagged, or even facing legal action.

This article will provide a comprehensive guide on how to find royalty-free music on Instagram, ensuring that your content stays both legally compliant and creative. From using Instagram’s music library to exploring external sources, we’ll cover all the strategies you need to find great tracks for your posts.

What is Royalty-Free Music?

Before diving into how to find royalty-free music on Instagram, it’s important to understand what it is. Royalty-free music refers to music that can be used without having to pay royalties or licensing fees each time it’s used. This doesn’t necessarily mean the music is free; rather, it means that once you’ve paid for the track or obtained the license, you can use it in various projects without additional costs.

There are different types of licenses for music, and royalty-free music is one of the most popular because it offers creators a simpler and more affordable way to incorporate music into their content.

Why is Using Royalty-Free Music Important?

Using the right music is crucial on Instagram for several reasons:

Avoiding Copyright Violations: Instagram has strict policies about copyrighted music. If you use music that you don’t have the rights to, your content may be removed, or your account could even be penalized. This can lead to significant disruptions in your content creation and audience engagement.
Monetization: If you’re planning to monetize your Instagram account through ads, sponsorships, or other means, using royalty-free music ensures that there’s no risk of copyright infringement, which could harm your monetization efforts.
Creative Freedom: Royalty-free music gives creators access to a wide range of tracks without the fear of facing legal challenges. This allows you to focus on creating without worrying about potential issues with music licensing.

How to Find Royalty-Free Music on Instagram

There are several ways to find royalty-free music on Instagram, some of which are built into the platform, while others require third-party apps or external music libraries. Here’s a breakdown of the top methods:

1. Using Instagram’s In-Built Music Library

Instagram offers a large library of royalty-free music that you can use directly within the app for posts, stories, and reels. Here’s how to use it:

Step 1: Open Instagram and either create a new story or reel.
Step 2: Tap on the music icon, which you’ll find at the top of the screen.
Step 3: Browse through the vast library of tracks, or use the search bar to find specific songs, artists, or genres.
Step 4: Select the song you want to use. You’ll be given options to choose a specific part of the song, adjust the duration, and even add lyrics or stickers.
Step 5: Once you’re satisfied, add the music to your post and share it with your followers.

Instagram’s music library contains both well-known tracks and lesser-known royalty-free music, providing creators with a wide variety of options.

2. Using Third-Party Apps and Music Providers

In addition to Instagram’s built-in library, there are several third-party apps and music providers where you can find royalty-free music for your Instagram content. These platforms often offer more diverse genres and higher-quality music than Instagram’s library. Some popular platforms include:

Epidemic Sound: Epidemic Sound offers a vast collection of royalty-free music and sound effects, with a subscription-based model. This service is widely used by content creators for YouTube, Instagram, and other platforms.
Artlist.io: Similar to Epidemic Sound, Artlist.io provides high-quality, royalty-free music tracks for various uses. With a subscription, you can download unlimited tracks and use them without worrying about copyright issues.
SoundCloud: Some creators on SoundCloud offer their music for free download and use in projects. Be sure to check the licensing terms for each track to ensure it’s royalty-free.
YouTube Audio Library: The YouTube Audio Library is an excellent resource for free music and sound effects. Many tracks here are royalty-free, and you can use them on Instagram as long as you comply with the licensing terms.

3. Searching for Royalty-Free Music Through Creative Commons

Creative Commons is a licensing system that allows creators to share their music under various conditions, many of which are royalty-free. These licenses are often used by independent musicians and producers, making them a great source for royalty-free tracks.

Search on Free Music Archive (FMA): The Free Music Archive offers a range of royalty-free music that’s released under Creative Commons licenses. You can use their music on Instagram, as long as you follow the terms of the license, which may include giving credit to the artist.
Jamendo: Jamendo is another platform where independent artists upload their music under Creative Commons licenses. You can search for tracks by genre, mood, or popularity, and use them in your Instagram content as long as you respect the licensing terms.

4. Contacting Independent Artists Directly

Another effective way to find royalty-free music for your Instagram content is by contacting independent artists directly. Many up-and-coming musicians are eager to get exposure and are willing to offer their tracks for use in social media posts in exchange for credit.

Platforms like Instagram and Twitter: Reach out to indie artists on social media platforms. Many artists are open to collaborations, and you may be able to get permission to use their tracks in your posts.
SoundCloud: On SoundCloud, you can discover new artists and reach out to them about using their music in your content. Some artists offer their tracks for free with proper credit.

5. Using Royalty-Free Music on Instagram Stories

Instagram Stories are a great place to share short, engaging content with your audience. Here’s how to find and add royalty-free music to your Instagram Stories:

Step 1: Open the Instagram app and swipe right to create a new story.
Step 2: Tap the music icon at the top of the screen.
Step 3: Browse through the available tracks or search for a specific song or genre.
Step 4: Choose your song and customize it by selecting the part of the track you want to use.
Step 5: Post your story with the music included.

The music in Instagram Stories is typically royalty-free, as long as it comes from Instagram’s own library.

Legal Considerations When Using Royalty-Free Music on Instagram

Even though the music is labeled “royalty-free,” you must ensure that you understand the terms of use. Some royalty-free tracks may require attribution, meaning you’ll need to give credit to the artist. Others might have restrictions based on the type of use (commercial vs. non-commercial) or the platform where you plan to share the content.

Here’s what to consider:

Check the License: Always check the license terms before using a track. If it’s a Creative Commons track, the license should tell you if attribution is required.
Avoid Copyrighted Music: If you’re unsure whether a track is royalty-free, avoid using it. Instagram has automatic systems in place to detect copyrighted music, and your content could be taken down.
Use Music Specifically Designed for Social Media: Some services and music libraries offer tracks that are specifically designed for use on social media platforms, ensuring that the music is both legal and high-quality.

Conclusion: Finding the Right Music for Your Instagram Content

Finding royalty-free music for your Instagram content is essential to ensure that you stay compliant with copyright laws and avoid any legal issues. By exploring Instagram’s in-built music library, third-party music apps, and independent artists, you can find a wide range of music that suits your content. Just be sure to understand the licensing terms and give credit where it’s due.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use any music on Instagram? No, you can only use music that you have the rights to. You can find royalty-free music on Instagram’s music library or other third-party platforms.
Do I need to pay for royalty-free music? Some royalty-free music is free, but others require a one-time payment or subscription.
What is the difference between royalty-free and copyright-free music? Royalty-free music means you don’t have to pay royalties for its use. Copyright-free music typically means the track isn’t protected by copyright, but it may not always be the same.
Where can I find free music for Instagram? You can find free music on platforms like the YouTube Audio Library, Free Music Archive, and SoundCloud.
Can I use music in Instagram Reels? Yes, Instagram offers a selection of music for use in Reels, or you can use third-party music as long as it’s royalty-free.