Adding music to your social media posts can be a great way to make them more engaging and shareable. Whether you want to include a short music clip or embed a full song, there are a few easy ways to incorporate audio into your posts on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and more.
In this article, we’ll walk through the steps for adding music to posts on major social platforms. We’ll cover how to:
- Upload audio files directly to platforms that support it
- Embed music from streaming services like Spotify, SoundCloud, and YouTube
- Add music clips using editing tools within certain apps
- Abide by copyright rules and platform guidelines for sharing music
Follow along to learn exactly how to seamlessly integrate music into your next post.
Uploading Audio Files to Social Media
Some social media platforms allow you to directly upload audio files to include as part of your post. This is the most straightforward way to add music if the platform supports it.
Here are the steps for uploading an audio file on some top social networks:
Facebook allows you to upload mp3, WAV, or OGG audio files up to 4 hours in length. Here’s how to add music to a Facebook post by uploading:
- Click the Photo/Video button when creating a new post
- Select Upload Photos/Video
- Click the file icon and choose your audio file to upload it
- The audio player will be added to your post automatically
You can then adjust the placement of the audio clip and customize the preview image.
To add music through file upload on Instagram:
- Tap the + icon in the top right and select Post
- Tap Library and select the audio file you want to upload
- Edit the cover art and add any captions
- Post the audio clip to your feed
Instagram audio posts can be up to 60 seconds long. You can upload mp3, WAV, or m4a files.
Twitter also lets you directly upload audio in supported formats like mp3 and m4a:
- Select the audio icon when composing a Tweet
- Choose the music file from your device
- Preview how it will appear and Tweet
Audio files on Twitter can be up to 140 seconds long. The clip will play back directly in the timeline.
TikTok
Uploading music on TikTok works similar to Instagram:
- Tap the + to create a new TikTok
- Select Upload and choose your audio file
- Trim the clip if needed
- Add any effects or captions
- Post the TikTok with your music
TikTok currently supports mp3, m4a, and other common audio formats. Clips can be up to 60 seconds.
Embedding Music from Streaming Services
In addition to uploading audio directly, many social platforms allow you to embed music from third-party streaming services like Spotify, SoundCloud, and YouTube.
This makes it easy to add full-length songs, albums, and playlists into your posts seamlessly.
Here’s how to embed from the top music streaming platforms:
Spotify
To add a Spotify track, album, or playlist to a post:
- Open the Spotify desktop app or web player
- Click the “Share” button on any track, album, artist or playlist
- Select “Copy Embed Code”
- Paste the embed code into your social post
The Spotify player will appear in your post. Readers can play tracks without leaving the social platform.
SoundCloud
You can also embed SoundCloud audio using just a track or playlist URL:
- Go to the SoundCloud track or playlist you want to embed
- Copy the URL from the address bar
- Paste the SoundCloud URL directly into your social post
The SoundCloud widget will generate automatically.
YouTube
To add YouTube music to a post, use the YouTube embedding feature:
- Go to the YouTube video you want to share
- Click Share below the video
- Select “Embed”
- Copy the embed code
- Paste the code into your social post
This will make the video player appear seamlessly in your post.
You can embed both music videos and song audio from YouTube.
Using Social Media Editing Tools
Some social platforms like Snapchat, Instagram Stories, and TikTok offer editing tools that let you easily add music clips within the app itself.
You can browse their built-in audio libraries, trim clips, mix and match songs, and add fun effects.
Here are some tips for using integrated editing tools to add music:
Snapchat
In Snapchat:
- Record a Snap or upload a video from your camera roll
- Tap the notes icon to go to the editing page
- Select the music note icon to open the music library
- Choose a song clip to add to the Snap
- Trim the clip if needed
- Add any other effects and send the Snap
You can add multiple song clips in the same Snap and mix and match tracks.
Instagram Stories
To use music within Instagram Stories:
- Capture or upload a video to your Story
- Swipe up on the Story to go to editing tools
- Select the music icon
- Search for a song or browse recommended tracks
- Preview it with your video and adjust length
- Post the Story with music added
Instagram offers a wide selection of music from its archives.
TikTok
In the TikTok app:
- Tap the + to start recording a video
- Tap Sounds and browse TikTok’s music catalog
- Pick a trending song or search for a specific track
- Use the slider to trim the song clip
- Add any fun effects and filters
- Post your musical TikTok
TikTok’s huge music library makes it easy to find viral hits and sounds.
Following Copyright Rules and Platform Guidelines
When adding any music to social media posts, it’s important to ensure you have the rights to use it and follow each platform’s specific policies.
Copyright Law
You should avoid uploading full-length songs and albums unless you have express permission from the artist and label. Short clips are generally permissible under fair use. Avoid tracks with clear copyright like:
- Popular commercially released songs
- Trademarked audio like TV theme songs
- Recordings with obvious branding
Stick to public domain music, creative commons tracks, and original audio you recorded to be safe.
Platform Guidelines
Review the audio and music policies for each social network you post on:
- Facebook – Avoid copyrighted tracks without permission. Don’t add music to video viewed as ads.
- Instagram – Only share short clips and follow music guidelines for Stories. Don’t use copyrighted music in promoted posts.
- Twitter – Comply with copyright and DMCA takedown notices for audio content.
- TikTok – Stay within time limits and community guidelines for songs.
Following the rules helps avoid takedowns and legal issues. Stick to original audio when possible.
Optimizing Music for Each Platform
Certain types of music work better on some social networks. Optimizing your audio for the platform can help your posts perform better.
On Facebook, mid-length clips of popular songs often see high engagement. Choose tracks that fit your brand identity and appeal to your target audience.
Look for emerging songs trending on playlists like Mint for Instagram. Catchy choruses that loop well are ideal.
Short, memorable 5-10 second hooks grab attention on Twitter. Opt for recognizable meme-worthy audio.
TikTok
Lean into trending TikTok sounds and songs that inspire challenges. Join viral memes early before saturation.
Best Practices for Social Media Music
Follow these tips when posting music on social media for the best results:
- Preview how clips fit with your content before posting.
- Trim tracks to align with key moments in videos.
- Adjust volume so music doesn’t overpower vocals.
- Add captions or lyrics for clarity.
- Credit artists and include song details.
- Seek permission when using full songs.
- Stay on top of latest viral sounds.
With the right audio, you can make your social content more engaging. Always focus on quality over quantity when integrating music.
Top Tools for Adding Music
If built-in tools don’t offer the music features you need, third-party apps provide more advanced editing options.
Some top tools for downloading tracks and incorporating audio into social posts include:
| Tool | Key Features |
|---|---|
| Adobe Premiere Rush | Robust video editing with audio tools. Add voiceovers, sound effects, and music tracks. |
| Headliner | AI-powered audio editing. Automatically transcribe speech and generate captions. |
| InVideo | Library of audio clips. Trim and mix multiple tracks into social videos. |
| Wondershare Filmora | Overlay audio and apply filters. Detach and edit sound separately from video. |
| Pixton | Animated video maker with extensive audio options. Add narration, sound effects, and licensed music. |
Advanced apps provide more flexibility to edit audio exactly how you want.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have some questions about adding music to social media? Here are answers to some commonly asked questions:
Can I use copyrighted music on social media?
In most cases, you need direct permission from copyright holders to share full songs, albums or music videos. Short clips under 30 seconds may qualify as fair use, but avoid branded tracks when possible.
What are the optimal audio lengths on each platform?
- Facebook – 60 seconds
- Instagram – 15-30 seconds
- Twitter – 10 seconds
- TikTok – 15-60 seconds
Aim to stay within the platform time limits when adding music.
Can I add music to Instagram Reels?
Yes, Instagram Reels has a music library with thousands of popular songs to complement your short videos. You can also use original audio.
How do I add music to LinkedIn posts?
LinkedIn doesn’t have integrated music features, but you can add Spotify and SoundCloud embeds or links to YouTube music videos. Follow professional etiquette when choosing songs.
What apps let you combine music and social content?
Adobe Premiere Rush, InVideo, Headliner, and Pixton are some top tools for editing audio and video together for social media.
Conclusion
Adding music to social media can take your posts to the next level. Use built-in editing tools, upload your own audio files, or embed tracks from streaming services. Just make sure to comply with copyright laws and follow best practices for each platform. With the right audio strategy, you can create more engaging, shareable content that resonates.