If you have a business or creator account on Instagram and are unable to access the music library for use in Reels, there are a few potential reasons why this may be happening and some steps you can take to troubleshoot. The most likely causes are that your account may not meet eligibility requirements, there may be copyright restrictions based on your location, or there could be a technical issue.
Why is music unavailable for my Instagram Reels business account?
Here are some of the most common reasons you may not have access to the music library for Reels on a business or creator account:
Account eligibility requirements
Instagram has certain eligibility requirements accounts must meet to access the full music library for Reels:
- Your account must be public.
- Your account must be free of any violations or restrictions.
- Business and creator accounts have access, but personal accounts currently do not.
So if your account is private, has faced restrictions in the past, or is still on a personal profile, you will not be able to search and use the music library directly in Reels.
Copyright and licensing restrictions
The availability of songs in the Reels music library can vary by location due to copyright and licensing agreements. In some countries, the full catalog may not be available. You may be blocked from searching and accessing certain songs based on where your account is located.
Technical issues
It’s also possible you are running into a bug or technical issue that is temporarily preventing access to the music library from your account. Apps can have glitches that cause features to fail to load.
How to troubleshoot and fix no music for Reels
If you find yourself unable to access the Reels music library on your Instagram business or creator account, here are some troubleshooting steps to try:
Check account eligibility
First, check that your account meets the eligibility requirements listed above. Make sure your profile is public, has no restrictions or violations, and is a business or creator account rather than personal.
Try different songs and genres
Search for a variety of different songs and genres. It may be that certain songs or types of music are restricted in your region. Trying different options can help you determine if the issue is isolated or widespread.
Switch to a personal wifi or mobile data
If you are connected to a work or school network, there may be firewalls or filters blocking access to the Reels music library. Try switching to a personal wifi or your mobile cellular data to see if that fixes the problem.
Check for Instagram updates
Make sure both the Instagram app and your phone software are fully updated. You may need to download the latest updates from your device app store for Instagram to function properly.
Restart your device
Force quit the Instagram app and restart your phone or tablet. Restarting can often solve temporary glitches and bugs.
Log out and back in
Fully logging out of your Instagram account and then logging back in can sometimes refresh your access and permissions.
Use a different device
Try accessing Instagram from a different mobile device or computer to see if the issue persists. This can tell you if the problem is account-related or device-specific.
File a bug report
If you still can’t access the music library in Reels after troubleshooting, file a bug report with Instagram so they can investigate the issue. Provide details on exactly what is happening and when it began.
Workarounds to add music to Reels
If you continue having trouble using Instagram’s Reels music library for your business account, here are some workarounds to add music to Reels:
Use original audio
You can capture audio directly in the Reel as you record it. This allows you to sing, talk, capture ambient sounds, etc. as the video’s original audio.
Use sounds and audio effects
Instagram offers a library of sound effects, audio clips, and noises that can be added on top of your Reels. While limited, these can provide some basic background audio.
Add music in editing
Use a third party editing app like iMovie or Splice to first add a full song or music clip to your video. Then upload the edited video to Instagram as a finished Reel.
Use free royalty-free music
Search sites like Free Music Archive and SoundCloud for copyright and royalty-free songs you can legally use in your Reels videos.
Purchase royalty-free music licenses
For more variety, purchase an affordable royalty-free music license from a site like Artlist, Epidemic Sound or Music Vine. This grants legal access to their music libraries.
Hire composers
Commission original custom music from composers and musicians through sites like Fiverr and SoundBetter if you want unique exclusive tunes.
Why Instagram limits music access
The reason Instagram restricts access to its full music library for Reels is primarily due to licensing. By only allowing certain accounts to search and use music directly, they reduce copyright infringement risk and unauthorized use.
Restricting access also incentivizes creators to purchase proper music licenses or create original audio. It promotes an ecosystem where music artists get properly credited and paid.
There are hopes Instagram will relax these limits over time as Reels matures. But for now, eligibility requirements and geographic restrictions remain in place to follow music licensing terms.
FAQs about Reels music
Can you use copyrighted music on Instagram Reels?
Generally no, you cannot legally use full copyrighted songs in Instagram Reels without permission from the artist. Reels does provide licensed music, but usage is limited. For full songs, you need to obtain proper music licenses.
What happens if you get copyrighted on Instagram Reels?
If you use copyrighted material in Reels without permission, your video may be removed and your account can face penalties like temporary blocking or permanent deletion for repeat violations.
Does Instagram pay you for using your Reel with their music?
No, Instagram does not directly pay or monetize creators for using the Reels licensed music catalog. However, you may be eligible to receive content licensing offers if your Reel with a song gets widely shared.
Can I use Reels music in YouTube videos?
No, the Reels music library is only licensed for use in Instagram Reels. Usage in YouTube or elsewhere would violate copyright. You would need to obtain direct licenses from the rights holders.
The bottom line
Not having access to music for Instagram Reels can be frustrating, but is often due to licensing restrictions and eligibility requirements. There are workarounds like using original audio or royalty-free music. If troubleshooting doesn’t restore your access, filing a bug report is the next best step so Instagram can investigate.