If you see a message saying “The audio track in your reel is no longer available” on Instagram, it means the background music you used in your reel is no longer available due to copyright restrictions. Instagram actively monitors for copyright infringements and will mute audio that violates copyright rules.
Why You See This Message
There are a few main reasons why you may see this message:
- The artist, record label, or copyright holder revoked access to use that song in reels.
- Instagram detected the song is copyrighted and you don’t have rights to use it.
- The song you used was originally allowed under Instagram’s music library, but the permissions changed.
Essentially, the audio track you picked for your reel violated some kind of copyright rule and Instagram muted it automatically after posting. Using copyrighted music without permission in your reels is against Instagram’s terms of service.
What Happens When Your Reel Audio Is Muted
Here’s what happens when Instagram mutes the audio in your reel due to a copyright violation:
- The audio track is completely removed from your reel.
- Viewers will not hear any background audio when watching your reel.
- A message saying “The audio track in your reel is no longer available” will appear on your reel.
- You cannot get the original audio track back once it’s muted.
The original audio is permanently gone from your reel. However, the reel itself will not be deleted and can still be viewed – just without any background music.
How to Avoid This Issue in the Future
Here are some tips to avoid having your reel audio muted due to copyright issues:
- Use music from Instagram’s free audio library. These songs are pre-approved for use.
- Search for copyright-free music online you have rights to use.
- Use original audio recordings you created yourself.
- Credit the artist in the caption if using a popular song.
- Get permission directly from the artist to use their song.
The safest options are to use music from Instagram’s library, find copyright-free tracks, or make your own original recordings. This guarantees you have the rights to use the audio.
What to Do If Your Reel Audio Is Muted
If Instagram already muted your reel audio due to a copyright violation, here’s what you can do:
- Edit the reel – You can edit the reel and add new audio from the Instagram music library so your reel isn’t silent.
- Repost a new version – Delete the reel and repost a new version with different audio that’s copyright compliant.
- Dispute the mute – If you have permission to use the song, you can submit a dispute to Instagram, but this is rarely successful.
- Ask the copyright holder – Reach out to the artist or record label and ask for permission to use their audio in your reel.
Unfortunately once the audio is muted, you can’t get the original track back. Your best option is to either re-edit the reel with a new song or post a new version with different audio.
Copyright Strikes for Repeated Violations
If you repeatedly post reels using copyrighted music without permission, Instagram may issue a copyright strike on your account. Here’s what happens when you get strikes:
- 1st Strike – No action taken
- 2nd Strike – Blocked from posting reels for 7 days
- 3rd Strike – Blocked from posting reels for 14 days
- 4th Strike – Blocked from posting reels for 30 days
- 5th Strike – Account disabled
To avoid getting strikes, be careful about only using audio you have rights to use in your reels. Multiple copyright violations could lead to your account being temporarily banned from posting reels or disabled altogether.
Using Popular Songs in Reels
Using clips of popular songs in your reels can make the video more engaging, but you need to be careful about copyright rules. Here are some tips:
- Limit clips to under 15 seconds – Long clips have a higher chance of being detected.
- Credit the artist in your caption and @ mention them.
- Don’t use the most recognizable parts of the song that people would associate with that artist.
- Re-interpret the song in a new way like with a lip-sync or dance.
- Make sure the song supports rather than detracts from your visuals.
The goal is to transform the song into your own new creative work instead of just playing the full track. Also, properly crediting the artist can help avoid disputes.
Using Lesser-Known Songs
One strategy is to use songs in your reels that are lesser-known. Obscure indie music or unknown artists have a lower chance of being detected or reported for copyright issues.
Places to find great lesser-known music include:
- Unsigned artists on YouTube, TikTok, SoundCloud
- Creative Commons licensed music sites
- Music libraries like Artlist, Epidemic Sound
- Repost exchange groups on Instagram
The key is finding great music that is free to use from artists who allow it. This avoids any expensive licensing fees or copyright problems.
Using Covers and Remixes
Covers and remixes of popular songs can potentially avoid copyright issues. However, the rules are nuanced:
- The cover/remix must be transformative and unique enough from the original.
- You should credit the original artist too if it’s recognizable.
- Get permission if possible, don’t assume covers or remixes are okay to use.
Copyright law looks at factors like how much was changed and how identifiable the original work is. There’s some gray area around covers and remixes, so crediting the original artist is recommended.
Purchasing Song Licenses
You can directly license songs for use in your Instagram reels from:
- Record labels
- Music distributors
- Artists/producers
- Music licensing companies
This allows you to legally use the song by paying a fee. Prices vary greatly based on the popularity and length of a song. Securing a license guarantees you have permission to use the audio.
Instagram’s Appeals Process
If your reel audio is falsely muted, Instagram does have an appeals process. Here are the steps:
- Go to your muted reel and tap “Appeal”
- Select the option “I have the rights to use all content in this reel”
- Provide details on why you believe the mute is a mistake
- Instagram will review your appeal and respond within 24 hours
- If approved, the audio track will be restored
However, Instagram warns that most muted audio stays muted after appeal. Only submit appeals if you’re positive it was a mistake. Otherwise, it’s best to simply replace the audio track.
Other Types of Blocked Audio
Copyright issues are the most common reason for blocked audio, but here are some other causes:
- Music restrictions – Some songs are blocked globally or in certain countries by the artist or label.
- Age restrictions – Explicit songs may be blocked for users under 18.
- Trimmed recordings – Audio clips shorter than 3 seconds may be blocked.
- System errors – Rare glitches may accidentally block audio.
If you’re positive you have rights to use the full audio track, try appealing the mute through Instagram’s tools. But in most cases, copyright issues are to blame when your reel audio is blocked.
Key Takeaways
Seeing “The audio track in your reel is no longer available” means Instagram muted your reel because the song violated copyright rules. The original audio is gone for good once muted. Avoid this happening in the future by only using songs you have permission for. If your audio is falsely muted, you can request an appeal through Instagram’s tools.