If you get a message saying “This audio is no longer available” when trying to add music to your Instagram Reels video on an iPhone, it means the audio file you selected is restricted or no longer authorized for use in Reels. There are a few potential reasons this can happen and some steps you can try to resolve it.
Why You Might See “Audio No Longer Available” Message
Here are some common reasons why you may get the “audio no longer available” error message in Instagram Reels on iPhone:
- The audio file’s licensing or rights restrictions changed, so it’s no longer approved for use in Reels.
- The audio contains copyrighted material Instagram filters out.
- The creator of the audio removed it from being available in Reels.
- Instagram applied restrictions to the audio for legal or policy reasons.
- Your Instagram app failed to properly load or cache the audio file.
- There’s a temporary technical glitch or bug affecting that audio.
In most cases, it means that particular audio track is no longer authorized for use in Reels. Instagram actively monitors audio clips and applies restrictions accordingly. So even if an audio file was previously able to be used, its licensing or rights status may have changed to make it restricted.
How to Fix “Audio No Longer Available” Error
If you get the “audio no longer available” message in Reels, here are some troubleshooting tips to try:
- Select a different audio clip. The simplest fix is to just choose another song or audio clip from the Instagram music library that is approved for Reels use.
- Update the Instagram app. Make sure you’re running the latest version of the Instagram app from the App Store. Outdated app versions can sometimes cause media loading glitches.
- Restart your iPhone. Close all apps and restart your iPhone. This clears out any temporary glitches or memory issues that could be preventing the audio from loading properly.
- Check the audio source. If you’re using audio not from Instagram’s built-in library, check that the original audio file is not corrupted, restricted, or unavailable from its source.
- Try uploading on WiFi. If you’re adding audio over cellular data, try uploading your Reel again over a WiFi connection which is more reliable.
- Reinstall Instagram. As a last resort, uninstall and reinstall the Instagram app to clear out any corrupted data or cache issues.
You may also want to double check that your iPhone software is fully up to date, and that you have enough available storage space. Audio and video files can fail to load properly if your device is outdated or has insufficient storage.
Additionally, see if the audio plays properly outside of Reels in your iPhone’s Music app. If an audio track won’t even play on its own, that indicates a deeper issue beyond just Reels.
Why Certain Audio is Restricted in Reels
Instagram places restrictions on certain audio clips to avoid legal issues or policy violations. Here’s why some audio tracks may be restricted from Reels use:
- Copyright issues – Any audio with copyrighted material like popular songs may get restricted.
- Unauthorized remixes/mashups – Unofficial remixes and mashups often get blocked.
- Licensing limitations – Breaking licensing terms for audio clips can trigger takedowns.
- Offensive content – Audio containing hate speech, threats, or nudity could get banned.
- Dangerous challenges – Audio promoting dangerous viral challenges may be disallowed.
- Harassment/bullying – Audio used to enable harassment gets removed.
If you stumble upon audio that goes against Instagram’s community guidelines or terms of use, it will likely get blocked from Reels. Avoid using audio that seems sketchy or violates policies.
Finding Approved Audio for Reels
Stick to reputable sources when finding audio for your Reels videos. Here are some places to find music and sounds approved for use:
- Instagram’s built-in audio library within Reels
- TikTok’s sounds library (much of it is licensed for Reels too)
- Royalty-free music sites like Epidemic Sound or Artlist
- Original audio recordings you create yourself
- Viral sounds on Reels from other users
- Popular meme or pop culture sounds circulating online
Checking what audio is currently trending on Reels is a great way to find clips that are almost certainly approved for use. You can also search for specific songs or sounds to confirm if they are allowed in Reels.
With some trial and error, you’ll get better at spotting which audio clips are likely to run into rights issues or get blocked. Finding the sweet spot between trendy music, engaging memes, and original recordings is key for catchy Reels audio.
What to Do If Your Audio Gets Restricted
If audio you previously used in Reels suddenly gets blocked, here are some options:
- Delete the Reel and re-post it with different audio.
- Edit the Reel to replace the audio track if the option is available.
- Mute the original audio and add alternate music/sounds.
- Add a text disclaimer that you don’t own the restricted audio.
- File an appeal if you believe the audio was mistakenly restricted.
You can also reach out to the audio creator if it’s their decision that got it blocked from Reels. Some creators may override if you get their direct approval to use a sound.
But in most cases, you’ll simply have to accept that the audio is restricted and move on. There are plenty more trending sounds being released daily to keep your Reels engaging!
Why Instagram Restricts Certain Audio
Instagram has valid legal and ethical reasons for limiting access to some audio. Here’s why restricting audio is necessary in many cases:
- Avoid copyright claims – Unauthorized music use frequently leads to takedown requests and legal action.
- Comply with licenses – Instagram must adhere to licensing terms dictated by music creators and publishers.
- Curb offensive content – Hate speech, nudity, threats in audio must be blocked to protect users.
- Limit harmful challenges – Dangerous viral challenges spreading via audio need restrictions.
- Stop bullying/harassment – Audio used for abusive purposes needs to be banned.
- Encourage creativity – Restrictions promote more original audio instead of overused songs.
By placing some limits on audio usage, Instagram cultivates a safer, more positive community. The regulations also push users to come up with fresh new sounds instead of repetitively using the same trending music.
Fair Use of Audio in Reels
In some cases, you may be able to dispute audio restrictions under fair use protections. Elements considered:
- How much of the audio is used – small segments may qualify as fair use.
- Transformative nature of the usage – heavy remixing/editing makes it transformative.
- Non-commercial educational purpose – not-for-profit usage favors fair use.
- Effect on copyright value – does it take away value from the original work?
But fair use is very nuanced and subjective. Instagram makes the final call. Relying heavily on unauthorized audio comes with risks, even if you believe it should be considered fair use.
Alternatives to Find Safe Audio
To avoid headaches over restricted audio, use these safer alternatives:
- Instagram’s pre-approved music library within Reels
- Popular TikTok trending sounds
- Royalty-free music and clips
- Creating your own original recordings
- Seeking direct approval from creators
- Using very short audio snippets
- Muting problematic audio and adding text
With a little creative thinking, you can breathe new life into worn-out audio trends. The limits placed on certain clips motivate users to come up with fresh memes, viral sounds, voiceovers, and original songs.
Appealing Blocked Audio on Instagram
If you strongly disagree with certain audio being restricted in Reels, you can try appealing it via Instagram:
- File a copyright infringement dispute if unauthorized use is the reason for blocking.
- Submit an appeal explaining why the audio does not violate Instagram’s community guidelines.
- Emphasize fair use arguments if you believe your usage meets the criteria.
- Request a manual review of the specific case details.
- Provide context like permission granted or attribution given.
However, appeals are not always successful. Instagram has the final say. Build a strong case demonstrating the restriction was unwarranted, but expect that many appeals will get denied.
Avoiding Future Audio Restrictions
Learn from any audio restrictions you encounter. Going forward:
- Vet audio clips more carefully before using in Reels.
- Use short snippets of popular songs rather than whole tracks.
- Add text/visuals explaining unauthorized usage if needed.
- Get written permission when possible for unofficial audio.
- Stay away from offensive/dangerous meme sounds.
- Come up with fresh original audio that is exclusively yours.
With heightened awareness around copyright and licensing limitations, you can develop smart habits to avoid further issues. Let audio restrictions inspire your creativity rather than limit it.