How to Get My Music on Instagram Music Library
Learn how to get your music into the Instagram Music Library using approved distributors, preparing files, and optimizing metadata for discovery.
How to Get Your Music on Instagram Music Library
If you’ve been wondering "how to get my music on Instagram" so fans can easily add it to Stories and Reels, you’re not alone. Instagram's music feature is one of the most powerful tools for musicians, indie artists, and creators to amplify their tracks. The great news is that the process is straightforward — as long as you meet Meta’s music guidelines and use an approved distributor.
In this step-by-step guide, you’ll learn how the Instagram Music Library works, how to choose the right distribution service, how to prepare your files correctly, and how to promote your track for maximum reach.
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Understanding How Instagram Music Library Works
Instagram, owned by Meta, does not allow you to directly upload songs to its music library. Instead, Instagram sources music via licensed partnerships with approved music distributors.
Two key concepts govern how this library operates:
- Licensing Agreements – Instagram has agreements with record labels, publishers, and distribution partners to ensure songs are legally cleared for Stories, Reels, and other features.
- Meta’s Music Guidelines – Every track must comply with Meta’s copyright, explicit content, and regional licensing rules.
> Tip: Some songs may be restricted in specific countries due to licensing limitations, even after they’ve been distributed.
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Choosing a Digital Distribution Service
To have your music available on Instagram, you’ll need a digital music distributor that’s partnered with Instagram/Facebook. Popular, Instagram-compatible distributors include:
| Distributor | Instagram/Facebook Support | Pricing Model |
|---|---|---|
| DistroKid | Yes | Annual subscription |
| TuneCore | Yes | Pay-per-release / annual unlimited |
| CD Baby | Yes | One-time per release fee |
| Ditto Music | Yes | Annual subscription |
Factors to consider when choosing a distributor:
- Cost – Compare flat annual fees vs per-release pricing.
- Payout Speed – How quickly you’ll receive royalties.
- Extra Services – Features like publishing admin, YouTube monetization, or sync licensing.
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Preparing Audio Files in the Correct Format
Before you upload to your distributor, check that your audio is high-quality and meets platform requirements. Instagram (via distributors) typically expects:
- WAV or FLAC – Uncompressed or lossless audio preferred
- 44.1 kHz sample rate
- 16-bit or 24-bit resolution
- Stereo mastering with clean sound
Audio Preparation Checklist
- Normalize loudness for streaming (~-14 LUFS)
- Avoid clipping and distortion
- Export the final master in WAV format
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Ensuring Track Metadata Accuracy
Instagram pulls your song’s info directly from your distributor. Incorrect metadata can make your track hard to find or cause credit errors.
Key metadata to double-check:
- Artist Name – Consistent with other releases
- Song Title – Accurate spelling and capitalization
- Album Name (if applicable)
- Track Number – For EPs/albums
- Composer/Writer Names
- ISRC Code – A unique track identifier
Also, ensure your album artwork meets requirements: square format (3000×3000 pixels), JPEG/PNG format, without embedded URLs or contact details.
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Uploading to Your Distributor & Selecting Instagram/Facebook
When submitting your track:
- Fill in all metadata fields accurately.
- Upload the prepared audio and album art.
- Check Instagram & Facebook (or "Meta") in the distribution options.
- Confirm licensing — only upload if you own or have rights to distribute the music.
Some distributors offer automatic submission to all platforms; others require manual selection.
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Understanding Release Timelines & Planning Ahead
Publishing to Instagram is not instant — allow adequate lead time. Depending on your distributor, the timeline can be:
- Day 0 – Upload to distributor
- Day 1–5 – Distributor processing
- Day 3–7 – Delivery to Instagram/Facebook
- Up to 2 weeks – Final availability in the Instagram Music Library
For campaigns, set your release date at least 3–4 weeks ahead to avoid delays.
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Promoting Your Track on Instagram
After your song is live, use Instagram’s features to boost its reach:
- Stories – Add a music sticker for a preview.
- Reels – Create short, engaging clips synced to your track.
- Feed Posts – Showcase behind-the-scenes or acoustic versions.
Regular posting and consistent branding will increase your chances of being discovered.
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How to Use the Instagram Music Sticker
Instagram’s music sticker makes it easy to tag your song in Stories or Reels:
- Create a Story or Reel.
- Tap the sticker icon and pick “Music”.
- Search for your song by title or artist.
- Select a specific 15-second segment.
- Post and share it to your followers.
> Keep your track’s title consistent to ensure fans can find it quickly.
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Encouraging UGC (User-Generated Content)
Songs often go viral through content created by others. Encourage listeners to use your song by:
- Launching hashtag challenges.
- Offering small prizes for the best videos with your track.
- Partnering with influencers in your niche.
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Tracking and Measuring Success
To optimize your promotion:
- Instagram Insights – Track impressions, reach, saves, and usage of your track.
- Distributor Analytics – Review royalty reports and plays from Instagram/Facebook.
Cross-reference both sets of data to identify your best-performing formats.
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Troubleshooting If Your Music Isn’t Available
If your track isn’t showing up:
- Wait It Out – The process can take up to 14 days.
- Metadata Check – Verify you’re searching for the correct name.
- Check Licensing – Some regions are restricted.
- Copyright Disputes – Resolve any claims with your distributor.
If all else fails after three weeks, contact your distributor’s support to confirm delivery to Instagram.
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Summary & Next Steps
Getting your music on Instagram is all about preparation: choose a partner distributor with Instagram/Facebook support, submit high-quality audio and accurate metadata, allow enough lead time before release, and plan promotions strategically.
By using Instagram’s creative tools and encouraging fans to share your track, you can boost visibility, grow your audience, and increase streams across all platforms.
Ready to share your sound with the world? Start by picking your distributor today and set your release plan in motion.
