Creating engaging Instagram videos only to have them flagged or taken down due to music copyright can be incredibly frustrating. Instagram Music Copyright Rules can be confusing to understand, especially with frequent updates and limited usage rights. But don’t worry—navigating Instagram Copyright Rules for Music doesn’t have to be a mystery.
With the right tips and tools, you can avoid copyright infringement and still use great-sounding music in your content. In this guide, we’ll break down your options and show you how to stay on the safe side—while keeping your videos creative and copyright-compliant. Let’s dive in!
How Does Instagram Detect Copyright Music & What Happens When It Does?
Tons of creators have had times when they have posted a video featuring music – only for it to be removed within a couple of seconds. So, how are Instagram detecting this so quickly?
This is an automated system that flags copyrighted music. Sometimes, it even takes down videos for people who have the rights to use the music! If you know about YouTube Content ID, it’s a very similar process for identifying breaches.
What happens when Instagram detects that you are using copyrighted music differs. It can vary between:
- Muting your post but allowing the visual content to still play
- Removing your Instagram post
- Ending your live stream
When it comes to live streams and stories, Instagram will give the user a warning before ending or removing content. The message will tell you to change your music, or the post will be taken down.
Instagram Music Copyright Rules & What You Can Do
Unfortunately, there is no way around this if you want to use popular copyrighted music (other than trying our Similarity Search to find similar sounding tracks to license).
Here are some tips to help:
Include Visuals
Instagram’s music copyright rules state that your video should include a visual component if you want to use music. This means that you are more likely to have your video removed if you are simply sharing audio with a blank screen – so make sure you have visuals in your content!
Keep It Short
Shorter videos tend to be accepted by Instagram in terms of music copyright. The greater the number of full-length, recorded tracks in your video, the more likely that your video will be muted or removed.
Credit The Artist
This may not necessarily prevent your video from being taken down, but it can prove helpful when appealing it. This demonstrates that you aren’t trying to claim the music as your own and are giving appropriate credit to the owner.
Live Music
Music in live performance situations (such as posting Instagram stories of a concert) are permitted, so no worries on this front!
Try Facebook Sound Collection
Instagram also provide copyright free music via Facebook Sound Collection. This is a library of copyright free music and sounds for you to use, guaranteeing that your post will be safe.
Instagram Reels
Instagram Reels that are 15 seconds long can help to avoid copyright infringements. Sure, it’s short – but Instagram Reels have a built-in music feature, ensuring that your Reel won’t get removed for infringement.
How Can I Use Copyrighted Music Correctly On Instagram?
The above tips are just a guideline, and we can’t guarantee that your video won’t be removed. If you’re dying to use a certain track, there are some ways to use it properly. They are:
- Asking the copyright holder for permission. This is tricky for big artists as you most likely won’t get a response, but it’s worth a shot for smaller artists. Simply reach out to ask if you can use their music before posting and hope for the best!
- Find local musicians or smaller artists to create custom sounds for your Instagram videos, or to gain permission to use their current music. This way, you are also supporting independent artists by receiving custom music and sharing it with the world!
Other Alternatives
We know what you’re thinking… ‘but I want THAT track!’
Recently, we partnered up with cinematographer and YouTube sensation Rob Ellis to talk about Temp Love in Filmmaking, and how you can go around getting attached to a specific track. So, we really do know the struggle. But sometimes, the vibe, theme or style that you like about the track can be found elsewhere.
With our new Similarity Search technology, you can find similar sounding songs that you can license. Starting at just $15 a month, you can have access to unlimited tracks in our library to use in your creations. You never know, it might fit your content even better than the original! If you’re interested in how this works, take a look at our article on Microlicensing For Creators!
