Yes, you can change the music on an Instagram post after you publish it
Instagram lets you swap out the audio track on a post you've already shared, but the process depends on whether you're editing a Reel or a static photo post with music. For Reels, you can change the sound directly in the editing interface. For photo carousel posts with audio, you'll need to delete the original post and upload a new one with different music — Instagram doesn't offer an in-place audio swap for static posts.
The method also varies slightly between the mobile app (where most people make edits) and the web version. Mobile gives you the most editing flexibility, so that's the best place to start if you have a choice.
Key Takeaways
- Reels can have their audio changed by tapping Edit on the published post, then selecting a new sound from Instagram's music library or your saved audio.
- Photo and carousel posts with music cannot be edited in place — you must delete the post and upload it again with different audio.
- You keep all likes, comments, and shares when you edit a Reel's audio, but deleting and reposting a photo post starts the engagement count over at zero.
- Instagram's music library includes millions of licensed tracks, but availability varies by country and some songs may not be available in your region.
- If you use copyrighted music that isn't from Instagram's library, changing it may be necessary to avoid copyright claims or muting.
How to change audio on a Reel you've already posted
Open the Reel on your profile or in your feed. Tap the three dots in the bottom right corner of the post (on the video itself, not in the caption area). Select Edit from the menu that appears. This opens the Reel in edit mode without deleting it.
At the bottom of the screen, you'll see a row of editing tools. Tap the music note icon (or the word "Audio" if you're on a newer version of the app). This opens your audio options. You can browse Instagram's music library by genre, search for a specific song by title or artist, or scroll through trending sounds. Once you find the track you want, tap it to preview how it sounds with your video. If you like it, tap Done or Confirm (the button label varies by app version).
After you've selected the new audio, review the Reel one more time to make sure the timing and mood match your video. Then tap Save or Share to explore the change. Your Reel updates when ready with the new audio, and all your existing likes, comments, and shares stay on the post.
Why you can't edit audio on photo posts the same way
Instagram treats Reels and photo posts as different formats with different editing rules. Reels are designed for quick iteration — you can trim, add effects, adjust audio, and re-share without losing the post itself. Photo and carousel posts are more static, and Instagram's editing tools for them don't include audio options.
If you posted a photo or carousel with music and want to change it, your only option is to delete the original post and upload a new one. This means you'll lose all the likes, comments, and shares that post had accumulated. For posts with significant engagement, this is a real trade-off to consider before you delete.
How to delete and repost a photo with different music
Go to your profile and find the post you want to change. Tap the three dots in the top right corner of the post card. Select Delete and confirm. The post is now removed from your profile and feed.
Create a new post with the same photo or carousel. When you reach the music selection screen, choose your new audio track from Instagram's library. You can search by song title, artist name, or browse by mood and genre. Preview the audio with your photo to make sure it fits the vibe you're going for. Then share the post as normal.
Keep in mind that this new post will start with zero engagement — your previous likes and comments won't carry over. If the original post had significant traction, you may want to reconsider whether the audio change is worth losing that visibility.
What to do if the music you want isn't available in your region
Instagram's music library varies by country due to licensing agreements. A song available in the United States might not be available in Canada, the UK, or other regions. If you search for a track and it doesn't appear, it's likely not licensed for your location.
Your options are limited in this case. You can choose a different song from the available library, or you can use audio that you've recorded yourself or licensed independently. If you upload your own audio (rather than using Instagram's library), be aware that Instagram may flag it as copyrighted material if it matches songs in their database, which could result in the audio being muted or your post being restricted.
Common mistakes to avoid when changing music
The biggest mistake is deleting a photo post without realizing you can't get the engagement back. Before you delete, take a screenshot of the like and comment count if that post matters to you. For Reels, there's no such risk — edit freely.
Another common issue is selecting audio that's too loud or doesn't match the pacing of your video. Always preview the audio with your Reel or photo before you save. A 15-second preview usually gives you enough sense of whether the timing works.
Don't assume a song is available everywhere. If you're posting for an international audience and a track isn't showing up, it may be region-locked. Search for similar songs or check if a different version of the same track is available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I lose my likes and comments if I change the audio on a Reel?
No. Reels keep all their engagement when you edit the audio. The post stays in place, and only the audio track changes. This is one of the main reasons Reels are easier to edit than photo posts.
Can I use music from outside Instagram's library on my posts?
Yes, but with caution. You can upload your own audio or use music you've licensed. However, if Instagram's system detects that the audio matches a copyrighted song, it may mute the audio, restrict who can watch the post, or add a copyright notice. Using Instagram's library avoids this problem.
What happens if I change the audio on a Reel multiple times?
You can edit a Reel's audio as many times as you want. Each time you save, the new audio replaces the old one. There's no limit to how many times you can make changes, and the post's engagement history stays intact.
If I delete a photo post and repost it with new music, will it get the same reach?
Not necessarily. Instagram's algorithm treats it as a brand-new post, so it starts from zero visibility. Your followers may see it in their feed, but it won't have the boost that comes from existing engagement. Older posts with lots of likes and comments tend to get shown more often.
Can I change just the volume of the music without replacing it entirely?
On Reels, you can adjust the volume balance between the original video audio (like voices or background noise) and the music track. Tap the audio icon during editing and look for a volume slider. On photo posts, you can't adjust audio at all without replacing the entire track.