Yes, you can change the song 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 which type of post you made. If you posted a Reel, you can edit the song directly in the app. If you posted a photo carousel or a single image with music, you'll need to delete the original post and create a new one with different audio — Instagram doesn't offer in-place editing for music on static posts.
The good news is that changing a Reel's song takes about 30 seconds and doesn't require you to re-upload the video or lose any comments and likes you've already received. For photo posts, you do lose the engagement history, so it's worth deciding on your audio before you publish if the post is getting traction.
Key Takeaways
- Reels let you change the song after publishing by tapping Edit, then selecting a new track from Instagram's music library.
- Photo posts with music cannot be edited in place — you must delete and repost to change the audio.
- Changing a Reel's song keeps all existing comments, likes, and shares attached to the post.
- Instagram's music library includes millions of licensed tracks, but availability varies by country and account type.
How to change the song on a Reel you've already posted
Open the Reel on your profile or in your feed. Tap the three dots (menu icon) in the bottom right corner of the post. Select Edit from the menu that appears. This opens the editing interface without taking the post down.
Tap the Audio button at the bottom of the screen — it looks like a speaker icon or shows the current song title. The music library will open. Search for a new track by title, artist, or mood, or scroll through trending songs. Once you find the track you want, tap it to preview, then tap Use Audio to confirm. Instagram will process the change in a few seconds, and the new song will replace the old one on your published Reel.
Your view count, likes, comments, and shares all stay attached to the post. The only thing that changes is the audio track itself. This is why editing a Reel's song is so much faster than deleting and reposting — you keep all the engagement you've built.
What happens when you change a photo post's music
If you posted a single photo or a carousel (multiple photos) with music, Instagram does not offer an edit option for the audio. Your only choice is to delete the original post and create a new one. When you delete a post, all comments, likes, and shares disappear with it.
Before you delete, take a screenshot of the engagement if it matters to you — some people like to track how well a post performed. Then go to your profile, find the post, tap the three dots, and select Delete. Create a new post with the same photo or carousel, and when you reach the music step, choose your new track.
This is one reason to choose your audio carefully before posting a photo. If the post is brand new and has almost no engagement, deleting and reposting is quick and painless. If it's been up for days and has accumulated comments, it's worth thinking about whether the song change is worth losing that history.
Finding the right song in Instagram's music library
Instagram's music library contains millions of licensed tracks across every genre. When you tap the audio button on a Reel, you'll see trending songs at the top, followed by categories like Pop, Hip-Hop, Indie, and Mood-based playlists. You can also search by song title, artist name, or even by lyrics if you remember a phrase from the track.
Not every song in the world is available — Instagram licenses music from major labels and independent distributors, so some artists and tracks won't appear. Availability also varies by country; some songs are blocked in certain regions due to licensing agreements. If you search for a song and it doesn't show up, it's likely not licensed for your region.
If you can't find what you're looking for, try searching for similar artists or browsing mood-based playlists. Instagram regularly adds new music, so a song that wasn't there last week might be available now. You can also use the trending section to discover new tracks that fit your content.
Common mistakes when changing audio on Instagram posts
The biggest mistake is forgetting that photo posts can't be edited in place. People sometimes spend time searching for a new song, then realize they have to delete the post to use it. If engagement matters to you, delete the old post, create the new one, and post it right away — the sooner you repost, the better your chances of reaching the same audience again.
Another common issue is not previewing the new song before confirming. Instagram lets you tap a track to hear a 10-second preview before you commit. Always listen to the preview, especially if you're changing the song because the original didn't fit the mood. A song that sounds good in isolation might feel off when paired with your video.
Some people also forget that changing a Reel's audio doesn't change the video itself — if the original song was tightly synced to the video (cuts on the beat, transitions timed to lyrics), a new song might not match those moments anymore. If your Reel relies on audio-visual timing, listen to the full new track with the video before publishing the change.
What to do if the song you want isn't available
If you search for a specific song and it doesn't appear in Instagram's library, you have a few options. First, try searching for a cover version — sometimes a different artist's version of the same song is available when the original isn't. You can also search for remixes or instrumental versions.
If the song truly isn't available on Instagram, you can create a new Reel using a different track from the library, or you can post the video without music (though this is less common for Reels). Some creators also use third-party audio editing apps to add music before uploading, but this requires more technical work and means you can't change the song later without deleting and reposting anyway.
Keep in mind that using unlicensed music or copyrighted audio you don't own can result in Instagram muting the audio, removing the post, or even restricting your account. Stick to Instagram's music library to avoid these issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will changing a Reel's song affect my view count or engagement?
No. Your view count, likes, comments, and shares all stay exactly the same when you change the audio on a Reel. Only the song itself changes — the post remains published and visible to your followers and anyone who has already seen it.
Can I use my own music or a song from my phone when changing a Reel?
No. Instagram only lets you choose from its licensed music library when editing a Reel's audio. If you want to use your own music, you have to delete the Reel and create a new one, uploading your audio file during the creation process. Even then, Instagram may mute or restrict audio you don't have rights to.
How long does it take for the new song to show up after I change it?
Usually a few seconds to a minute. Instagram processes the change in the background, and the new song will replace the old one on your published post. If it takes longer than a few minutes, try refreshing your feed or closing and reopening the app.
What if I change a Reel's song and then want to change it back?
You can change it as many times as you want. Just tap Edit, select Audio, and choose the original song again. There's no limit to how many times you can swap the audio on a Reel.
Do I need to be the original creator of the Reel to change its song?
Yes. You can only edit posts you created. If someone else posted a Reel, you can't change its audio. You can save it, share it, or remix it as your own Reel with different audio, but you can't edit the original post.