You cannot change the song on an Instagram post once it is live

Instagram does not offer a way to swap out the audio track on a post after you publish it. If you have already posted a video or Reel with a song and want to use a different one, your only option is to delete the original post and upload a new version with the song you want.

This limitation applies to all post types — Reels, Stories, feed videos, and carousel posts with video. The audio is baked into the post when you publish, and Instagram's editing tools do not include audio replacement.

Key Takeaways

  • Once a post goes live, you cannot edit or replace the song without deleting and reposting the entire video.
  • You can edit captions, location tags, and alt text after posting, but the audio track is locked in.
  • Deleting a post removes all likes, comments, and shares, so reposting means starting engagement from zero.
  • The best approach is to preview your audio choice before publishing by using Instagram's audio preview feature during editing.

What you can edit after posting

Instagram lets you make changes to the text and metadata of a post after it goes live. You can edit the caption, add or remove location tags, change the alt text for accessibility, and adjust who can comment. None of these changes affect the video or audio itself.

If the issue is just the caption — for example, you want to credit the artist or explain the song choice — you can fix that without reposting. Open the post, tap the three dots in the top right, select "Edit," and update the caption text.

Why you need to delete and repost

When you delete a post, Instagram removes it from your profile, your followers' feeds, and the public record. All engagement — likes, comments, shares, and saves — disappears with it. If you repost the same video with a different song, it will appear as a brand new post with zero engagement history.

This matters most if your original post was gaining traction. Reposting means you lose that momentum and start over. For posts with minimal engagement, the cost is lower. For posts that were performing well, the decision to change the song becomes a real trade-off.

How to avoid this problem before posting

Before you publish, use Instagram's audio preview to hear how the song sounds with your video. When you are in the editing screen for a Reel or video post, tap the audio icon and scroll through options. Tap any song to hear a preview of it layered over your video at the volume level you have set.

Take time to listen to at least a few seconds of the song in context. Check that the beat matches the pacing of your video, that the lyrics fit the mood, and that the volume is not too loud or too quiet. This five-minute step prevents the regret that leads to deletion.

If you are using a song from outside Instagram — one you own or have rights to — you can upload it and preview it the same way. The preview feature works with any audio you add to the post.

What happens if you use copyrighted music

If your post uses a song you do not own the rights to, Instagram may mute the audio, add a label crediting the artist, or restrict who can see the post. These actions happen automatically and can occur even after the post is live. In some cases, the copyright holder can request that Instagram remove the post entirely.

If Instagram has already restricted or muted your post because of copyright, deleting and reposting with a different song may help — but only if the new song either has no copyright claim or is one that Instagram's system recognizes as available for use. Using songs from Instagram's built-in audio library avoids this problem altogether.

Alternatives if you want to keep the original post

If you do not want to lose the engagement on your original post, you can post a new version as a separate post instead of replacing the old one. This keeps both versions on your profile and lets followers see the original if they scroll back. The downside is that you now have two similar posts, which can look repetitive.

Another option is to post the new version as a Story or in a carousel with multiple videos. Stories disappear after 24 hours, so they are useful if you just want to show followers the updated version without permanently adding it to your feed. Carousels let you include both the original and the new version in one post, though this only works if you have not yet posted.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change the song on a Reel after posting?

No. Reels are locked once published, and you cannot edit the audio. You must delete the Reel and upload a new one with the different song. This removes all likes, comments, and views from the original.

What if I posted a video to my feed with the wrong song?

The process is the same as with Reels. Delete the post and repost the video with the correct song. Feed videos do not have an audio-editing option after publishing.

Can I mute the original song and add a new one without deleting?

No. Instagram does not offer a way to remove or replace audio on a live post. You would need to delete and repost to change the audio in any way.

Will my followers be notified if I delete and repost?

Followers will not receive a notification about the deletion, but they may notice the post is gone if they were looking at it. When you repost, it will appear as a new post in their feed, and some followers may see it again depending on Instagram's algorithm.

Is there a way to edit audio on Stories after posting?

No. Stories have the same limitation as feed posts and Reels — once published, the audio cannot be changed. You can delete the Story and post a new one, but Stories disappear after 24 hours anyway, so most people straightforward let the original expire.