You cannot change the song on an Instagram post once it's published
Instagram does not offer a way to edit the audio track on a post after you've shared it. If you've already posted a photo or video with a song and want to use a different one, you'll need to delete the original post and upload it again with the new audio.
This limitation applies whether you added the song during the initial upload or used Instagram's editing tools before posting. Once the post goes live, the audio is locked in place.
Key Takeaways
- Instagram does not allow you to swap out or edit the audio on a published post — you must delete and reupload.
- You can change the song while editing a post in draft form, before you hit Share.
- Deleting a post removes all likes, comments, and shares, so reposting will start your engagement count from zero.
- Reels, Stories, and static photo posts all follow the same rule: audio cannot be changed after publishing.
How to change the song before you post
If you haven't shared the post yet, you can swap the audio while it's still in draft. Open the post in the editing screen and look for the audio or music icon — the exact location depends on whether you're posting a Reel, a video post, or a photo with audio.
For Reels, tap the audio icon at the bottom of the editing screen, then search for or browse a different song. For video posts, the music option appears in the editing toolbar. Once you select a new track, you can preview it before you hit Share.
For static photo posts with audio, the process is similar: find the audio option in the editing menu and select a replacement. Make these changes before you publish, because you won't be able to do it afterward.
What happens when you delete and repost
If you delete a published post to change the song, Instagram treats the new upload as a brand-new post. All previous likes, comments, and shares disappear. Your followers won't see a notification that you've reposted — they'll only see it if they're actively browsing your profile or feed at the moment you upload.
The timestamp will also reset to the current date and time, so the post will appear as if you just shared it. If you had a large number of engagements on the original, reposting means starting over on those metrics.
Why Instagram doesn't allow audio editing on published posts
Instagram's design treats audio as part of the post's core content, similar to the image or video itself. Allowing users to change audio after publishing would create complications with music licensing and rights tracking — Instagram needs to know what song is attached to what post at the moment of publication for royalty and copyright purposes.
Additionally, changing audio after people have already engaged with the post could confuse viewers who saw or heard the original version. Instagram's approach is to lock the post once it's live, which keeps the record clear and consistent.
Alternatives if you want to keep the original post
If you don't want to lose the engagement on your original post, you can upload the new version as a separate post instead of deleting and reposting. This way, both versions exist on your profile, and you keep all the likes and comments from the first one.
You could also share the new version as a Story or Reel, which are more temporary formats and less likely to clutter your main feed. Stories disappear after 24 hours, so they're useful for testing a different song with your audience without making a permanent change to your profile.
Songs you can use on Instagram posts
Instagram's music library includes millions of licensed tracks across all genres. When you're adding audio to a post, you search through this library directly in the app. Not every song in the world is available — Instagram only includes music that has been licensed for use on the platform.
If the song you want isn't in Instagram's library, you won't be able to add it to a post. Some artists and labels choose not to license their music to Instagram, which is why you might find a popular song unavailable. In those cases, you'd need to either choose a different song or post the video without audio.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change the song on an Instagram Reel after I post it?
No. Reels follow the same rule as other posts — once you publish, the audio is permanent. You'll need to delete the Reel and upload a new version with the different song if you want to make the change.
What if I only want to change the volume or mute part of the audio?
You cannot edit audio on a published post, including adjusting volume or muting sections. These changes must be made before you post. If you've already published, deleting and reposting is your only option.
Do I lose followers or engagement if I delete a post?
You don't lose followers, but you do lose all likes, comments, and shares on that specific post. Your follower count stays the same. The new post will start with zero engagement.
Can I change the song on a Story or Live video?
Stories and Live videos also don't allow audio editing after they're posted. However, Stories disappear after 24 hours, so the temporary nature makes it less of a concern. For Lives, the broadcast is over once you end it, so changing the audio isn't an option.
Why is a song I want to use not available in Instagram's music library?
Instagram only includes music that has been licensed for the platform. Some artists, labels, or rights holders choose not to license their work to Instagram, which removes those songs from the available library. You'll need to pick a different song that is available.