You can change audio on Instagram posts using the editing tools in the app, but the method depends on whether you posted a Reel, a video post, or a photo carousel
Instagram lets you swap out the audio track on Reels and video posts after you've published them. The process takes about two minutes and doesn't require you to delete and repost. For Reels, you access the audio editor directly from the post menu. For regular video posts, you'll need to use the editing feature to replace the sound. Photos and photo carousels cannot have audio added or changed after posting—audio only works on video content.
The audio you add must come from Instagram's music library or from audio you've already saved to your phone. You cannot upload custom audio files directly from your computer. If you want to use a specific song, it needs to be available in Instagram's catalog, which varies by country and changes regularly.
Key Takeaways
- Reels let you change audio from the three-dot menu on the published post without deleting it.
- Regular video posts require you to use the Edit button and re-upload the video file with new audio.
- You can only use audio from Instagram's music library or files saved on your phone—not custom uploads from your computer.
- Changing audio on a Reel keeps all your likes, comments, and shares intact.
- Some songs are region-locked, so a track available in one country may not appear in another.
How to change audio on a Reel you've already posted
Open the Reel on your profile or in your feed. Tap the three-dot menu icon in the bottom right corner of the post. Select Edit audio from the menu that appears. This option only shows up for Reels—it won't appear on regular video posts.
Once you tap Edit audio, you'll see the current audio track at the top of the screen. Below that is Instagram's music library. Search for a song by title or artist name, or scroll through the suggested tracks. When you find the audio you want, tap it to preview a short clip. If you like it, tap Use audio to explore it to your Reel. The change happens when ready, and your post updates without losing any engagement.
If you want to remove audio entirely, scroll down in the audio library and select No audio. This will post your Reel with only the original video sound (if any was recorded). You can change the audio as many times as you want—there's no limit to how often you edit it.
How to change audio on a regular video post
Regular video posts (not Reels) don't have an Edit audio option. Instead, you need to use the full Edit feature. Open the post, tap the three-dot menu, and select Edit. This takes you to the editing screen where you can change the caption, location, and other details.
However, you cannot change the audio track itself from this screen. To add or change audio on a regular video post, you'll need to delete the post and upload it again with the new audio. Before you delete, take a screenshot of the caption and any other details you want to keep, since you'll lose all comments and likes when you remove the post.
When you re-upload the video, use a video editing app on your phone (like CapCut, iMovie, or Adobe Premiere Rush) to add the new audio track before posting to Instagram. This gives you more control over the audio and lets you adjust volume levels. After you post the new version, you can add the original caption back in the post details.
Finding and selecting audio from Instagram's music library
Instagram's music library is built into the app and appears whenever you create or edit a Reel. To browse music without creating a post, open the Reels camera, tap the music note icon at the top of the screen, and search or scroll. You don't have to record anything—you can just explore what's available.
Search works by song title, artist name, or mood. If you search "sad indie," Instagram will show you tracks tagged with those moods. You can also see trending audio at the top of the library, which changes daily. When you find a track you like, tap it to hear a preview. The preview plays the section of the song that's most popular on Instagram, not necessarily the beginning.
Keep in mind that audio availability varies by country. A song available in the United States may not appear in the library if you're in another region, and vice versa. If you can't find a specific track, it may be region-locked or not yet added to Instagram's catalog. You can also use audio you've downloaded to your phone—tap Your audio in the library to access files stored locally.
Common mistakes that prevent audio changes from working
The most common issue is trying to change audio on a post type that doesn't support it. Only Reels have the Edit audio option. If you're trying to change audio on a regular video post, carousel, or photo, you'll need to delete and repost. Another frequent mistake is searching for a song that isn't in Instagram's library for your region—if you can't find it after searching, it may not be available where you are.
Make sure your app is fully updated before trying to edit audio. Older versions of Instagram may not have the Edit audio feature. Go to your phone's app store, search for Instagram, and check for updates. If an update is available, install it and restart the app.
If the Edit audio option doesn't appear on a Reel you know you posted, the post may have been uploaded before the feature was available. In that case, delete and repost the Reel with new audio, or use a video editor to add audio before uploading again.
Using audio from your phone's files
You can add audio that you've downloaded or recorded on your phone, but only when creating or editing a Reel. Open the Reels camera and tap the music note icon. Scroll to the bottom of the music library and tap Your audio. This shows all audio files stored on your phone, including voice memos, downloaded songs, and podcasts.
Select the file you want to use. Instagram will trim it to fit your Reel's length, or you can adjust the start and end points manually. Keep in mind that if the audio is copyrighted material (like a song you downloaded), Instagram may mute it or add a copyright notice to your post. Using audio from your phone works best with original recordings, voice-overs, or music you have the rights to use.
What happens to engagement when you change audio
When you change the audio on a Reel using the Edit audio feature, your likes, comments, shares, and view count stay exactly the same. The post doesn't get reposted or reset—it just updates with the new audio. Your followers won't see a notification that you changed it, though they'll hear the new audio if they watch the Reel again.
If you delete a post and repost it with new audio, you lose all previous engagement. The new post starts with zero likes and comments. This is why editing audio directly (on Reels) is better than deleting and reposting whenever possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change audio on a video I posted to my feed, not as a Reel?
No. Regular video posts don't have an Edit audio option. You would need to delete the post and reupload it with new audio using a video editor. Reels are the only post type where you can change audio without deleting.
What if the song I want isn't showing up in the music library?
The song may not be available in your region, or it may not be in Instagram's catalog yet. Try searching by artist name instead of the full song title. If it still doesn't appear, it's likely region-locked or not yet added. You can check if the song is available by searching on Instagram's web version from a computer.
Will my followers get notified when I change the audio on my Reel?
No. Changing audio on a published Reel doesn't send a notification to your followers. They'll only hear the new audio if they watch the Reel again after you've made the change.
Can I upload my own audio file from my computer?
No. Instagram only lets you use audio from its music library or files already on your phone. To use audio from your computer, you'd need to transfer it to your phone first, then access it through the Your audio option in the Reels camera.
Does changing audio affect my Reel's performance or reach?
No. Changing audio doesn't reset your view count, engagement, or algorithmic reach. The post continues to perform based on its existing metrics. However, if you delete and repost, the new post starts fresh with no previous performance history.