Fix Your Jam! Get Instagram Music Working Again in 2024
Ever open Instagram to create a fire story with the perfect song, only to find Instagram Music not working? It can be frustrating when the music feature goes quiet, leaving your visual masterpiece without its soundtrack. But fear not, fellow content creator! This guide is here to help you troubleshoot and get Instagram Music working again in no time. We’ll walk you through a series of simple steps to diagnose the issue and get those beats back into your stories.
This feature lets you share your stories in a fun, innovative way by attaching soundtracks based on how you’re feeling. But while you’ve been scrolling your followed IG accounts’ stories, you may have come across videos throwing a message: “Instagram music is not available in your region.” When this happens repeatedly, it can get annoying very quickly.
Why Isn’t Instagram Music Working?
Instagram Music may stop working for various reasons, including app glitches, account restrictions, or device issues. Here’s a quick breakdown of some possible causes:
- Outdated app: Older app versions may lack support for new features like music.
- Location restrictions: Some regions don’t have access to Instagram’s music library due to licensing agreements.
- Cache issues: Accumulated cache data can interfere with the app’s normal functioning.
- Account type: Certain account types, like business accounts, might have restricted access to music.
- App bugs: Temporary glitches in Instagram’s servers or app updates can cause features like music to malfunction.
- Slow internet connection: A poor connection can prevent Instagram Music from loading or playing.
- OS compatibility: An outdated or incompatible operating system may not fully support Instagram’s features.
7 Quick Fixes When Instagram Music Isn’t Working
Instagram Music not working? Don’t worry! There are several potential fixes that can help. From updating your app and clearing the cache, to checking your internet connection and switching your account type, these steps can often get Instagram Music back up and running.
Update App
Ensure you’re using the latest version of Instagram. App updates often include bug fixes and improvements, which could resolve any issues with Instagram Music.
Open your phone’s app store to the Instagram listing to check for an update. Or, open these links to jump right to the store from your mobile device: Instagram on the Apple App Store | Instagram on the Google Play Store.
Clear App Cache
Sometimes, old data or corrupted files in your app cache can cause glitches. Clearing the cache might refresh the app and get Instagram Music working again. This works a bit differently across platforms, but here’s a quick look at how to delete the Instagram cache on Android (and don’t worry, your account, photos, etc. will remain):
- Go to Settings > Apps.
- Choose See all [#] apps.
- Select Instagram from the list.
- Tap Storage & cache.
- Choose Clear cache.
Use VPN
Instagram Music may not be available in all regions. Using a VPN can help you access features restricted in your area by virtually changing your location.
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Switch Account Type
If you have a business account, switching to a personal or creator account might resolve music-related issues, as certain features can be restricted on business profiles. Here’s how this works from the desktop website:
- Select the three lines at the bottom left of the page.
- Choose Settings.
- Select Business tools and controls or Creator tools and controls, depending on your current profile type.
- Choose Switch to personal account.
- Confirm by pressing Switch back.
Check Internet Connections
Instagram Music may not load properly if your internet connection is slow or unstable. Make sure you’re connected to a reliable Wi-Fi or mobile network. We have a guide on how to address slow internet on your Windows computer. If Instagram Music is not working on your phone or tablet, first test your internet speed to confirm that it’s somewhat reliable. Then, move closer to your Wi-Fi router or call up your internet service provider for additional help.
Reinstall App
If other fixes don’t work, reinstalling Instagram can resolve deeper software issues or corrupted app data that could be affecting the Music feature. Tap and hold the Instagram app for delete options, then revisit its download page in your phone’s app store (use the links above) to get a fresh copy.
Manually Add Music
If Instagram’s built-in music library isn’t working, you can still add music manually by editing your video outside of Instagram and uploading it with the desired track.
Report to Instagram Support Team
If none of these steps work, report the issue directly to Instagram’s support team so they can investigate and potentially resolve the problem.
Get a VPN to bypass regional content blocks
One solution to your frustrations is to use a VPN. Normally, your activity goes through your ISP, who can see the unique IP address assigned to your computer. When you’re on Instagram, the social media platform can see it, too. If Instagram sees that your IP originates in a country where a certain piece of music is not licensed to play in Instagram stories, then you’ll get that message.
With a VPN, you connect to the Internet through a different server that assigns you a new IP address. With this different IP address, to outsiders looking in (like your Instagram and your ISP), it looks like you’re physically located elsewhere – wherever your new IP is located in the world. So if you’re connecting to Instagram from China, you could choose a server in the U.S., tricking Instagram into thinking you’re stateside and letting you fix the music problem.
Fix ‘Instagram music not available’ in 3 steps with a VPN
Once you’ve picked a quality VPN, such as NordVPN, it only takes a few simple steps to set yourself up to fix the IG music error. When you’ve finished these steps, you’ll be ready to try again and start listening to all the music in your Instagram stories.
- Choose a VPN and visit their website. If you haven’t been redirected already, go to their “plans” page and choose one. Then, fill out your information and create your login ID and password. Download and install the app to your device. If you’re using a mobile device, you’ll want (and may be required) to visit your device’s app store to download the VPN. Just use the link provided to do so.
- Once you’ve installed your VPN app, launch it and use the credentials you created to login. Most provider’s apps will automatically connect you to the nearest server available, but with the widespread networks of many VPNs, this probably won’t connect you to one that will solve the problem. Go to your VPN’s server search/list function and select a node located in a country where Instagram works. Try to pick a country that is somewhat close to you: for example, if you’re physically located in Canada, pick a server located in the U.S.
- Before you open Instagram, run a quick test of your VPN server connection. Open a web browser and visit ipleak.net. This site will run an IP address lookup, which is displayed in a box near the top. In the box, you’ll find a long string of digits (your IP) and under it a country name – your IP’s country of origin. If this country of origin matches the server you connect to (i.e. “United States”), then you’re securely connected. If not (i.e. still reads “Canada”), then you may have a leak in your connection. Return to the VPN and try again with the same or a different server. If the problem persists, contact your customer support.
Conclusion
It can be very annoying to scroll through your Stories and not be able to listen to others’ who are using IG Music. But now you know the simple fix – if you’re not located in one of the countries where it’s available, get a VPN. Changing your IP address to one of these countries is as simple as a few clicks.
Have you solved this problem yourself? Did you use a VPN? Share your experiences with both a VPN and Instagram Music in the comments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can’t I find a song on Instagram?
You might not find a song on Instagram if it’s not licensed for use on the platform or region, or if the song has been removed.
Why isn’t Instagram Music available in my region?
Instagram Music might not be available in your region due to licensing restrictions or local regulations.
Can I add music to an already existing Instagram post?
No, you can’t add music to an already existing Instagram post. Music can only be added during the initial creation of a post or story.
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