How To Add Your Own Music To Instagram’s Music Library

Instagram is a Meta-owned social media platform where users share videos, photos, and updates with their followers. Since its launch in October 2010, it has grown into one of the largest social networks worldwide, with three billion monthly active users who regularly upload content and engage with their communities.

Instagram has transformed significantly over the years, evolving from a simple photo-sharing app into a multifaceted social network. One of its major turning points came in August 2020, when it launched Reels as a response to TikTok's popularity. The short-form video feature has quickly become one of the platform's biggest engagement drivers. Today, Instagram features feeds, Stories, Reels, Notes, direct messaging, and shopping capabilities.

Instagram has been a valuable platform for artists and labels for years, offering numerous opportunities for growth. Similar to TikTok, it comes with unique advantages that go beyond what traditional streaming platforms provide. Unlike audio-centric platforms such as Spotify or Apple Music, Instagram transforms your songs into tools for creative expression and content creation.

Once your music is distributed to Instagram through a service like iMusician, it becomes eligible to appear in Instagram’s official audio library, where users can discover and include them in their Stories or Reels. When someone uses your track, it gets shown to their followers and can extend even further via shares and the Explore tab, giving your music significant exposure.

Beyond this organic reach, many artists use Instagram as a visual portfolio to showcase their music, share behind-the-scenes content, and give fans insight into their creative process and personality. For others, it’s a direct connection point with their audience, enabling real-time engagement through comments, direct messages, and live streams.

Instagram is also a powerful promotional platform where musicians can announce releases, share tour dates, collaborate with other artists, and drive streaming numbers through strategic content that links to their music on other platforms. Finally, through integration with Meta Rights Manager, you can earn royalties whenever your tracks are used in user-generated videos.

To maximize your presence on Instagram, you should set up and optimize your artist profile on the platform. While Instagram doesn’t offer a dedicated “Instagram for Artists” dashboard like Spotify or Apple Music, you can request verification to boost credibility and visibility.

Instagram verification is the process of getting a blue check-mark badge next to your username, signalling that your account is authentic and belongs to the real artist, label, or business it represents. There are two paths available: the free traditional verification (though highly selective) or Meta Verified, the paid subscription option.

First, switch your profile to a Business or Creator account. This account type grants access to detailed analytics about your audience and content performance, allowing you to monitor engagement metrics, understand follower demographics, and track how your content performs.

For traditional verification, your account must meet several eligibility requirements. It must be authentic, representing a real person, business, or entity, and unique, meaning only one account exists per person or business. Additionally, the account must be complete, with a public profile that includes a bio, profile photo, and at least one post. Finally, the account owner must be notable: well-known, frequently searched for, and featured in multiple credible news sources.

Steps to Request Verification:

1. Log into the Instagram account you want to verify.

2. Tap your profile icon in the bottom right.

3. Tap the menu icon in the top right, then go to Settings.

4. Tap Account, then Request Verification.

5. Fill in your full name and upload the required identification (government-issued photo ID or official business documents).

6. Provide links to credible news articles or press coverage that demonstrate your notability.

7. Submit your request.

Instagram reviews accounts that appear in multiple unpaid news sources. Paid or sponsored coverage does not count. If your application is denied, you must wait 30 days before applying again. For musicians in particular, having a verified Spotify for Artists profile, consistent public exposure, and legitimate press coverage from recognised music publications can improve your chances of approval.