How To Use Copyrighted Music On Instagram

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Published January 26, 2022 in Creators Insights

Instagram uses an automated system to detect copyrighted music. If you can’t get permission to use copyrighted music on your IG content, your best bet is to use royalty-free music to avoid having your posts taken down or streams stopped.

By Tyler Connaghan

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“Using copyrighted music on Instagram legally” is a common query online. Finding clear information can be difficult. The rules and laws are complex and constantly changing. Knowing the right approach is challenging.

Understanding Instagram’s rules is vital to avoid post removals. If Instagram does remove your content, restoration options exist.

How Does Instagram Detect Copyrighted Music?

Instagram, like other social platforms, uses an automated Content ID system. This system detects copyrighted music in posts. When a user uploads content, the system scans for music rights. If it identifies copyrighted music, it flags the post. This process is similar across various social media platforms.

What Happens When Instagram Detects Copyrighted Music?

When Instagram finds copyrighted music, they will usually do one of three things:

Mute the music on your post;
Remove your post entirely;
End your post if you’re live streaming.

Recently, Instagram put out a feature alerting users when they’re using copyrighted music in their content. Essentially, if you’re using music on your Instagram story, live streams or any other IG posts, you’ll get a red warning telling you that you need to change your music.

With this warning comes instructions for remedying the copyright problem.

The beauty of this new system is that users have time to fix the problem before their post is automatically interrupted, blocked, or muted.

How To Avoid Copyright Issues On Instagram

In order to avoid Instagram copyright issues, you need to follow a few tips, including:

Giving credit to the music’s writer/composer when using their music;
Asking creators for their permission before using their music;
Remixing the track to give it a different sound;
Using royalty-free music instead.

How To Use Music On Instagram Properly

How To Use Copyrighted Music On Instagram | Mubert Blog (4)

Ask Creators For Permission

While asking your favorite artist for permission to use their track might not be the easiest thing in the world, you might want to put in the effort if you truly want to use it in your post. The worst thing an artist can tell you is “no.” If they give you permission with a big “yes,” you may even make a connection with your favorite artists, which is a win-win!

Give Credit to the Creators In Your Instagram Caption

You may not be able to get in touch with the music creator. In that case, you can try to credit the artist in your caption. Captioning your Instagram post won’t stop the automated system, but it could help in an appeal if Instagram warns you.

For example, if Instagram asks you to take your content down, you can show them that you never intended to claim the music as your creation and that you provided the necessary credit for the artist.

Use Royalty-Free or AI-generated Music

Your best bet is to use royalty-free music that is similar to the copyrighted music you wanted to use in the first place.

Instagram has a massive library of royalty-free tracks that you can use to avoid infringement issues. If you can’t find what you’re looking for in the Instagram library, you can check out our near-endless library of high-fidelity, royalty-free AI music here on Mubert.

What Should I Do If Instagram Takes Down My Content?

Sometimes Instagram wrongly removes posts for copyright infringement. If you’re using royalty-free music, appeal using the link in the infringement notification. Always keep your music licenses handy. They are vital for your appeal.