How to Add Music to Threads Post

Want to add music to a Threads post? You've probably noticed there isn't a dedicated add music button like on Instagram Stories or Reels. This article will show you the simple workaround to get your favorite tracks onto your Threads content, giving your posts that extra layer of engagement and personality.

Why Music on Threads is a Game-Changer

Before jumping into the "how," let's quickly cover the "why." Threads is built for conversation, but conversation on social media is increasingly multimedia. Text is great, but adding a visual and auditory layer to your posts can dramatically increase their impact. Here’s why adding music makes a big difference:

• It Grabs Attention: In a fast-scrolling feed, a post that starts playing a familiar or catchy tune is more likely to make someone pause. It adds an audio hook to your visual and text hooks.
• It Sets a Mood: Music is an emotional shortcut. A fun, upbeat track can make your post feel exciting, while a lo-fi beat can give it a more relaxed and thoughtful vibe. You can communicate a feeling instantly without writing a single extra word.
• It Taps into Trends: Using trending audio connects your post to a larger cultural conversation happening across platforms like TikTok and Instagram. It shows you’re in the loop and can give you a discoverability boost as people recognize the sound.
• It Makes Your Brand More Relatable: For businesses and creators, music can make your content feel less like a stuffy press release and more like something a friend would share. It adds a human touch that is essential for building a genuine community.

The Honest Truth: Threads Has No Native Music Feature (For Now)

Let's get this out of the way first. As of right now, Meta has not integrated a native music library into the Threads app. You can't start a new Thread, type some text, and then tap a music sticker to browse Spotify or the Instagram library. This is the biggest difference between posting on Threads and creating an Instagram Reel or Story.

So, how are people doing it? The answer is simple: video.

The core strategy is to create a short video with music already attached to it and then upload that video file to your Threads post. It’s an extra step, but it’s straightforward once you know the process. Let's break down the best ways to do it.

How to Add Music to Threads Posts: The Step-by-Step Workaround

You can use a variety of apps to achieve this, but we'll focus on the most accessible method for most people - using the tools you already have on Instagram - and also touch on using dedicated video editing apps for more control.

Method 1: The Instagram Reels Editor (The Easiest Way)

Since you already have an Instagram account connected to Threads, this is the quickest path. You're simply going to use the Reels creation tool to build your video and then save it to your phone instead of posting it.

Step 1: Get Your Visual Ready

Your "video" doesn't have to be a full-blown production. It can be:

• A static image (like a quote, a product shot, or a meme) you want to put music behind.
• A short video clip you’ve already recorded.
• A screen recording.

Just have this visual saved to your phone's camera roll.

Step 2: Start Creating an Instagram Reel or Story

Open the Instagram app and swipe right to open the Story camera, or tap the "+" icon at the bottom and select "Reel." We recommend using the Reels editor because it gives you more control over the audio trimming.

Step 3: Add Your Visual Media

In the bottom-left corner, tap the small square to access your camera roll. Select the image or video clip you want to use. If you choose an image, Instagram will automatically turn it into a 5-second video clip by default. You can tap on the clip in the timeline at the bottom to adjust its duration.

Step 4: Add and Edit Your Music

This is where the magic happens.

1. Tap the music note icon at the top of the editing screen.
2. This opens Instagram's full music library. You can browse recommendations, search for a specific song, artist, or genre.
3. Once you select a song, a timeline editor will appear at the bottom. Use this slider to choose the exact part of the song you want to play in your video. Most often, you’ll want the chorus or a recognizable hook.
4. You can also adjust the volume, choosing to keep the original video's audio or have the music play solo.

Once you are happy with the audio selection, tap "Done."

Step 5: Save the Video to Your Phone

This is the most important step. Do not post the Reel. Instead, look at the top of the screen for an icon of a downward arrow. Tap it.

This will save the entire video clip - with the music you just added - directly to your phone's camera roll. You can now back out of the Reels editor and discard the draft.

Troubleshooting Tip: Occasionally, Instagram will save the video without the audio due to licensing restrictions. If this happens, you have a couple of easy workarounds:

• Screen Record: Play a full-screen preview of your Reel within the editor and use your phone's built-in screen recording feature to capture it. Just trim the beginning and end of the recording afterward.
• Post and Delete: Briefly post the Reel to your profile, immediately go to the live Reel, tap the three dots, and select "Save to device." Then, delete the Reel from your profile.

Step 6: Upload Your New Video to Threads

You’re at the finish line! Now, just treat this like any other post:

1. Open the Threads app.
2. Start a new Thread.
3. Write your accompanying text.
4. Tap the paperclip icon to attach media.
5. Select the video you just saved from Instagram. It will now be attached to your post, complete with music.
6. Hit "Post" and you're done! Your Thread will appear in the feed with your multimedia creation.

Method 2: Using a Third-Party Video Editing App (CapCut, InShot, etc.)

If you want more creative control, need to mix multiple audio tracks, or prefer an editing workflow outside of Instagram, using a mobile video editor is a great option. Apps like CapCut, VN Video Editor, and InShot are extremely popular for this.

The general workflow is very similar:

1. Open the App and Start a New Project: Create a new project and import your visual media (the photo or video clip).
2. Add Your Audio: These apps have their own libraries of royalty-free music and sound effects. CapCut, in particular, has a large library of commercially licensed sounds available directly if you're a TikTok user. You can also import audio files saved on your phone.
3. Edit and Sync: Trim your video clips and audio tracks on the timeline to match them up perfectly. You have far more precise control here than in the Instagram editor.
4. Export the Final Video: Once you're finished, export the project as a video file (MP4) to your camera roll.
5. Upload to Threads: Open Threads and upload your newly created video file just as described in the previous method.

Best Practices for Using Music Effectively on Threads

Simply knowing how to add music isn't enough. Using it strategically will set your content apart and make it much more effective.

Match the Tone to the Content

The music should be an extension of your message, not a distraction. If you're sharing an exciting company announcement, use something upbeat and high-energy. If you're sharing a personal reflection or a stunning landscape photo, a calm, atmospheric track will work much better. Always ask: does this sound enhance my message or conflict with it?

Keep Copyright in Mind (Especially for Brands)

While using popular songs from the Instagram library is generally safe for personal use thanks to Meta's licensing agreements, businesses need to be more careful. Those licenses typically don't cover commercial use (meaning content that directly promotes a product or service). Promoting your brand with an unlicensed Taylor Swift song is a risky legal move.

For official brand accounts, it’s much safer to use:

• The royalty-free music available in apps like CapCut.
• Subscription-based royalty-free music services like Artlist or Epidemic Sound.
• Original audio you create yourself.

Use Sounds That Loop Well

Videos on social feeds often auto-play and loop. Choose a sound that has a clean loop point, so it doesn't sound jarring when it starts over. This small detail makes your content feel much more polished and intentionally designed for the feed.

Consider a "Sound Off" Experience

Many (if not most) people scroll with their phone on silent. Your post needs to make sense even without the sound. If the music provides important context, consider adding on-screen text or captions to the video itself so that sound-off viewers still get the full picture. The music should be the icing, not the entire cake.

Final Thoughts

Creating engaging content for Threads doesn't have to be limited to text. By using the simple workaround of adding music to a video first, you can unlock a new layer of emotion, attract more attention in the feed, and make your account a more dynamic and interesting follow.

Creating and managing all this content - especially video - can be a lot to juggle across different platforms. At Postbase, we designed our visual calendar to give you a clear view of your entire content strategy. We make it easy to upload your music-backed video for Threads and schedule it right alongside your Reels, TikToks, and Shorts, helping you maintain a consistent and engaging presence everywhere without the chaos.