How to Add Original Audio to an Instagram Post

Tired of your Instagram content getting lost in a sea of trending sounds? Creating and using your own original audio is one of the most effective ways to establish a unique brand voice and make your content instantly recognizable. This guide will walk you through exactly how to add original audio to both Instagram Reels and standard video posts, along with practical tips to make your sounds stand out.

Why Bother with Original Audio, Anyway?

In a world of rapidly changing trends, creating your own audio might feel like extra work. But the payoff is huge, especially if you're trying to build a brand or community organically. Here’s why it’s worth the effort:

• It Sets You Apart: When a user hears your custom sound, they immediately know the content is yours. It’s like a sonic logo that strengthens your brand identity and makes your posts memorable in a crowded feed. Think of it as your unique signature that cuts through the noise.
• You Can Start Your Own Trend: The “holy grail” for many creators is having their audio go viral. When you create a compelling, relatable, or funny original sound, you give other users a tool to create their own content. Every time someone uses your audio, your profile is credited on their Reel, driving traffic and exposure directly back to you.
• Total Creative Control: You’re not limited by the 30- or 60-second clips in Instagram’s music library. With original audio, you can craft a narrative, tell a joke, share an educational tip, or create a mood that perfectly fits your video content from start to finish.
• No Copyright Worries: Using popular music can sometimes come with licensing headaches, especially for business accounts. By creating your own audio - whether it's a voiceover, a self-produced jingle, or ambient sounds - you completely avoid any potential copyright flags or muted videos.

The Two Main Ways to Add Original Audio: Reels vs. In-Feed Video Posts

Before we get into the step-by-step process, it’s important to understand that Instagram handles audio differently depending on whether you're posting a Reel or a standard video post to your main feed. The distinction is simple:

• For Instagram Reels: You can add original audio (like a voiceover or imported sound) directly within the Instagram app using its built-in editor. This is the most common and user-friendly method.
• For In-Feed Video Posts: You cannot add a separate audio track inside the Instagram editor. The audio must be already embedded into your video file before you upload it. This requires using a third-party video editing app first.

We’ll cover both methods in detail so you're prepared for any type of content you want to create.

How to Add Original Audio to an Instagram Reel (Step-by-Step)

The Reels editor is where Instagram gives you the most creative flexibility. You can layer sounds, record voiceovers, and mix audio levels right in the app. Here’s the process from start to finish.

Step 1: Open the Reels Editor and Add Your Video

Start by opening the Instagram app and tapping the plus icon (+) at the bottom of the screen, then select "Reel." You can either record a new video directly by holding the record button or upload a pre-recorded video (or multiple clips) from your phone’s camera roll. Once your video footage is on the timeline, tap “Next” to move to the main editing screen.

Step 2: Access the Audio Tools

At the top of the editing screen, you’ll see a row of icons. Tap the music note icon to open the audio menu. This is your command center for all things sound.

Here you’ll see the option to add music from Instagram’s library, but we’re focused on original audio. You have three primary choices:

1. Voiceover: For recording your voice over the video.
2. Import Audio: For using audio from another video you have saved on your phone.
3. Camera Audio: The original sound that was recorded with your video.

Step 3: Recording a Voiceover

A voiceover is perfect for tutorials, storytelling, commentary, or adding a personal touch to your video. It’s a powerful tool for connecting with your audience.

• In the audio menu, tap the “Voiceover” button.
• A timeline of your video will appear. Drag the white slider to the exact point where you want your voiceover to begin.
• Press and hold the red record button to record your audio. You can record in one long take or in several smaller segments. Simply stop, move the slider, and record again.
• When you’re finished, tap “Done.”

Step 4: Using the "Import Audio" Feature

Let's say you have audio from screen recording, a different video clip, or a custom sound you made elsewhere. The "Import Audio" feature lets you extract that sound and apply it to your current Reel.

• In the audio menu, tap “Import Audio.”
• Your phone’s video library will open. Select the video that contains the audio you want to use.
• Instagram will automatically extract the audio from that video and layer it over your Reel. It will appear as a new audio track.

Step 5: Mixing Your Audio Tracks

Once you’ve added music, a voiceover, or an imported sound, you’ll likely have multiple audio sources competing with each other (e.g., your camera’s original audio and your new voiceover). Proper mixing is essential for clarity.

• From the main editing screen, tap the music note icon again, then select “Controls.”
• You’ll see volume sliders for each audio track you're using: one for "Camera Audio" and one for your voiceover or imported music/sound.
• Drag the sliders to adjust the levels. For a tutorial where your voice is the main focus, you'll want to turn the "Camera Audio" down low (or completely off) and keep your "Voiceover" at 100. For a video where ambient sound adds to the atmosphere, you might want to find a nice balance between the two.

Step 6: Titling and Saving Your Original Audio

This is the step that makes your audio shareable! When you publish your Reel, viewers will see the audio title at the bottom of the screen. By default, it will be named "[Your Username] • Original Audio." You can - and should - rename it to something more descriptive and fun.

• Before publishing, look for the option to “Rename Audio.”
• Give your sound a catchy, descriptive name. For example, if it's a funny sound bite about your morning coffee, you could name it “I need caffeine to function.” This helps people understand the context and inspires them to use it.
• Once you post your Reel, your custom-named audio is officially live. Other users can now tap on the sound and use it in their own Reels, spreading your brand's reach with every new creation.

How to Add Original Audio to an In-Feed Video Post

As mentioned earlier, you can’t use Instagram’s native audio tools for regular video posts. Your original sound needs to be “baked in” to the video file before you upload it. This is simpler than it sounds and just requires a quick pit stop in a video editing app.

Popular, user-friendly mobile editors for this include CapCut, InShot, and even the free iMovie app on iPhones. The process is generally the same across all of them.

Step 1: Open Your Video in an Editing App

Start a new project in your video editing app of choice (like CapCut) and import the video clip you want to post on your Instagram feed.

Step 2: Add Your Audio

Next, find the audio tools within the app. You'll typically have several options:

• Voiceover: Just like in Reels, you can record your voice directly over the video. This is great for adding context or instructions.
• Extract: Pull audio from another video file on your phone. Perfect if you have a soundbite saved elsewhere.
• Music/Sound Effects: Add royalty-free sound effects or music from the app’s library, or upload an audio file (like an MP3) from your phone.

Step 3: Edit and Mix

Once your audio track is on the timeline, adjust its volume relative to the video’s original camera sound. Most apps let you mute the original audio completely if you only want your added sound to be heard. Trim the audio clip to match the length of your video.

Step 4: Export the Final Video

When you're happy with the result, export the finished video to your phone's camera roll. This creates a brand new video file that now has your original audio permanently merged with the visuals.

Step 5: Upload to Your Instagram Feed

Now, open Instagram and create a regular post as you normally would. Select the newly edited video from your gallery. Since the audio is already part of the file, it will play perfectly when you publish it. It's an extra step outside of Instagram, but it is a foolproof way to get custom sound on your feed videos.

Pro-Tips for Creating Standout Original Audio

Now that you know the mechanics, here's how to create audio that people actually want to listen to and use.

• Clarity Over Quality: Don't obsess over having a professional microphone. Your phone's built-in mic is perfectly fine. Focus on speaking clearly and minimizing distracting background noise. A little bit of ambient sound can even make your content feel more authentic and relatable.
• Make it Actionable or Relatable: The best original sounds give a person an idea for their own video. Is it a question? A list prompt? A funny reaction to a common situation? Audio that’s easy for others to put their own spin on has the best chance of spreading.
• Keep It Short and Loopable: Attention spans are short. Create sounds that are concise and effective. If your audio loops well, it encourages viewers to watch the video multiple times, which signals to the algorithm that your content is engaging.
• Don’t Forget On-Screen Text: A huge portion of users browse Instagram with their sound off. Always add captions or on-screen text to summarize your audio. This ensures your message lands regardless of how someone is watching and makes your content accessible to everyone.

Final Thoughts

Adding original audio is a powerful tactic for cutting through the noise on Instagram. Whether you're recording a simple voiceover in Reels or preparing a video in a third-party app, you're building a stronger, more recognizable brand identity with every custom sound you create.

Once you’ve created amazing content with your unique audio, planning when and where it goes live is the next step. At Postbase, we designed our visual content calendar specifically for modern social media, where a mix of Reels, videos, and Stories is essential. We help you see your entire content schedule at a glance, allowing you to drag-and-drop your posts to find the perfect publishing rhythm without ever wrestling with a clunky interface.