Highlights
- Instagram now lets users add background music to carousel photo posts, expanding beyond Reels and Stories.
- Carousels look the same in feeds, but music plays only when opened or swiped, ensuring browsing remains uninterrupted.
- Users can select multiple photos, tap “Add music” on the editing screen.
(Photo by Shutter Speed on Unsplash)
Instagram has rolled out a new feature aimed at users who prefer sharing photos instead of videos. With the latest update, the platform now allows users to add background music to carousel posts, adding an audio element to standard multi-photo uploads. Here’s what we know about the new feature.
Instagram Music-Enabled Photo Carousels
Previously, music on Instagram was largely limited to Reels and Stories. The new update enhances traditional photo posts, especially for users who like to tell visual stories through multiple images without converting them into videos. The feature is available to both personal accounts and creators.
Visually, carousel posts remain the same on profiles and in the feed. They continue to appear like regular photo uploads. The change becomes noticeable only when someone opens the post or starts swiping through the images.
Once the carousel is opened, the selected music track plays in the background. Importantly, the audio does not auto-play while users are scrolling through their feed, ensuring the browsing experience remains uninterrupted unless the post is actively viewed.
How to Create a Carousel Post with BG Music?
To get started, open the Instagram app and tap the “+” button at the bottom of the screen. Choose to create a regular post, not a Reel or Story. Next, select two or more photos from your gallery to create a carousel. After choosing the images, tap “Next” to proceed to the final editing screen.
On the final editing page, Instagram now shows an “Add music” option. Tapping it opens Instagram’s music library, where users can browse suggested tracks or search for a specific song.
Any tracks you’ve previously saved on Instagram will also be visible here. Once a song is selected, it is attached to the carousel and will play when viewers open or swipe through the images.
After adding music, you can finish the post as usual by writing a caption, tagging people, or adding a location. Tap “Share” to publish the carousel.
Once live, the post behaves like a standard photo carousel on your profile.
FAQs
Q1. What new feature has Instagram introduced for photo posts?
Answer. Instagram now allows users to add background music to carousel photo posts, enhancing multi-image uploads.
Q2. How does music playback work in carousel posts of Instagram?
Answer. Music plays only when someone opens or swipes through the carousel; it doesn’t auto-play in the feed.
Q3. How can users add music to a carousel post?
Answer. On the final editing screen, tap “Add music,” choose a track from Instagram’s library, then publish the post.