Are you wondering why is audio unavailable on Instagram Reels? You’re not alone. Many Instagram users have questioned “why Instagram says audio is unavailable” when adding music to Instagram Reels and Stories.
In this article, we will dive into the reasons behind this audio issue and explore potential solutions to fix audio unavailable on Instagram reels and help you unleash your creativity on the platform. With our easy-to-follow instructions, you’ll learn how to troubleshoot “Instagram audio not working” or tackle the daunting “song unavailable on Instagram” dilemma.
Why is Audio Unavailable on Instagram Reels?
Here are some reasons for audio is unavailable on Instagram reels
Copyright Restrictions:
Copyright music is one of the reasons why audio is unavailable on Instagram reels. This can happen if you are using an Instagram business account and it overlaps with copyright infringement. Sometimes, Instagram may restrict or mute audio in Instagram business account reels if it detects copyrighted music or content that violates copyright policies. This is most common If a particular song or audio clip is copyrighted and the platform doesn’t have the necessary licensing agreements, it might restrict the use of that audio to avoid legal issues with copyright holders.
Region Restrictions:
Audio availability in Reels varies based on location. Certain songs or audio tracks are limited or unavailable in specific regions due to licensing agreements or regional restrictions. If you face this error “Instagram reel audio isn’t available in your country or region”, it means your location doesn’t support that song or music due to licensing restrictions.
Technical Glitches:
Like other digital platforms occasionally Instagram experiences technical problems that can cause audio to be unavailable in Reels. So if you’re wondering why audio is unavailable on Instagram, these temporary glitches might be the cause.
Content Moderation:
Instagram enforces community guidelines to maintain a safe and positive environment. Instagram restricts audio that violates these guidelines, such as containing explicit language or inappropriate content. So if you’re curious about why is audio unavailable on Instagram reels, breaking these guidelines might be a reason.
Outdated App:
Sometimes even if your app isn’t up-to-date you might encounter an error “This song is currently unavailable” even if the song is accessible. Instagram frequently rolls out updates ranging from monthly to multiple times a year.
Connectivity Problems:
Network issues like slow internet speed or intermittent connectivity can also result in “audio unavailability on Instagram reels”. Instagram may encounter numerous performance errors without a robust Wi-Fi connection or reliable cellular service. A weak or unstable internet can hinder you from adding music or songs to your Instagram Reels and stories.
How to Fix Audio Unavailable on Instagram Reels
If you’re facing a situation where Instagram reel audio is unavailable, here’s how you can instantly fix it on any Instagram app, whether you are using it on an Android or iOS device or a Mac or Windows computer.
Check your Network Connection
The first step is to check that your internet is strong enough to play reels and associated tracks. Here are some tips to check your internet connection.
- Check your internet speed using online tools like testmy.net, fast.com, speedtest.net
2. The network may lag due to technical issues. If this happens, switch your network type from Wi-Fi to Mobile Data or vice versa.
Check your microphone Access
To add songs to reels and stories, you must grant Instagram access to your microphone. Here’s how to grant it.
- Tap and hold the Instagram application until a pop-up appears
- Next, click on the “app info”.
3. Go to the “App permissions” section.
4. You’ll find the microphone option here. Click on it to ensure you’ve enabled the microphone. If it is already enabled, turn it off and back on again. If it’s not, turn it on.
Logout from all devices
Often the issue “Audio unavailable on Instagram reels” occurs when you are logged into more than one device. Check whether your account is logged into multiple devices and log out.
You can log out on both Android and iPhone devices using the same steps.
- Go to Instagram and open it.
- Access your profile by clicking the last option listed at the bottom of the page.
- Click on the three-bar menu icon “≡” at the top right of the screen.
- Go to the settings & privacy section.
- Select Accounts Center from the menu.
- Click on Password & Security.
- You can see where you’re logged in by tapping on that option.
- You can now see which devices you are logged in to. If you want to log out from another device, tap on the “Select devices to log out” button.
- Once you tap Logout, you will be asked to confirm by saying Are you sure? you will no longer be logged in on the selected device.
Clear the Cache of your Instagram App
Instagram can be slow and unresponsive when its cache is corrupted. This can cause Instagram to slow down and block certain features, such as “Audio unavailable on Instagram reels”. You can clear the cache by uninstalling and reinstalling Instagram. Check to see if the song appears on your reel or story after you log back in.
- Tap and hold the Instagram application for a while
- Click on “app info”.
- At the bottom of the screen tap on clear data to clear cache.
As a result, all your saved data and cache within the application will be cleared, as well as your account logged out.
Uninstall and Reinstall Instagram
Android users can only clear the app cache on their devices; iPhone users must delete and reinstall the application. Android users should also follow this method if clearing the cache data does not help.
- Hold down the Instagram app until a pop-up appears.
- Tap on “Uninstall” and delete the app.
- Go to the App Store or Play Store on your device, depending on what you use.
- Tap on the search icon and type Instagram in the search bar. To install the Instagram app on your iPhone, tap on the Get or Download icon.
Update your Instagram App
Sometimes updating your Instagram app can answer the question “Why is audio unavailable on Instagram reels?” If your app is outdated, you may see the “This song is currently unavailable” message even if the song is available. Instagram updates the app several times throughout the year to fix any underlying bugs in the app.
How to update the Instagram app on Android
- Launch the Google Play Store app on your device.
- Type Instagram into the search bar.
- Select the update option. (If your app is already updated you won’t find this option)
How to update the Instagram app on iPhone
- Open the app store
- Type Instagram into the search bar.
- Just click on the update option if it is available. (You may not see the update option if you’re already using the updated version.)
Change your region using a VPN
When it comes to Instagram audio region restrictions are also a reason to ask “Why is audio unavailable on Instagram reels?”. Therefore, if you face this issue you should use a VPN. Using a VPN will allow you to change your location in case some songs are unavailable in your country.
Report the issue and wait for Instagram to fix
If you are still unable to figure out why audio is unavailable on Instagram reels you can contact Instagram and report the problem. When Instagram indicates that a song is unavailable it’s often Instagram’s fault. Visit the Help Center from the profile page and report the problem.
You can do this by following these steps:
- Go to your Instagram profile, click on three lines, and select Settings and Privacy.
- Scroll down and click on Help.
- Next tap on “Report a Problem”.
- A pop-up appears and click on “Report a Problem”. Choose whether or not you’d like to include logs and diagnostics.
- Describe the problem you’re facing and attach screenshots if possible. Tap the send button to submit the report.
Audio Unavailable Instagram Reels – Alternate Fixes
Change your Account Type
If Instagram reel audio is unavailable, here’s how to fix it instantly, regardless of whether you’re on an Android, iOS, Mac, or Windows device.
Due to copyright issues, business accounts usually have a limited music library. To access this extensive music library while viewing your metrics, it is best to switch to a creator profile.
Note: It is important to note that if you switch to a personal account instead, your metrics will be reset.
Go to your Instagram profile and click on the three-bar menu icon “≡” at the top right of the screen.
Select Settings and Privacy
Scroll through to find “Account type and tools” and click on it.
Next, tap on “Switch to professional account” and provide all the details to finish the process.
With a creator profile, you can access your business metrics easily. However, if you choose a personal profile by mistake, the app will reset your metrics.
Use the Video App Tools
If switching your Instagram account to Creator does not fix the issue, then try this tip.
Use a video app tool like WeVideo or Inshot to create your reels or stories.
Editing and adding music to your video can be done in advance with these tools. With just a tap, you can quickly create a Story or a Reel and post it immediately.
You don’t have to worry about bugs or music availability in your country.
Fixing Audio Unavailable on Instagram Reels with Reel Edit Option
A new feature on Instagram allows you to replace audio on your Instagram reel if the original audio is no longer available.
It’s perfect if the audio is unavailable on Instagram reels for copyright issues.
Follow the below steps and fix the audio on Instagram reels.
- Open your Reels video post where you are experiencing “Audio Unavailable”
- Click on the three dots (…) at the bottom right corner of the screen.
- Next, select “Manage” from the menu and then click “Edit”.
- Tap on the “Replace Audio” option.
- Choose a new audio song from your Instagram Music library.
- Click on Done to save the changes.
With this option, you can change the song in your reel. But only once, so make sure to pick wisely.
