What to know

  • Instagram now allows users to add multiple audio tracks to Reels.
  • Users can include up to 20 songs in a single Reel.
  • This feature enhances creative possibilities for content creators.

In a move set to revolutionize content creation on its platform, Instagram has introduced a game-changing feature for Reels: the ability to add multiple audio tracks. This update, announced on July 16, 2024, allows users to incorporate up to 20 different songs or audio clips into a single Reel, opening up a world of creative possibilities for content creators and casual users alike.

The new multi-track audio feature is a significant upgrade from the previous single-track limitation. It enables users to layer various sounds, creating rich, complex audio landscapes that can enhance their visual content. This could include mixing background music with voice-overs, sound effects, or even creating makeshift remixes within the app itself.

It’s easy to see this is one of the features that has been highly requested by the Instagram community, especially by those who frequently create content for the platform. The ability to use multiple tracks allows for more sophisticated storytelling and can potentially lead to more engaging and immersive Reels.

To add multiple tracks in your Instagram reel, you need to use the “add to mix” button that appears when you are in the video editor.

This update puts Instagram Reels in direct competition with TikTok, which has offered multi-track audio editing for some time. It’s a clear indication that Instagram is committed to enhancing its short-form video capabilities and providing creators with tools to produce high-quality, engaging content.

The multi-track audio feature is rolling out globally and should be available to all users in the coming weeks. Instagram has not specified if there are any regional restrictions or if the feature will be limited to certain account types.

This update could be particularly beneficial for musicians and audio-focused content creators. It allows for more complex musical arrangements, mashups, and creative audio experiments directly within the Instagram app.

While the feature is primarily designed for adding multiple songs, it also opens up possibilities for adding various sound effects, ambient noises, or voice clips to create a more immersive audio experience. This could be especially useful for storytellers, educators, and brands looking to create more dynamic and engaging content on the platform.

As always, Instagram reminds users to respect copyright laws when using audio in their Reels. The platform provides a vast library of licensed music and sound effects, but users should be cautious when incorporating external audio sources.

This update reinforces Instagram’s commitment to Reels as a core feature of its platform, continually innovating to meet the evolving needs of its creator community. As short-form video content continues to dominate social media trends, tools like multi-track audio editing are likely to become increasingly important for standing out in a crowded digital landscape.