Instagram has made it easier than ever for creators to showcase their creativity by enabling them to add multiple tracks (songs) to a reel. Users can add up to 20 tracks in a reel and line these up with elements like text, stickers, and clips while editing directly in the Instagram app.
This feature unlocks many new, fun types of content, such as:
- Creating themed Reels (e.g. a NYC trip with multiple NY songs in it)
- Mixing funny original audio quips with music for comedic Reels
- Quickly changing the mood of a Reel (e.g. ‘Before & After’)
- Using the instrumental intro of a song multiple times if it gains traction
- Creating an album teaser using snippets from multiple songs or even creating a greatest hits mix
How to Create a Reel with Multiple Tracks
- Recording and Selecting Tracks: Users can record a reel and tap the Music icon to select their first audio track. The first track can be added before recording, after uploading video from the camera, through the Reels editor, and from audio pages.
- Adding Additional Tracks: Once the first track is selected, users tap "Edit video" and select "Add audio" to include a second track. For additional tracks, users need to tap the second track to unselect it and then select "Add audio" again.
- Editing Tracks: The editor tool allows users to place, trim, overlap, and adjust the volume of their tracks. They can change or remove tracks before sharing the reel by tapping "Edit video," selecting the track, then either tapping "Replace" or "Discard."
Additional Notes
- Users can combine licensed music and original audio in their reel’s audio mix.
- Reels with multiple tracks will display all tracks in the title of the audio.
- Lyrics can only be added for one track. If lyrics are added for a second track, the previously selected lyrics will be removed.
How to Create a Reel with an Audio Mix from Someone Else’s Reel
- Using Someone Else’s Audio Mix: Users can watch someone else’s reel and tap on the title of the track at the bottom to go to the mix’s audio page.
- Creating a New Reel: Tap "Use audio mix" to create a new reel with the audio mix. Note that audio mixes cannot have additional tracks added to them.
Audio Mixes and Public Accounts
If a user has a public account, anyone can use their audio mixes in their reels on Instagram. However, audio mixes aren’t available on Facebook reels, and a reel on Instagram with audio mixes can’t be shared to Facebook.
Instagram encourages users to try out this feature and welcomes any feedback.
Important: To ensure full functionality and access to this feature, users should ensure their app is up to date.