Only if the music is already in the video file. Instagram’s publishing API takes the Reel’s video and its own audio, but has no way to add a track from Instagram’s music library, so trending library audio is added in the Instagram app. Schedule Reels with original or licensed audio edited into the video, and add library tracks in the app.
Key takeaways
- A scheduled Reel publishes with the audio already in its video file.
- Instagram’s API has no option to add a track from its music library; that happens in the Instagram app.
- If Instagram detects licensed music in an uploaded Reel, it relabels the audio with the artist and song.
- Licensed tracks can be muted later if Instagram’s agreements with rights holders change.
On this page
Can a scheduled Reel use trending music?
Yes, when the music is part of the video you upload. Every scheduler publishes Reels through Instagram’s API, which takes the video file, a caption, a cover, tags and a few settings. It has no field for a track from Instagram’s music library, so a trending song picked from the in-app Audio tool can only be added in the Instagram app.
What audio works in a scheduled Reel?
Instagram says licensed tracks can become muted when its agreements with rights holders change, so use music you are allowed to use. The post can still be viewed if its audio is muted.
| Audio | In a scheduled Reel? | What Instagram does |
|---|---|---|
| Your own voice, sounds or music | Yes, from the video file | Shows it as Original audio under your name |
| Music you have the rights to, edited in | Yes, from the video file | May relabel it with the artist and song and add the Reel to the song’s audio page |
| A track from Instagram’s music library | No, add it in the Instagram app | Attributed to the artist when added in the app |
| Another creator’s original audio | No, use it in the app | Credits the creator when used in the app |
How do you keep trending audio in your Reels plan?
Check the clip against the Instagram Reel length limits before you upload, and see the Instagram scheduler for every Reel option.
Edit the sound in
For most Reels, build the audio into the video: a voiceover, your own sound, or music you have the rights to.
Schedule those Reels
Upload the finished video to SkedCast and schedule it with its caption, cover and tags.
Hold the trend-led ones
For a Reel built on a trending library track, save the video as a draft in the Instagram app and add the track there.
Post it while it trends
Publish that Reel in the app at your planned time, so the track is attached and the trend is still running.
Why can’t a scheduler add Instagram’s music library?
Because Instagram does not offer it to apps. Music in the Instagram library is licensed for use inside Instagram’s own Audio tool, and the publishing API Meta gives schedulers has no parameter for it. No scheduler can add access Instagram has not built. If a Reel will not schedule at all, see why Reels won’t schedule on Instagram.
Sources
FAQ
- Can I schedule an Instagram Reel with any trending song?
- Only if the song is already in the video file and you are allowed to use it. Tracks from Instagram’s music library can be added only in the Instagram app.
- Why is this a limitation and not a scheduler bug?
- Instagram’s publishing API has no option for library music, so every scheduler publishes the Reel with the audio in its file.
- What audio works fine when scheduling a Reel?
- Anything in the video file: a voiceover, your own sounds, or music you have the rights to. Instagram shows original audio under your name.
- What happens if my uploaded Reel contains a popular song?
- Instagram may detect it, relabel the audio with the artist and song, and add the Reel to that song’s audio page. Licensed tracks can be muted later if rights agreements change.
- Can I add trending music after a Reel is scheduled?
- Not through a scheduler. For a trend-led Reel, save it as a draft in the Instagram app, add the track there and post it from the app.
- Can I schedule Instagram posts in bulk?
- Yes. SkedCast's bulk import schedules a whole batch from a CSV, Excel file or Google Sheet in one upload.
- Can I schedule Instagram posts for free?
- Yes. SkedCast's permanent free plan schedules posts with no card and no time limit.