Who owns a song?
A song can involve several separate rights. The lyrics, the musical composition and the particular recording may be controlled by different people or companies. A singer performing the song does not necessarily own all those rights.
That matters when you make your own video. You may own the footage you filmed, but adding someone else’s song does not make the music yours. Even recording yourself singing a cover creates a new performance; it does not automatically give you the right to use the underlying lyrics and composition in your Reel.
If Instagram offers the song, can you use it?
Instagram makes licensed music available through its in-app library. But a song appearing in the app is not a licence for every use you can imagine. Meta says that music in its licensed library is intended for personal, non-commercial use. Access can vary by account, type of post and location.
So, if you are making an ordinary Reel, select the track through the app and follow the conditions that apply to that feature. Do not assume you can download the finished video with its music and publish it on YouTube, send it to a brand for its own account or use it outside Instagram. Those are different uses that need their own rights check.
What changes when a brand is involved?
A sponsored Reel, a brand promotion and a paid ad need particular care. A track available for an ordinary Reel may not be cleared for commercial use. Meta also says that Instagram Reels boosted as ads cannot use music from its licensed music library.
For example, you make a Reel using a trending song and a skincare brand later asks to boost it. Before agreeing, check the music. You may need to replace the track or obtain a licence that covers the ad. Approval to use the song in the original Reel does not automatically cover the new campaign.
Meta’s Sound Collection offers tracks that it says can be used for commercial purposes, including ads, within its stated conditions. Check the particular track and intended use. Do not assume that a licence for Meta’s platforms also covers a YouTube upload or another use elsewhere.
What if the audio says “original audio” or “royalty-free”?
An “original audio” label does not prove that the uploader owns every sound in it. They may have included a protected song. Similarly, “royalty-free” usually describes a licence arrangement; it does not mean that the music has no owner or can be used without conditions.
Read the terms before choosing music from a stock site or another library. Check whether the licence permits social media, sponsored content, paid ads, editing and use on more than one platform. Some licences also require credit.
Does YouTube’s music library cover your Instagram Reel?
Do not assume so. YouTube’s Audio Library provides music and sound effects for YouTube videos, with track-specific conditions; some tracks require attribution. YouTube does not guarantee that a track from its library is cleared for use off its platform. Its Shorts music tools also operate under their own arrangements.
If you plan to post the same video on Instagram and YouTube, choose music whose licence covers both uses, or create separate versions with audio permitted on each platform.
Before you post: a practical music check
- Where did the track come from? Identify the exact library, licence or rights holder.
- What are you making? An ordinary Reel, a sponsored post and a paid ad may have different music permissions.
- Where will the video appear? Check every account and platform, including a brand’s account.
- Will the use change later? Recheck the music before boosting a Reel or giving a brand reuse rights.
- Can you prove your permission? Save the licence terms, track details or written approval.
The simple rule: A song being easy to add does not mean it is cleared for every post. Check the rights for the Reel you are making and any use planned after it goes live.
Sources and further reading
- The Copyright Act, 1957 — particularly sections 13–14 on separate protected works and rights, section 13(4) on rights in underlying works, and sections 30 and 51–52 on licences, infringement and exceptions.
- Instagram Help: Access to the licensed music library — explains the library’s intended personal, non-commercial use and Meta’s Sound Collection.
- Meta Business Help: Boost an Instagram Reel — explains restrictions on licensed music in boosted Reels.
- YouTube Help: Use music and sound effects from the Audio Library — explains track conditions, attribution and the limits of YouTube’s guidance for off-platform use.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information for creators in India. The position may depend on the content, agreement, platform and current rules. For a specific notice, campaign or dispute, ask a question on GetHelp24 or speak with an independent legal professional.