Instagram Stories have become one of the most popular ways to connect with followers, showcase creativity, and promote content. One of the most fun and engaging features is the ability to add music. But if you’ve recently tried to add a song and noticed it only plays for 5 seconds, you’re probably wondering — why? And more importantly, how do I fix it?
This guide will walk you through why Instagram Story music might be limited to 5 seconds, and the step-by-step solutions you can use to restore your full music options. Let’s dive in.
What’s the Normal Duration for Instagram Story Music?
Instagram Stories can last up to 15 seconds per slide. When adding music to a video, the clip will usually match the video’s length. However, when you’re adding music to a photo, Instagram allows you to select the length of the music — typically between 5 and 15 seconds.
So if your music is capped at 5 seconds, especially on photos, it likely means the default setting is stuck — and needs to be manually reset.
Why Instagram Music Is Only Playing for 5 Seconds
1. Saved Preferences from Previous Stories
Instagram remembers your last-used settings for Stories. If you once selected 5 seconds for a song, the app may automatically use that setting again — even if it doesn’t fit your current Story.
2. Glitches or Bugs in the App
Instagram occasionally experiences bugs that affect specific features, including music. If the app isn’t functioning properly, your music duration options might be limited.
3. Outdated App Version
Older versions of the app can lead to performance issues, such as music limitations. Instagram frequently updates its features and fixes bugs through app updates.
4. Account Type Restrictions
Business accounts may not have full access to the entire Instagram music library. Some songs may only play for limited lengths due to copyright restrictions or licensing policies.
5. Music Licensing Issues
Certain music tracks may only be licensed to play short segments, depending on your region, copyright laws, or the rights given by the music publisher to Instagram.
How to Fix Instagram Story Music Being Only 5 Seconds
Here’s how you can fix the issue step by step:
Method 1: Reset Music Duration via New Story
The easiest fix is to reset your music length manually:
1. Open Instagram and tap the “+” button to create a Story.
2. Choose a new photo from your gallery (a random image works fine).
3. Tap the sticker icon and select the Music sticker.
4. Search and choose any song.
5. Tap the “duration” number that appears (usually shows “5”).
6. Change it to your preferred time (e.g., 10 or 15 seconds).
Either post it or discard it after setting the new duration.
Result: This resets your default duration and usually resolves the 5-second issue.
Method 2: Update the Instagram App
Always make sure you’re using the latest version of Instagram. To check:
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Go to the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play Store (Android)
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Search Instagram
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Tap Update if available
Outdated versions can limit or glitch features, including music options.
Method 3: Reinstall the App
If updating doesn’t help, reinstalling Instagram can reset any corrupt settings or cached data.
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Uninstall Instagram from your device.
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Restart your phone.
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Reinstall Instagram from the app store.
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Log back into your account.
This often resolves hidden glitches that prevent music from working as expected.
Method 4: Switch Account Type (if using Business)
If you’re using a Business Account, some music tracks may be restricted due to copyright licensing differences.
You can try switching to a Creator or Personal Account:
1. Go to Settings > Account
2. Tap Switch Account Type
3. Choose either Creator or Personal
This change may unlock full music features, including longer durations.
Method 5: Try a Different Song
It’s possible the 5-second limit only applies to the specific track you’re using. Test it:
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Add another song from the music library.
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See if Instagram allows more than 5 seconds.
If other songs allow full length, the original track is likely restricted by the platform.
Extra Tips for Better Instagram Story Music Use
Add Music to Videos Instead of Photos
Videos automatically play music for their full duration (up to 15 seconds), so if music on photos gives you trouble, try using short videos instead.
Use Third-Party Editing Apps
You can create Stories with music in apps like InShot, CapCut, or Canva, then upload them to Instagram fully edited.
Test on Another Device
Sometimes, the issue is device-specific. Try logging into your account on a different phone and testing the Story music feature there.
Final Thoughts
If your Instagram Story music is only playing for 5 seconds, don’t worry — you’re not alone, and it’s usually easy to fix. Most of the time, it happens because of a saved setting from a previous Story, a small glitch in the app, or a song that has time limits.
The good news is that you can fix it by simply adjusting the music duration when you add a new photo, updating or reinstalling the app, or trying a different song. Also, switching your account type from business to personal or creator can sometimes help.
Just take a few minutes to try the steps in this guide, and you’ll likely have your music playing up to 15 seconds again in no time. Keep your app updated, try different songs, and don’t be afraid to test a few settings — your perfect Story soundtrack is just a few taps away.