Instagram Stories have become an essential way for users to share fleeting glimpses into their daily lives, creative projects, or special events. While the platform is dynamic, it also imposes certain restrictions — such as the inability to directly save Stories with music to your camera roll. This limitation can be frustrating for users who want to preserve their musical moments, especially when the music elevates the emotion and energy of the Story.
TL;DR:
Instagram does not allow users to save Stories with music due to licensing restrictions. However, users can work around this by using screen recording, third-party apps, or reposting tools to capture the full Story with audio. iOS and Android devices both offer native solutions or can benefit from external apps. Always ensure that you respect copyright laws when saving and sharing content.
Why Can’t Instagram Stories With Music Be Saved Directly?
When you upload music to an Instagram Story using the in-app music sticker, Instagram adds this copyrighted material using temporary streaming rights. Due to these licensing agreements, Instagram limits what can be saved locally. As a result, if you try to save a Story with a song from Instagram’s music library to your camera roll, the music will usually be stripped out.
This policy protects artists and record labels while ensuring Instagram remains within legal compliance. However, for personal memories or offline sharing, users often seek creative methods to bypass this limitation.
Method 1: Use a Built-In Screen Recording Feature
This is the easiest and most direct method for most users.
For iPhone Users:
- Swipe down from the upper-right corner (or up from the bottom on older models) to open the Control Center.
- Tap the “Screen Record” button (a circle within a circle).
- Wait for the 3-second countdown, then open the Instagram Story with music.
- After the Story plays completely, return to Control Center and stop the recording.
- The video will be saved to your Photos app, complete with audio.
For Android Users:
- Swipe down and look for the “Screen Record” option in the quick settings menu.
- If unavailable, install a third-party screen recorder like AZ Screen Recorder or Mobizen.
- Start recording and then open your Instagram Story.
- Stop the recording once the Story finishes. The video will be saved to your gallery with the music included.
Method 2: Use Third-Party Apps
There are apps that can extract or save Stories as they appear, including their music. However, they come with caveats like privacy or login requirements.
Popular Apps to Consider:
- Story Saver for Instagram (Android) – Allows you to download Stories from public profiles.
- Repost Story for Instagram (iOS) – Lets you search for user profiles and download their Stories, including music.
- InSaver or InstaStories – Free apps that may offer audio-saving features depending on your device.
Note that most of these apps require access to your Instagram login, which may compromise your data. Ensure you’re using a reputable app with good user reviews and never share sensitive login details unless it’s trusted.
Method 3: Create the Story Outside Instagram First
Another effective workaround is to create your content completely offline using a video editing app, then upload it to Instagram.
Use editing apps like:
- CapCut – Add music, transitions, effects, and text.
- InShot – Easy-to-use interface with advanced music tools.
- Adobe Premiere Rush – Ideal for professionals who want greater control.
Steps:
- Use your video editor to create the video with your preferred music.
- Export it to your camera roll once completed.
- Upload it to Instagram Stories.
- Now you have the original saved with music, and also a Story version on Instagram.
Method 4: Use Websites That Archive Stories (From Public Profiles)
There are websites like StoriesIG and SaveFrom.net that allow you to download Stories from public Instagram profiles. However, the reliability of music being included is hit or miss depending on Instagram’s current coding structure.
Also, use this method only for your content or content that is shared publicly with full consent. Downloading content without permission may violate copyright or community guidelines.
Tips to Get the Best Quality
- Keep screen brightness high to avoid murky recordings.
- Use headphones with microphone when recording to prevent surrounding noise from interfering with the playback audio.
- Trim the start and end of the screen recording to remove any unnecessary moments.
- Record in vertical mode for full-screen effect.
Legal and Ethical Considerations
While it’s tempting to save any content, users should remember that all musical content on Instagram is subject to copyright laws. Even if it’s your own Story, that music might belong to a licensed artist.
It’s best to only save and repurpose content for personal use and not for monetization or distribution.
Also, respect the privacy of others. Downloading someone else’s Stories without permission, especially if those Stories are on private accounts, can be considered a breach of trust or even platform rules.
Best Practices for the Future
To make things easier in the long run:
- Always keep a local backup of your original video content.
- If you plan to use music, consider adding it yourself via an editor instead of Instagram’s music sticker.
- Check your phone’s screen recorder settings to ensure audio is enabled.
By planning ahead, you can enjoy the best of both worlds: shareable content on Instagram and high-quality saved videos complete with music.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: Why does Instagram remove music when I save a Story?
- A: Due to licensing agreements, Instagram temporarily streams music but does not allow downloaded Stories to retain copyrighted audio content.
- Q: Can I save a Story with music without using third-party apps?
- A: Yes, by using your phone’s screen recording feature, you can save the Story with both video and audio.
- Q: Is it legal to save my own Stories with music?
- A: Yes, for personal use you’re generally fine, but sharing or republishing them with music may violate copyright laws.
- Q: Is there a way to avoid these issues altogether?
- A: Yes, by creating your Story offline using a video editor, you can have full control over visuals and music, then share it freely.
- Q: Will Instagram ever allow saving Stories with music natively?
- A: It’s unclear. Unless licensing laws change, the current workaround methods are the best available options.
Saving Instagram Stories with music may take a little extra work, but with the right tools and practices, it’s entirely possible to keep your most memorable moments intact — soundtrack included.