Instagram now allows users to replace music on published feed posts and carousels without deleting and uploading the content again. The new Replace Audio tool preserves the post’s existing likes, comments, shares and reach while changing its soundtrack.
The update gives creators, businesses and other users more control over older content. Previously, anyone who wanted to change a song had to remove the entire post and lose its accumulated engagement.
Music Can Be Replaced Multiple Times
Users can change a post’s music as often as they choose, according to Instagram. Replacing the audio will not provide an additional boost from the platform’s recommendation system.
Jimmy O’Keefe, Instagram’s head of creator product marketing, said users should not remain permanently tied to every creative decision made when publishing. The company views Replace Audio as part of its effort to let content change over time.
Instagram has detailed the feature through an official post. The tool works with published photo posts and carousels that contain music.
To access it, users must open the published post and select the two-line menu in the upper-right corner. They can then choose Edit, select Replace Audio and pick another track.
The updated soundtrack replaces the original selection while the photos, caption and engagement remain unchanged. This allows users to refresh older posts, correct an unsuitable song or select music that better matches their current preferences.
Instagram Continues Updating Creator Controls
Replace Audio follows other changes that provide more control over published content. Instagram recently introduced options to rearrange profile grids and add separate captions to individual slides within carousels.
The company has also continued testing new sharing and AI functions, with mixed responses from users. In May, Instagram introduced Instants, a feature for sending spontaneous photos that disappear after being viewed or after 24 hours.
Meta later removed an AI tool that allowed people to generate images by referencing public Instagram accounts. The company said the feature had “missed the mark” after users and industry groups raised privacy concerns.
Replace Audio is available through the Instagram post-editing menu. The company has not said whether the feature is being introduced gradually or is immediately available to every account.
Featured image credits: Wikimedia Commons
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