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EXPLAINER: Navigating Instagram music restrictions in Africa

Instagram's music feature, which lets you add music and soundtracks to your stories

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by ROZANNE NTHAMBI

Realtime20 November 2024 - 13:32
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In Summary


  • However, if you’re in Africa or any other region not listed, you won't be able to access Instagram Music directly.
  • Users can browse and pick a song, then select a 15-second snippet for their followers to hear.




Are you getting the error "Instagram music isn’t available in your region"? You're not alone—many people are facing this issue.

 Instagram's music feature, which lets you add music and soundtracks to your stories, was released not too long ago.

 When you tap on the music in a story, you can listen, comment, or share it to your own story.

 However, not everyone can use this feature yet. If you live in a region where it’s not available, you’ll get a message saying it's not accessible in your area.

 In fact, countries in Africa face music restrictions to a greater extent than other regions. The only option is to either put up with content limitations or look for alternatives.

 Hopefully, if you're here, you're ready to fight for music availability in your country. Additionally, while dealing with such restrictions, it’s worth exploring other apps and services and ensuring their safety.

 For instance, many users often ask, is WhatsApp safe? —a crucial question when considering the security of personal communication apps.

 Why is VPN Needed?

Why do you need a VPN to access Instagram Music? It's because Instagram doesn't have the licensing rights to offer music in every region, leading to geographic restrictions.

Currently, Instagram Music is only available in Germany, France, Sweden, New Zealand, Australia, the UK, and the US. If you live in any of these countries, your IP address allows you to access Instagram Music without any issues.

However, if you’re in Africa or any other region not listed, you won't be able to access Instagram Music directly.

This is where a VPN comes in handy. A VPN can provide you with an IP address from one of these licensed regions, allowing you to enjoy Instagram Music regardless of your actual location.

 Just choose a VPN server based in one of the supported countries, and you'll be all set.

Using a reliable VPN also helps expand access to other music services.

For example, you can enjoy Spotify access with VeePN to bypass geo-restrictions and unlock a broader music library while keeping your online activities private and secure.

 How to Access Instagram Music in Africa?

 "People come to Facebook and Instagram to express themselves and be entertained. That's why we're integrating music into how users share and connect. We've partnered with creators and music experts globally to enhance these experiences.”

 “However, due to licensing restrictions, some music features will not be available in parts of Africa. We're continuously working to expand access so everyone can enjoy creating and discovering content they love".

Facing the "Instagram Music Isn't Available in Your Region" error?

 Music features are restricted in certain countries, including UAE, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Palestine, Libya, Bulgaria, Lebanon, Kuwait, Iraq, Qatar, Jordan, Tajikistan, and Yemen.

 Here's a step-by-step guide to help you bypass this restriction and enjoy Instagram music from anywhere in Africa.

 Step 1: Uninstall Instagram

 First, uninstall the Instagram app from your device.

 This step is crucial because the app detects your current location the first time you run it.

Step 2: Set Up a VPN

 Before reinstalling Instagram, you'll need to set up a VPN on your phone.

 The problem is that Instagram music not working because the service sees your location.

 But you can eliminate Instagram music issues if you change your virtual geolocation.

That's what VPN is for. Follow these steps:

 1. Open the App Store or Google Play and search for a free VPN app.

2. Install the VPN app on your phone.

3. Open the VPN app and connect to a server in the US, UK, Canada, or any other country where Instagram music is available.

 Step 3: Reinstall Instagram

 Once your VPN is running:

1. Go to the Google Play Store or App Store and reinstall Instagram.

2. After installation, log back into your Instagram account.

Step 4: Enjoy Instagram Music

 Now that you have Instagram running with the VPN connected:

 1. Close the Instagram app completely.

2. Open Instagram again while the VPN is still active.

That's it! You can now listen to Instagram music in stories and add it to your own stories, regardless of your actual location in Africa.

How to Use Instagram Music?

 Adding music to stories on Instagram and Facebook is straightforward.

 Just launch the stories option, take a picture or video, swipe up, and select the "stickers" option to choose "music."

 Users can browse and pick a song, then select a 15-second snippet for their followers to hear.

The list of songs also varies by region. This means you can also use a VPN extension to expand your available audio library.

 On Facebook, users can also pin a song to their profiles, allowing followers to listen while scrolling through their accounts.

 How to Add Music to Your Instagram Story in Africa

1. Capture Content: Take a photo or video, or select one from your smartphone library.

2. Create Your Story: Begin making an Instagram story as usual.

3. Add Music: Go to stickers and find the ‘Music’ sticker. Pick a song and choose the segment and timing you want for your story.

4. Customize the Music Sticker: Decide whether you want the music sticker to display as lyrics, cover art, or a small box with the song's name.

5. Finalize and Post: Tap ‘Done’ when you’re finished and post your story.

 Final Thoughts

How can you access Instagram Music? If you use a high-quality VPN, switching your Instagram location is easy and quick.

A VPN helps you bypass geographic restrictions, including those on Instagram Music.

No matter where you are in the world, including Africa, a VPN allows you to add music to your Instagram Stories and enjoy music from others. 

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