Snapchat: How to Add Music to Stories & Snaps on iOS

To add music to a Snap or Story on iOS, open the Snapchat camera, take a photo or video, then tap the music note icon (sticker) on the right side of the screen. From there, you can search for a song, preview it, and adjust the exact 10-second segment you want to play. This feature is built into the app, so you don’t need a separate editor or third-party app.

Background: How Snapchat’s Music Feature Works

Snapchat introduced its music library in 2020 through a licensing agreement with major record labels. The feature lets you attach a licensed track to a Snap, and the song plays as the Snap is viewed. Unlike some other platforms, Snapchat doesn’t give you the full song—you pick a 10-second clip, which keeps the feature within the bounds of its licensing deals.

The music feature is available on iOS and Android, but the exact library and search options can vary by region and device. On iOS, the feature is tightly integrated with the camera and editing tools, so you can add music before or after recording. The song you choose appears as a small sticker on the Snap, which viewers can tap to see the song title and artist.

How to Add Music to a Snap (Step-by-Step)

Here’s the exact process for adding music to a photo or video Snap on an iPhone:

Open Snapchat and make sure you’re on the camera screen.
Take a photo (tap the shutter) or record a video (hold the shutter). You can also use a photo from your camera roll by swiping up and selecting it.
Tap the music note icon on the right side of the editing screen. It’s usually above the sticker icon (the square smiley face).
Browse the featured songs or use the search bar to find a specific track.
Tap a song to preview it. You’ll see a waveform with a slider that lets you choose the 10-second segment.
Drag the slider to the part you want, then tap Done.
If you want, you can move the music sticker around the screen or resize it with your fingers.
Send the Snap to friends or add it to your Story by tapping the blue arrow at the bottom right.

If you don’t see the music note icon, it might be because your app isn’t updated, or the feature isn’t available in your region. Try updating Snapchat from the App Store.

How to Choose the Right Song and Segment

The 10-second limit means you need to pick the part of the song that fits your Snap’s mood. Here are some practical tips:

Match the beat to your video: If you recorded a video, try to align the song’s beat with the action. Snapchat doesn’t auto-sync, so you’ll have to eyeball it.
Use the search bar: You can search by song title, artist, or even a lyric. The search results show songs that are licensed for Snapchat.
Preview before you commit: The waveform preview is your only way to hear the clip before sending. Use it to make sure the segment starts and ends cleanly.
Check the sticker: The music sticker shows the song title and artist. Tap it to change the style (e.g., a small icon vs. a full-width bar).

If you want a specific part of a song that isn’t in the first 10 seconds, drag the slider to the right. The slider represents the entire song, so you can pick any 10-second window.

Common Problems and Fixes

Here are the most frequent issues people run into and how to solve them:

No music icon: Update the app, check your internet connection, and make sure your device is on a supported iOS version (Snapchat requires iOS 13 or later for the latest features).
Song not available: Some songs are region-locked or not licensed for Snapchat. Try a different track or search for the artist’s popular songs.
Music doesn’t play on a photo: On a photo Snap, the music only plays when the viewer taps and holds the screen. This is by design—it’s a static image, so the sound isn’t automatic.
Music stops when you add other stickers: Adding stickers or text doesn’t stop the music, but if you use the “Voiceover” feature (the microphone icon), it will replace the music.
Snap is muted when viewed: If the viewer has their phone on silent, the music won’t play. You can’t control that from your end.

Adding Music to a Story vs. a Direct Snap

The process is identical for a Story and a direct Snap. The only difference is where you send it. When you’re done editing, tap the blue arrow and choose My Story or a specific friend. If you add music to a Snap that you send directly, the recipient can tap the sticker to see the song info. If you add it to your Story, all your friends can see it for 24 hours.

One thing to note: you can’t add music to a Snap after you’ve already posted it. You have to add it during the editing phase. If you want to add music to a photo from your camera roll, you can do that by swiping up on the camera screen, selecting the photo, and then following the same steps.

Cost and Availability

The music feature is free to use—there’s no premium subscription required. However, it’s only available in countries where Snapchat has licensing agreements. In some regions, the feature might be limited or absent. You can check if it’s available by looking for the music note icon on the editing screen.

Snapchat also offers a subscription called Snapchat+, but it doesn’t unlock additional music features. The music library is the same for all users.

Alternatives: Adding Music Without Snapchat’s Library

If you can’t find the song you want in Snapchat’s library, or if the feature isn’t available, you have a few workarounds:

Record with music playing: Play the song on another device (like a laptop or speaker) and record your Snap with the audio. This works, but the audio quality may be lower, and you’ll need to be careful about copyright if you’re posting publicly.
Use a third-party editing app: Edit your video with music in an app like iMovie or CapCut, then upload the final video to Snapchat as a camera roll video. This gives you full control over the audio, but you lose the interactive music sticker.
Use Snapchat’s voiceover feature: If you want to add your own commentary or a song that’s not in the library, you can record a voiceover. It won’t be the actual song, but it’s a way to add audio.

Keep in mind that these workarounds may not have the same licensing as Snapchat’s built-in feature, so be cautious if you’re posting to a public Story.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add music to a Snap after I’ve already posted it?

No. Once a Snap is sent or posted to your Story, you can’t edit it. You’d have to delete the Story and re-upload the Snap with the music added.

Why don’t I have the music feature on my iPhone?

The music feature requires the latest version of Snapchat and a supported iOS version. It’s also region-dependent. Check for updates, and if it’s still missing, it may not be available in your country.

Can I use any song from Apple Music or Spotify?

No. Snapchat has its own licensed library, which is separate from Apple Music or Spotify. You can only use songs that Snapchat has licensed, which is a large but not complete catalog.

How do I make the music play for the whole video?

You can’t. The music clip is limited to 10 seconds, which is the maximum length for a Snap. If your video is shorter than 10 seconds, the music will stop when the video ends.

Can I add music to a Snap with multiple photos?

Yes, you can add music to a Snap that contains multiple photos or videos (up to 10 seconds total). The music will play over the entire Snap, but you still only get 10 seconds of audio.

Does Snapchat pay artists for the music?

Yes, Snapchat has licensing agreements with record labels and publishers, and artists receive royalties when their music is used. This is why you can’t just upload any song you want.

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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