Fix Instagram 'Music Isn't Available' & Missing Songs

Updated: 11/29/2025

You try to add a song to your Story, but the library is empty. Or worse, you tap on a friend's Story and get the error: 'Instagram Music isn't available in your region'. This is incredibly annoying, especially if you know music works in your country. This glitch is usually caused by a licensing conflict with 'Business' accounts or a corrupted GPS cache on your phone.

Method 1: Switch to 'Creator' Account

This is the #1 Fix. If you have a 'Business' account, copyright laws prevent you from using commercial music (like Taylor Swift or Drake) for ads. Instagram blocks the music library by default.

Step 1: Settings

Go to Settings > Account.

Step 2: Switch Type

Scroll down to 'Switch account type'. Select Switch to Creator Account. Creator accounts have full access to the music library and analytics, without the copyright restrictions of Business accounts.

Method 2: Force a Region Refresh (VPN Fix)

If you recently traveled, your app might still think you are in a country where music is unlicensed.

• Uninstall Instagram.
• Turn on a VPN to a supported country (like the US or UK).
• Reinstall Instagram.
• Log in. This forces the app to download the music catalog for the VPN's location. Once it works, you can usually turn the VPN off.

Method 3: The 'Song Save' Workaround

If your search bar is broken but the feature works, try this bypass.

Find a Reel from someone else that uses the song you want. Tap the Song Name at the bottom. Tap the 'Save Audio' flag icon. Now go to create your Story, select Music, and tap the 'Saved' tab. The song should be there, bypassing the broken search bar.