How to Add Music to Your Snapchat Stories: The Ultimate Guide

Snapchat has evolved from a simple disappearing photo app to a dynamic social media platform where users share their lives through engaging stories. A key element of creating captivating stories is adding music. Music can set the mood, enhance the visual content, and make your snaps more entertaining for your friends and followers. This comprehensive guide will walk you through all the different ways to add music to your Snapchat stories, ensuring you can create the perfect vibe for every snap.

## Why Add Music to Your Snapchat Stories?

Before we dive into the how-to, let’s quickly explore why adding music to your Snapchat stories is a good idea:

* **Engagement:** Music grabs attention and keeps viewers engaged with your content.
* **Emotion:** It can evoke specific emotions, making your stories more impactful.
* **Personalization:** It allows you to express your personality and taste in music.
* **Creativity:** Music opens doors to creative storytelling possibilities.
* **Trending:** Incorporating trending songs can boost visibility.

## Method 1: Using the Official Snapchat Music Library

Snapchat has a built-in music library that provides a wide selection of songs from various artists and genres. This is the easiest and most straightforward method for adding music to your snaps. Here’s how to use it:

**Step 1: Open Snapchat and Prepare Your Snap**

* Launch the Snapchat app on your smartphone (iOS or Android).
* Tap the camera icon at the bottom to open the camera.
* Take a photo or video by tapping the capture button (the large circle at the bottom). You can also press and hold the capture button to record a video. Remember, videos can be up to 60 seconds long, though they’re often viewed in shorter segments on stories.
* Alternatively, you can upload a photo or video from your camera roll by tapping the small square icon to the left of the capture button.

**Step 2: Access the Music Sticker**

* Once you have your photo or video ready, look for the sticker icon. It’s usually located on the right side of the screen.
* Tap the sticker icon to open the sticker menu. A variety of stickers will appear.
* Scroll through the sticker options until you find the “Music” sticker. The icon typically looks like a musical note.
* Tap on the “Music” sticker to open the Snapchat music library.

**Step 3: Choose Your Song**

* The Snapchat music library will display a selection of trending songs, featured playlists, and genres.
* You can browse through the available options or use the search bar at the top to find a specific song, artist, or genre.
* As you scroll, you’ll see previews of each song. Tap the play button next to a song title to listen to a short clip. This helps you decide if it’s the right fit for your snap.

**Step 4: Select the Snippet and Add to Your Snap**

* Once you’ve found the perfect song, tap on its title to select it.
* A waveform display will appear, allowing you to choose the specific section of the song you want to use in your snap. Drag the beginning and ending markers on the waveform to select your desired snippet.
* Keep in mind that you can only use a limited portion of the song (typically up to 15 seconds) in your Snapchat story.
* Once you’ve selected your snippet, tap the checkmark or “Done” button to confirm your choice.

**Step 5: Customize the Music Sticker**

* After selecting the music snippet, the music sticker will appear on your snap.
* You can reposition the sticker by tapping and dragging it around the screen.
* You can also resize the sticker by pinching or expanding it with two fingers.
* Some music stickers offer different display options. For example, you might be able to choose to display the song title and artist name, or just the album art. Tap on the sticker to cycle through the available display options.
* If you want to remove the music sticker altogether, tap and hold it, then drag it to the trash can icon that appears.

**Step 6: Add Other Effects and Send Your Snap**

* Now that you’ve added music, you can enhance your snap with other features, such as filters, text, drawings, and additional stickers.
* When you’re satisfied with your creation, tap the “Send To” button in the bottom right corner.
* Choose who you want to send your snap to. You can send it to individual friends, groups, or your Snapchat story.
* Tap the “Send” button to share your snap.

## Method 2: Using Music Streaming Services (Spotify, Apple Music, etc.)

While Snapchat’s built-in music library is convenient, it might not have every song you’re looking for. In that case, you can use music streaming services like Spotify or Apple Music to add music to your snaps. This method involves a slightly more complicated workaround, but it can be useful if you have a specific song in mind that isn’t available in the Snapchat library.

**Important Note:** This method primarily works for *videos*, not still photos. The idea is to play the music through your phone’s speakers while recording the video on Snapchat. The music will be captured as part of the video’s audio.

**Step 1: Start Playing Music on Your Streaming Service**

* Open your preferred music streaming app (e.g., Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music).
* Find the song you want to use in your Snapchat story.
* Start playing the song, ensuring the volume is at a reasonable level. You want the music to be audible in your Snapchat recording, but not so loud that it distorts the audio or overpowers your voice (if you’re speaking in the video).

**Step 2: Open Snapchat and Prepare to Record**

* Without pausing the music, quickly switch to the Snapchat app.
* Navigate to the camera screen as you would when creating a regular snap.

**Step 3: Record Your Snap**

* Press and hold the capture button to record a video. As you record, the music playing in the background will be captured by your phone’s microphone.
* Be mindful of the ambient noise around you. A quiet environment will result in a cleaner audio recording of the music.
* You can speak while recording, but your voice might compete with the music. Consider adjusting the music volume beforehand to achieve a good balance.

**Step 4: Review and Send Your Snap**

* Once you’ve finished recording, review your snap to ensure the music sounds good and the video is satisfactory.
* If you’re happy with the result, tap the “Send To” button.
* Choose your recipients (friends, groups, or your story) and tap “Send.” Keep in mind the quality of the audio recorded depends on your phone’s microphone and the surrounding environment. External noises and microphone quality can affect the final result.

**Important Considerations for Streaming Service Method:**

* **Sound Quality:** The sound quality of the music will be lower compared to using the Snapchat music library. This is because the music is being captured by your phone’s microphone instead of being directly integrated into the app.
* **Copyright Issues:** Be aware of copyright issues when using copyrighted music in your Snapchat stories, especially if you’re sharing your stories publicly. While Snapchat generally has licensing agreements in place for the songs in its library, using music from streaming services might not be covered. While it’s unlikely you’ll face legal trouble for personal use, it’s something to keep in mind.
* **Seamless Transition:** This method can feel a bit clunky. You’re essentially trying to synchronize two apps and hoping for a smooth audio capture. Practice a few times to get the timing right.

## Method 3: Using Third-Party Apps (Not Recommended)

While there used to be third-party apps that claimed to directly integrate with Snapchat to add music, most of these apps are now outdated or unreliable. Many of them violate Snapchat’s terms of service and could potentially compromise your account security.

**Therefore, it’s generally not recommended to use third-party apps to add music to your Snapchat stories.**

Stick to the official Snapchat music library or the streaming service workaround for the safest and most reliable experience.

## Tips for Creating Engaging Snapchat Stories with Music

* **Choose the Right Music:** Select music that complements the mood and content of your snap. Upbeat music is great for fun, energetic moments, while slower, more mellow music might be better suited for reflective or sentimental snaps.
* **Consider Your Audience:** Think about your audience’s taste in music when choosing songs. If you know your friends have similar musical preferences, you can cater to those preferences. If you have a diverse audience, you might want to stick to more popular or widely known songs.
* **Use Music to Tell a Story:** Music can be a powerful storytelling tool. Use it to emphasize certain aspects of your narrative or to create a specific atmosphere.
* **Keep it Concise:** Snapchat stories are meant to be short and engaging. Don’t use excessively long music snippets that might bore your viewers. Aim for 5-15 second clips that capture the essence of the song.
* **Pay Attention to Volume Levels:** Ensure the music isn’t too loud or too quiet. You want it to enhance your snap, not overpower it.
* **Experiment and Have Fun:** Don’t be afraid to experiment with different songs, stickers, and effects to create unique and creative Snapchat stories. The most important thing is to have fun and express yourself!
* **Stay Updated:** Snapchat regularly updates its features, including the music library. Keep an eye out for new songs and features to keep your stories fresh and exciting.
* **Consider Transitions:** If your snap involves a transition or change in scenery, choose a music snippet that reflects that change. A well-placed transition in the music can add a professional touch to your story.

## Troubleshooting Common Music Issues on Snapchat

Even with the official methods, you might encounter some issues when adding music to your Snapchat stories. Here are some common problems and how to troubleshoot them:

* **Music Sticker Not Appearing:**
* **Update Snapchat:** Make sure you have the latest version of the Snapchat app installed. Outdated versions might not have the music sticker feature.
* **Check Your Region:** The music sticker feature might not be available in all regions. If you’re traveling or using a VPN, your location might be affecting the feature’s availability.
* **Restart the App:** Sometimes, simply closing and reopening the Snapchat app can resolve temporary glitches.
* **Clear Cache:** Clearing the Snapchat app’s cache can sometimes fix unexpected issues. You can usually find this option in your phone’s settings under “Apps” or “Application Manager.”
* **Song Not Available in the Library:**
* **Search Carefully:** Double-check the spelling of the song title and artist name. Minor errors can prevent the song from appearing in the search results.
* **Check for Alternative Versions:** The song might be available under a different title or as a remix. Try searching for alternative versions of the song.
* **Use the Streaming Service Method:** If the song is not available in the Snapchat library, you can try using the music streaming service workaround.
* **Music Sounds Distorted or Too Quiet:**
* **Adjust Volume Levels:** Make sure your phone’s volume is set to an appropriate level before recording your snap.
* **Check Microphone Settings:** Ensure your phone’s microphone is working properly and not being blocked by anything.
* **Record in a Quiet Environment:** Minimize background noise when recording your snap to improve the audio quality.
* **Snapchat Crashing When Adding Music:**
* **Free Up Storage Space:** Snapchat requires sufficient storage space to function properly. Delete unnecessary files or apps to free up space on your phone.
* **Restart Your Phone:** A simple phone restart can often resolve temporary software issues.
* **Reinstall Snapchat:** If the problem persists, try uninstalling and reinstalling the Snapchat app.

## Conclusion

Adding music to your Snapchat stories is a fantastic way to enhance your content and make it more engaging for your audience. Whether you choose to use the official Snapchat music library or the streaming service workaround, there are plenty of options to find the perfect soundtrack for your snaps. By following the steps and tips outlined in this guide, you can create captivating Snapchat stories that will keep your friends and followers entertained. So go ahead, experiment with different songs and effects, and let your creativity shine! Remember to always respect copyright laws and terms of service while sharing on social media.