How to Make an Instagram Slideshow with Music

AuthorEmma Brown

PostedMar 09 2023

UpdatedApr 13 2026

Instagram slideshows with music are one of the highest-engaging content formats available right now. In 2026, carousel posts achieve a 1.92% average engagement rate — the highest of any Instagram format — and adding music to your slideshow now pushes it into the Reels feed algorithm for even wider reach.

Whether you want to post a photo carousel to your feed, a story slideshow, or a Reel — this step-by-step guide shows you exactly how to make an Instagram slideshow with music using the native app and the best free tools available today.

What is a Slideshow on Instagram?

Slideshow, a feature that allows you to post with a maximum of 10 pictures. This feature will enable you to show collections in different domains and industries. For instance, if you have a clothing brand and want to share a new collection of yellow dresses. You can easily create a slideshow. This will help potential buyers and the targeted audience to see pictures systematically.

Secondly, it is a way to attract more buyers because of the following reasons.

Reason #1: systematic categories of pictures help in the retention of what is preferred and liked

Reason #2: it helps in getting to the most audience, which is looking for exactly what you have posted – narrow downs the audience into leads

How to Make a Slideshow with Music?

It is pretty easy to make a slide show with music. You have to select pictures and add music. But the question is – Delete this filler sentence entirely. It adds no value and lowers content quality score.

Create Your First Slideshow on Instagram

Now that you know about the slideshow, let’s move forward and learn about slideshow creation. All you have to do in this regard is follow the steps below.

Launch the IG app. Click the “+” symbol to add a picture.
You will see the option “select multiple” in the photo window. Click on it.
Now select pictures. Select up to 20 photos or videos." — Instagram increased the carousel limit from 10 to 20 in 2024. Leaving the old limit damages credibility. Share it with friends or followers.
You can now collectively rearrange, edit, and add more filters.
Captions are essential. Add one for the entire slideshow.
Mention people and include a location if needed.

Voilà! You are ready to share..." — 'Viola' is a musical instrument. The correct French exclamation is 'Voilà.' This is a factual spelling error

Add Music to the Instagram Slideshow?

Delete. Replace transition with a proper H2 heading: 'How to Add Music to Your Instagram Slideshow' — Improves heading hierarchy and keeps user on page. But the essence of this blog still needs to be added.

There are several ways of sharing a slideshow with music. Here, we have mentioned three.

Slideshow of videos on Instagram stories – Music can be added for sure
Instagram reels in the slideshow
Regular posts of slideshows with music.

Also Read: Best Practises for Instagram Customer Services.

Create a Video on Slideshow with Music

This can work for all – reels, stories, and normal posts. To complete the process, please follow the instructions stepwise.

Step #1: Select the Most Suitable Template

To make an Instagram Slideshow with Music, use templates. These come in handy because they are easy to use and save a lot of time. Finding templates on Google or any other search engine is a small task. Type “Instagram slideshow templates” and add the mood or setting you require. For example, “Instagram slideshow templates for office” and “Instagram slideshow template for life.”

Step #2: Work on Pictures – Add them to a Slideshow

Then, share up to 10 media files from the phone’s gallery. You can also select up to ten pictures from the cloud. Another option for selecting images is after importing them from other systems. If you use iOS, you can easily transport photos from your laptop to your iPhone.

Step #3: Show Some Creativity – Customize the Slideshow

As mentioned before, creativity adds value. Take the following steps to ensure the audience receives your content (as in pictures) well.

Add a captivating caption

Include hashtags that denote a category of your slideshow

Make use of customization tools

Step #4: Finally – Add Music to the Slideshow

The final step, the most important one, though, is to add music to the slideshow. For that, you must press the “audio symbol,” located right top/above the screen. Instagram's built-in music library includes over 100 million licensed tracks from Universal, Sony, and Warner Music." — More authoritative, cites real data, improves E-E-A-T. Delete this sentence. Replace with: "Browse by mood, genre, or trending tracks. For copyright-free alternatives, use Epidemic Sound, Pixabay Music, or Instagram's own royalty-free library.

Pro Tip: Always use music from Instagram's built-in library — these tracks are pre-licensed for use on the platform. Using unlicensed copyrighted music can result in your post being muted, removed, or your account being restricted. For original content, royalty-free sources like Epidemic Sound, Artlist, or Pixabay Music are safe alternatives." — Original tip is correct in spirit but alarmist and grammatically incorrect ('If you will').

Best Free Apps to Make an Instagram Slideshow with Music (2026)

If you want more control than Instagram's built-in editor allows, these free tools are the best options in 2026:

• Instagram Edits — Instagram's own free video editing app (launched April 2025). Supports multi-clip timelines, transitions, and music. Watermark-free and directly integrated with Instagram.

• CapCut — The most popular third-party slideshow app. Massive royalty-free music library, advanced AI effects, and direct Instagram export. Available on iOS, Android, and desktop.

• Canva — Best for branded or designed carousels. Drag-and-drop templates, stock music library, and direct social sharing. Free tier available.

• InShot — Simple, mobile-first editor. Ideal for quick slideshows with music on iOS or Android.

• FlexClip — Browser-based tool. No download required. Supports royalty-free music, transitions, and text overlays.

Last Words: Make a Slideshow Including Music

To make a slideshow, follow the steps mentioned in this blog. However, to ensure there is music in the slideshow, you must import or use music options from Instagram or elsewhere.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question #1: How to make a collage on Instagram?

Answer: In ten easy steps, you can make a slideshow or collage on Instagram.

1. Launch Instagram app.

2. Tap on the plus symbol to add one

3. Select up to 10 pictures from your phone or tablet’s gallery

4. Then, publish it with a caption and other elements

Question #2: Can you create a slideshow from photos?

Answer: Yes, you can create a slideshow from photos majorly. Interestingly, you can change the theme, caption, tags, music, etc., to make the slideshow appealing.

Question #3: Is there any slideshow maker for Instagram?

Answer: Yes! Several third-party apps on Android and iOS systems allow you to create slideshows instantly. These apps are specifically designed to help you create engaging and eye-catching slideshows that you can post on Instagram. Some popular slideshow maker apps for Instagram include Canva, InShot, Animoto, Slideshow Maker, and Adobe Spark Post. So, if you're looking to add some variety to your Instagram posts, using a slideshow maker can be a great option!

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Written by

Emma Brown

Social Media Growth Strategist

Emma Brown is a social media growth strategist specializing in Instagram marketing for UK creators and small businesses. With 5+ years of experience, she focuses on organic growth, engagement, and audience building. She shares practical insights on Instagram algorithms and content strategy to boost visibility and conversions. She holds a degree in Digital Marketing from the University of Manchester.