Instagram has introduced a nostalgic yet contemporary feature that allows users to add a song to their profile, reviving a concept reminiscent of early 2000s MySpace. This new update enables users to display a track from Instagram’s licensed music library directly in the bio area of their profile.
Unlike MySpace’s autoplaying music, Instagram’s implementation ensures that the selected song does not play automatically. Instead, profile visitors can choose to play or pause the track, giving users more control over their profile’s auditory experience. From Instagram’s announcement post:
We’re excited to announced that you can now add a song to your profile, giving you more ways to express yourself through music. Your profile song selection will live on your profile until you swap out the song.
To add a song, users need to navigate to the “edit profile” page on the Instagram mobile app and select the “Add music to your profile” option. From there, they can search through Instagram’s extensive library of licensed tracks and choose a 30-second snippet of their preferred song.
This feature is launching in collaboration with pop star Sabrina Carpenter, who is using it to promote her upcoming album, “Short n’ Sweet.” Carpenter’s profile will feature a teaser of her new song, “Taste,” exclusively available through this Instagram update before the album’s official release.
The introduction of profile music aligns with Instagram’s broader strategy to enhance its music-related features. This includes the ability to add up to 20 tracks to Reels, integrate music stickers in Stories, and display song lyrics in Reels. These additions reflect Instagram’s efforts to position itself as a major player in the music promotion space, especially in a market increasingly influenced by TikTok’s dominance.
The timing of this feature could be particularly strategic, given the potential for increased user engagement and brand partnerships. As TikTok’s role in music promotion continues to evolve, Instagram’s music profile feature could offer a unique and attractive alternative for artists and brands looking to connect with their audiences on a more personal level.
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