It’s not enough to find a Song that perfectly matches the “mood” of your Story.

You also need to find a track that your audience resonates with and one that’s relevant to your content.

TL;DR: Looking for the best songs for Instagram Story isn’t always easy.

Below are the top 50+ songs you can use for Instagram Stories in 2023.

Table of Contents

• Songs for Instagram Stories in 2023
• Getting trending audio suggestions with Vista Social
• Customers Also Ask
• Brighten up your Instagram Stories with Vista Social

Songs for Instagram Stories in 2023

1. Left and Right — Charlie Puth and Jungkook

Plays on YouTube: 286 million

“Left and Right” by Charlie Puth ft. Jungkook has a catchy beat despite being a break-up song. This combination makes it the perfect song for recovery and healing, which suits Stories about travel, fitness, and the pursuit of one’s passions. 

2. Shivers — Ed Sheeran 

Plays on YouTube: 256 million

“Shivers” by Ed Sheeran is a hit, upbeat love song that oozes positive vibes. It’s a great song for Stories that give followers a glimpse of your personal life—or your dancing skills. 

3. See Tình — Hoang Thuy Linh

Plays on YouTube: 38 million

“See Tinh” is a popular dance song that almost guarantees high user engagement. You’ll find all types of demographics—from cosplayers to military personnel—participating in the “See Tinh dance challenge,” which originated from TikTok. 

4. Feeling Myself — Nicki Minaj ft. Beyoncé

Plays on YouTube: 144 million

“Feeling Myself” is a great song for Stories that highlight your hobbies and lifestyle, be it your fashion sense, car customizations, digital art, and so on. It’s a great song for cross-promoting video content, especially if you know strategies like how to share a YouTube video on Instagram Story. 

5. Anyone — Justin Bieber

Plays on YouTube: 102 million

Justin Bieber’s “Anyone” is a beautiful song for Stories that showcase your travel, family, and relationship goals. The song’s melody, along with Justin’s impressive vocal range, provides plenty of room for great ideas, like showing travel compilation videos or candid shots of your significant other. 

6. Bad Guy — Billie Eilish

Plays on YouTube: 1.2 billion

The edgy lyrics of Billie Eilish’s “Bad Guy” suits Stories when you’re feeling rebellious. Brands can use the track when they’re about to reveal something industry-disrupting. 

7. Dynamite — BTS

Plays on YouTube: 1.6 billion

“Dynamite” is a popular upbeat song from the world-renowned K-pop group BTS. The feel-good lyrics can make your IG Story instantly captivating and fun.

8. Shots — LMFAO

Plays on YouTube: 267 million

“Shots” by LMFAO is one of the best songs for Instagram Stories that cover parties and other social gatherings. The chorus can be used to highlight individual “shots” from your camera—useful if you know how to add multiple photos to Instagram Story.

9. Dancing with a Stranger — Sam Smith ft. Normani

Plays on YouTube: 741 million

“Dancing with a Stranger” by Sam Smith is the perfect break-up anthem if you’re sharing Stories about the struggles of moving on. The catchy tune, however, makes the song useful for positive topics as well.

10. Fun, Fun, Fun — The Beach Boys 

Plays on YouTube: 7.2 million

The Beach Boys’ classic song, “Fun, Fun, Fun,” is ideal for Instagram Stories that highlight influencers having the time of their lives. It matches content about travel, shopping, makeup, dining, and other enjoyable activities.

11. Thank U, Next — Ariana Grande

Plays on YouTube: 748 million

“Thank U, Next” by Ariana Grande is a song about self-love and growth after a break-up. While the lyrics revolve around heartbreaks, the song fits Stories that show “before and after” images.

12. Level Up — Ciara

Plays on YouTube: 339 million

Ciara’s “Level Up” is one of the best songs for Instagram Stories in the fitness niche. It has a simple beat that’s easy to match with any workout-related content.

13. Leave the Door Open — Bruno Mars

Plays on YouTube: 632 million

“Leave the Door Open” by Bruno Mars and Silk Sonic is a confident love song. The lyrics mention different topics, including self-care and men’s grooming.

14. Chandelier — Sia

Plays on YouTube: 2.5 billion

“Chandelier” by Sia is an award-winning track that fits dress-up and dance videos. However, the song has undertones about someone who’s struggling to keep a brave face despite going through a tough time.

15. The Sweater Song — Weezer

Plays on YouTube: 45 million

“The Sweater Song” by Weezer, particularly the intro, is the anthem of the “this song + your last video = your vibe” challenge. Due to the trend’s popularity, you need to decide between Instagram Reels vs Story when participating.

16. Bad Habits — Ed Sheeran

Plays on YouTube: 470 million 

Ed Sheeran’s “Bad Habits” is a feel-good song about helplessly forming bad habits from obsessing over something pure, like falling in love. Regardless of the lyrics, the song’s instruments and Ed Sheeran’s vocals make it go well with any Instagram Story.

17. Perfect Day — Tundra Beats

Plays on YouTube: 2 million

“Perfect Day” by Tundra Beats is a relaxing track that fits videos about travel, home workspaces, art, and fashion. Since the song doesn’t have vocals and lyrics, Instagram users add the track to any Story that needs a mood boost.

18. STAY — Justin Bieber and The Kid LAROI

Plays on YouTube: 670 million

“STAY” by Justin Bieber and The Kid LAROI is one of the best songs for Stories that have a buildup and climax. The chorus is perfect for “big reveal” moments.

19. Peaches — Justin Bieber

Plays on YouTube: 614 million

Justin Bieber’s “Peaches” is the perfect song for travel-related Instagram Stories. The easy-going tune also fits content in other niches, like fashion, self-care, art, and personal hobbies.

20. Levitating — Dua Lipa

Plays on YouTube: 673 million

Fashion influences love Dua Lipa’s “Levitating” featuring DaBaby, which is a song about adventurous romance. Its iconic chorus made it one of the top trending songs for Instagram Stories.

21. Rain On Me — Lady Gaga ft. Ariana Grande

Plays on YouTube: 380 million

Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande teamed up to produce “Rain On Me,” a song that touches on feelings of regret, confusion, and hopefulness. It’s a good track for dance, makeup, and dress-up videos.

22. Weekend — Kane Brown 

Plays on YouTube: 19 million

Kane Brown’s “Weekend” is an anthem for people looking forward to some off time after a busy workweek. Use this song for Stories about your weekend plans, be it a pool party or nights out.

23. The Love That I’m Giving — Iman Omari ft. Kent Jamz

Plays on YouTube: 49 thousand

“The Love That I’m Giving” by Iman Omari featuring Kent Jamz is a song about rekindling old flames. The song’s unique chord progression is useful for Instagram Stories that highlight your brand’s quirky side.

24. Follow Me — Benjamin Tucker ft. NEZZA

Plays on YouTube: 14 thousand

“Follow Me” by Benjamin Tucker is not the most popular song on this list. But countless Instagram users found the captivating chorus effective for injecting energy into their Stories.

25. Invisible Things — Lauv

Plays on YouTube: 3.3 million

“Invisible Things” is a song by Lauv that reminisces childhood memories and a past relationship. It goes well with Stories about nostalgia and long-term relationships.

26. Young — Guilio Cercato 

Plays on YouTube: 664 thousand

“Young” by Guilio Cercato is a break-up song. However, the climactic chorus and the line “when we were young” makes the song fit Stories about one’s childhood.

27.  Just Got Paid — Johnny Kemp 

Plays on YouTube: 32 million

The classic song “Just Got Paid” by Johnny Kemp is ahead of its time. The track features catchy instrumentals and lyrics that complement the younger generation’s energy.

28. This Must Be The Place — The Lumineers

Plays on YouTube: 3.2 million

“This Must Be The Place” by The Lumineers is a song about overcoming homesickness by finding love. The opening line of the song’s verses is “home is where I want to be,” which is great for Stories about humble beginnings.

29. No Lie — Sean Paul ft. Dua Lipa

Plays on YouTube: 1.1 billion

“No Lie” by Sean Paul ft. Dua Lipa is a catchy song you can use for glow-up Instagram Stories. Sean’s rap solos also fit travel and remodelling (homes, cars, workspaces, etc.) videos.

30. Loyalty — Kendrick Lamar ft. Rihanna

Plays on YouTube: 218 million

“Loyalty” by Kendrick Lamar and Rihanna spices up fashion, fitness, and beauty Instagram Stories. The abrupt first verse starts any video with a bang.

31. Days Like This — Van Morrison

Plays on YouTube: 23 million

Van Morrison’s classic song, “Days Like This,” has an iconic intro that’s effective in showcasing aesthetic things. Use it to reveal travel destinations, workspaces, outfits, and products with a bang.

32. Don’t Stop Believing — Journey

Plays on YouTube: 187 million

Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believing” is the perfect montage song for workout and outdoor activity videos. Add this to your Instagram Stories to enhance their emotional impact.

33. Golden — Harry Styles 

Plays on YouTube: 212 million

“Golden” by Harry Styles has an upbeat intro and catchy first verse that can bolster the engagement factor of any Instagram Story. The backup vocals that play throughout portions of the song add a happy, inspirational vibe.

34. Until I Found You — Stephen Sanchez

Plays on YouTube: 80 million

“Until I Found You” by Stephen Sanchez may sound like a 50s song, but it captured the hearts of young listeners. It’s a popular love song for Instagram Stories about a significant other, family member, or pet.

35. Paper Planes — M.I.A. 

Plays on YouTube: 251 million

“Paper Planes” by M.I.A. features a happy tune from start to finish. This gives Instagram creators plenty of track to sample for their Stories.

36. Take My Breath — The Weeknd 

Plays on YouTube: 136 million

The Weeknd’s song, “Take My Breath,” maintains a steady, snappy tempo throughout the track. It’s great for Instagram Stories about breathtaking views, fashion trends, quick “life hacks,” and more.

37. Fly Me To The Moon — Frank Sinatra (Cover by The Macarons Project)

Plays on YouTube: 32 million

The Macarons Project’s rendition of “Fly Me To The Moon” by Frank Sinatra adds a mellow vibe to any Instagram Story. The relaxing acoustic instruments and calm vocals accentuate videos of relaxing views and memorable couple moments.

38. Savage — Megan Thee Stallion

Plays on YouTube: 114 million

“Savage” by Megan Thee Stallion is the perfect soundtrack for memes and funny clips. The music uses strong language, so be sure you have the right audience for it.

39. We Will Rock You — Queen

Plays on YouTube: 553 million

“We Will Rock You” by Queen is a legendary rock song that’s useful if you want to appear confident in your Instagram Stories. The song’s intro is also widely used as meme music.

40. Shake It Off — Taylor Swift

Plays on YouTube: 3.2 billion

Most Instagram users heard of “Shake It Off” by Taylor Swift—a song for unwavering self-confidence and embracing one’s uniqueness. If your Instagram Story involves dancing, workouts, or real-life examples of resilience, this song is one of the best soundtracks you can use.

41. Better — Khalid

Plays on YouTube: 856 million

“Better” by Khalid is a great Instagram Story sound if you need to convey a message in a positive and confident way. Everything about the song, including the lyrics and catchy beat, makes it easy to capture and hold your audience’s attention.

42. Watermelon Sugar — Harry Styles

Plays on YouTube: 327 million

According to Harry Styles himself, “Watermelon Sugar” is about “the euphoria of when you start seeing someone.” The track fits Instagram Stories about “Couple Goals” and summer destinations (if you’re a travel influencer/blogger).

43. Industry Baby — Lil Nas X and Jack Harlow

Plays on YouTube: 406 million

“Industry Baby” by Lil Nas X and Jack Harlow is an energizing rap song that’s perfect for workout motivation Instagram Stories.

44. Happy — Pharrell Williams 

Plays on YouTube: 1 billion

Pharrell Williams’ classic hit song, “Happy,” fits a variety of Instagram Story ideas. It can be used for videos that show dance choreographies, outdoor experiences, dining, and more.

45. Kiss Me More — Doja Cat

Plays on YouTube: 395 million

“Kiss Me More” is unlike most love songs in this list that come off as overconfident. Rather, this Instagram Story soundtrack works great for makeup and dress-up videos.

46. I Like It — Cardi B, Bad Bunny, and J Balvin

Plays on YouTube: 1.5 billion

“I Like It” is the result of a collaboration between Cardi B, Bad Bunny, and J Balvin—an instant mood booster for Instagram Stories. This flexible, upbeat dance song blends English with Spanish lyrics.

47. Delete Forever — Grimes

Plays on YouTube: 7 million

Instagram and TikTok users create videos with “Delete Forever” by Grimes to pay homage to friends and family fighting addiction. The song incorporates a unique chord progression and instruments with hints of country—great for inspirational, travel-related Instagram Stories.

48. Good As Hell — Lizzo

Plays on YouTube: 139 million

“Good As Hell” by Lizzo is a lot of people’s anthem for self-confidence and self-love. Use it whenever you need to sound and appear confident in your Instagram Stories.

49. I Melt With You — Modern English

Plays on YouTube: 48 million

“I Melt With You” by Modern English is a classic song that skyrocketed in popularity during the rise of short-form videos. The serene and relaxing melody, combined with the upbeat tempo, makes the song suitable for Stories about traveling, cooking, DIY crafts, and relationships.

50. Hungry Like The Wolf — Duran Duran

Plays on YouTube: 21 million

“Hungry Like The Wolf” by Duran Duran is an iconic and energetic track from the 80s. The tune sounds catchy and captivating—great for your dance Instagram Stories.

51. Sunroof — Nicky Youre and dazy

Plays on YouTube: 63 million

Nicky Youre and dazy worked together to create “Sunroof,” a modern, upbeat, and mood-lifting song for Instagram Stories. Slap this song on any Instagram Story and it’s immediately filled to the brim with positive energy.

Getting trending audio suggestions with Vista Social

If you need more trending audio suggestions for Instagram Stories, look no further than Vista Social’s publisher. 

Launch the publisher and add your video content to your post. In the video’s thumbnail, click the three-dot settings icon and select ‘Pick sound.’ 

In the “Trending sounds” tab, click an audio track to play a sample of it. If you’re happy with your choice, tick the checkbox of the song and click ‘Apply sound.’ 

Here are other ways Vista Social can help power up your Instagram Stories: 

• Get the perfect sizes and dimensions for Instagram content. Vista Social alerts you if your content doesn’t use the ideal Instagram Story size and dimensions. For photos, use the built-in image editor to crop and scale your content to different resolutions and aspect ratios.

• Answer your audience’s questions. Use the built-in social media listening and conversation tracking features to identify your audience’s most-asked questions. These are the best questions to ask on Instagram Story (and answer) if you need to generate engagement.

• Repost content as Stories. Share old content across all major social networks and platforms—including Instagram via Stories. Vista Social lets you build a streamlined content calendar based on the ideal posting times for each network.

Customers Also Ask

1. Which song is best for Story on Instagram?

Top 5 best songs for Instagram Story: 

• Left and Right — Charlie Puth and Jungkook
• Shivers — Ed Sheeran
• Feeling Myself — Nicki Minaj
• Anyone — Justin Bieber
• Bad Guy — Billie Eilish

2. What songs can you add to Instagram Story?

Yes, you can add most songs available on streaming services like Spotify, Apple Music, and Instagram’s built-in “Music” sticker for Stories. Just remember that only up to 15 seconds of a song can be added to your Instagram Story. 

3. How do I find trending audio?

Use tools like Vista Social’s publisher to get trending audio suggestions for your Instagram Stories. This tool is also available for TikTok posts, Instagram Reels, Facebook Reels, and regular video feed posts. 

Get stunning results out of your IG Stories

Get the most out of Instagram Stories with Vista Social’s trending audio features. 

Mix and match songs with different content using our streamlined publisher.

For maximum exposure, get trending sound and hashtag suggestions to increase the searchability of your Instagram content. 

Start publishing today with a free Vista Social account.

The post 50+ Best Songs for Instagram Story: Upbeat & Cool Songs appeared first on Outrank Digital.