Instagram has become one of the most popular social media platforms, allowing users to share their stories with friends and followers through photos and videos. One of the most loved features of this platform was the ability to add music to your stories, creating a fun and interactive experience. However, in June 2018, Instagram made a controversial decision to remove this feature.
The reason behind removing songs from Instagram stories can be attributed to copyright infringement issues. Instagram faced increasing pressure from music labels and artists who claimed that users were using copyrighted songs without proper permission. By removing this feature, Instagram aimed to protect the rights of the music industry while also avoiding any legal disputes.
When users were able to add any song of their choice to their stories, it meant that millions of copyrighted songs were being shared without the artists’ permission. This led to a conflict between Instagram and various music labels who argued that this was a direct infringement of their copyright. Musicians and artists work hard to create their music, and they deserve to be rewarded and acknowledged whenever their songs are used in any form.
To avoid legal repercussions, Instagram decided to collaborate with music labels and rights holders to introduce a new feature called “Music Sticker.” With this feature, users can still add music to their stories, but they can only choose from a limited library of songs that have been licensed by Instagram. This allowed them to avoid any copyright issues while still providing users with an opportunity to enhance their stories with music.
Another reason for removing songs from Instagram stories was the challenge of monitoring and regulating copyrighted content. With over one billion monthly active users, it became increasingly difficult for Instagram to track and remove unauthorized music usage. By removing this feature altogether, they aimed to simplify the process and ensure compliance with copyright laws.
Furthermore, Instagram’s decision to remove songs from stories could also be seen as a strategic move. By limiting the library of songs to choose from, Instagram encourages users to explore new and lesser-known music. This benefits emerging artists and gives them a chance to gain exposure. It also supports the music industry as a whole by promoting legal and licensed music consumption.
While the removal of songs from Instagram stories initially disappointed many users, it is important to understand the reasoning behind this decision. Copyright infringement is a serious issue and can result in significant legal repercussions. By collaborating with music labels and rights holders, Instagram has demonstrated its commitment to protecting artists’ rights and promoting legal music consumption.
Although the ability to add any song to your Instagram stories might be missed, the introduction of the Music Sticker feature ensures that users can still enjoy the experience of adding music to their stories while respecting copyright laws. It’s a win-win situation for both users and the music industry. So next time you create an Instagram story, explore the Music Sticker feature, and discover new music while supporting your favorite artists legally.