Instagram Music not available in your country? Here’s how to fix it!

Negotiating international licensing agreements is a slow process, and as a result, Instagram Music still isn’t available in most of the world. But if you face the ‘Instagram music not available’ error message, You don’t have to miss out! Below, we’ll reveal how to access Instagram’s Music tool in countries like Japan, Mexico, Italy, and Spain.

In theory, the process is fairly simple. By connecting to a Virtual Private Network (VPN), you can make Instagram think that you’re in another country. If you happened to choose a server in the US, you’d be able to use every feature that Americans can, including Instagram Music. There are a few additional hurdles to clear, but don’t worry; we’ll address those as we go.

Here’s a quick guide to the highest-quality VPNs for Instagram Music. If any stand out, just scroll down – we’ll cover them all in more detail later.

Best VPNs unblocking Instagram music:

1. NordVPN: Our top VPN for Instagram Music. Exceptionally fast, with a huge network, and a strong commitment to privacy. All plans come with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee. TIP In our testing we found that the cheapest NordVPN plan (Standard) works perfectly for Instagram music.
2. Surfshark: The best budget VPN for unblocking Music on Instagram. Can effortlessly access just about any service and doesn’t have any connection limits. Strict zero-logs policy.
3. ExpressVPN: A quick and versatile VPN with servers in more than 100 countries. Excels at bypassing online restrictions. Simple design and 24/7 support make it perfect for novice users.
4. CyberGhost: A lightning-fast VPN with streaming-optimized servers and one of the largest networks around. Ultra-customizable yet remains welcoming to new users.
5. IPVanish: Works flawlessly with Instagram Music. Boasts very high speeds and allows any number of connections. Contact support day or night over live chat.
6. PrivateVPN: Reliable, privacy-first service capable of handling just about anything. No issues with Instagram, Netflix, or other popular platforms. Higher connection limit than most.

Finding the top VPNs for Instagram Music

Choosing a  VPN isn’t as easy as you might expect. Every provider claims to be the fastest, but we’ve seen plenty that are too slow for basic web browsing, let alone using image-heavy platforms like Instagram. Of course, we also have to make sure that the services we recommend adequately protect your privacy. Here are a few of our must-have criteria:

• Unblocks Instagram’s Music feature from anywhere in the world
• Delivered impressive results in our most recent speed tests
• Keeps you safe using uncrackable encryption and various other security tools
• Refuses to log any data that could identify you
• Offers one-on-one assistance over live chat
• Has apps for Android and iOS, as well as other platforms

Best VPNs for Instagram Music: At a glance

We’ve compared the most important features of the top VPNs here. Prefer to read the in-depth reviews? Start with NordVPN – our #1 choice for Instagram Music.

Best VPN for unblocking Instagram Music

Let’s dive in and examine our top VPNs for Instagram Music a little more closely:

1. NordVPN

Dec 2024 unblocks instagram musicTested Dec 2024

NordVPN is the best option overall. It has nearly 6,000 servers in 60 countries, including many locations where Instagram’s music features are available. The VPN delivers top-tier performance, with average speeds of well over 180 Mbps. A single account lets you connect up to six devices simultaneously, and in the unlikely event that anything goes wrong, staff are on-hand 24/7 via live chat.

A VPN’s main job is to improve your online security, and NordVPN is packed with tools that make this as easy as possible. There’s 256-bit encryption, an application-specific kill switch, and leak protection, but that’s just for starters. It also offers automatic ad-blocking (which is a huge advantage for Instagram users), censorship-beating obfuscated servers, and the option to change your IP address periodically. This service doesn’t keep any logs and has been repeatedly audited to prove it.

NordVPN has its own Android, iOS, Windows, Mac, and Linux apps. It can also be manually installed on a wide range of routers.

BEST VPN FOR INSTAGRAM MUSIC:NordVPN is our first choice. It works perfectly with Instagram, TikTok, and more, without compromising on speed or security. There’s even 24/7 customer support and a money-back guarantee so that you can try it completely risk-free.

Read our full NordVPN review for all the details.

2. Surfshark

unblocks instagram musicTested Dec 2024

Surfshark is our top pick for anyone on a budget. This VPN has speedy servers in 100 countries and allows you to connect as many devices as you like. Not only that, but it does an excellent job of flying under the radar, which means you’ll be able to securely access platforms like Instagram, Netflix, and BBC iPlayer, even while traveling. Support staff are available around the clock over live chat, and in our experience, they usually reply in seconds.

We’re big fans of this service’s approach to privacy. It has an independently-verified no-logs policy, automatic tracker-blocking, and a NoBorders mode designed to help you beat the world’s toughest digital censorship. You can even pay in a variety of cryptocurrencies if you’d like another layer of anonymity. Naturally, your data is secured using uncrackable encryption, IPv6 and DNS leak protection, and a kill switch.

Surfshark has apps for iOS, Android, MacOS, Windows, and Linux. If you’d prefer, you can manually configure it for use with most home routers.

BEST BUDGET VPN:Surfshark is the best low-cost VPN for accessing Instagram Music. Despite its affordable price, it offers exceptional speed, unblocking ability, and security. Connect every device you own. All plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Take a look at our in-depth Surfshark review.

3. ExpressVPN

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ExpressVPN doesn’t just let you use Instagram’s music features abroad, it also works with tricky services like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. As one of the quickest VPNs on the market, you shouldn’t notice any buffering when scrolling through Instagram. Despite being around for over a decade, this service never stops improving. Just recently, it expanded its network to cover 105 countries and raised its connection limit from five to eight devices.

You don’t have to be a tech expert to benefit, either. ExpressVPN automatically encrypts your traffic, prevents IPv6 and DNS leaks, and stops sending data if your connection drops. Further, it can block ads, trackers, and malicious sites or obfuscate your traffic as needed, allowing you to browse Instagram in places where it’s normally inaccessible. This provider has a true no-logs policy – a fact that has been verified by multiple independent audits.

ExpressVPN apps are available for Android, iOS, Linux, Windows, and Mac. There’s also custom firmware in case you’d like to install it on your router.

IDEAL FOR INSTAGRAM:ExpressVPN has the speed, unblocking ability, and security credentials to help you use Instagram safely wherever you go. Not only that, but it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee and around-the-clock customer support.

Check out the complete ExpressVPN review.

4. CyberGhost

unblocks instagram musicTested Dec 2024

CyberGhost has a network spanning 100 countries, and many of its servers are specially-optimized for tasks like torrenting, gaming, and streaming. It’s extraordinarily fast too, averaging nearly 300 Mbps in our most recent round of testing. We’re big fans of how beginner-friendly this VPN is: its menus are neatly-organized, there’s a single-click connection button, and if you’re having problems, you can contact staff at any time via live chat.

This provider clearly values your security. It includes uncrackable AES-256 encryption, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, a kill switch, and automatic tracker-blocking, as well as a few more advanced options like random port connection and smart rules (which govern when the VPN will connect automatically). There’s no need to worry about your activities being monitored; CyberGhost follows a no-logging policy and has been audited many times. 

CyberGhost offers apps for Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android devices. Additionally, it can be manually installed on most routers, which lets you bypass the seven-connection limit.

FAST AND RELIABLE:CyberGhost has the speed, privacy credentials, and cloaking ability needed to use Instagram Music securely. What’s more, it boasts task-specific servers, a no-logs policy, and a generous 45-day money-back guarantee.

Why not read our comprehensive review of CyberGhost?

5. IPVanish

unblocks instagram musicTested Dec 2024

IPVanish is an ultra-fast provider with servers in around 60 countries and no connection limits whatsoever. Whether you want to regain access to Instagram’s music tools or stream your favorite shows abroad, it’s an excellent choice. This service now works with a far wider range of geo-blocked platforms than before and has recently begun rolling out ad and tracker-blocking on Android. If you run into any issues, just let staff know using the 24/7 live chat help desk.

We’re big fans of this VPN’s security, which consists of 256-bit encryption, IPv6 and DNS leak protection, a kill switch, and the ability to obfuscate encryption so you can beat some forms of VPN-blocking. Users can block local traffic, connect automatically when on unsecured networks, and reconnect immediately after an outage. IPVanish has a true zero-logs policy, backed up by multiple third-party audits, so your privacy is in good hands.

IPVanish offers apps for iOS, Android, Windows, and MacOS. Linux systems and routers are supported, but you’ll have to follow manual setup instructions.

UNLIMITED CONNECTIONS:IPVanish is speedy, reliable, and a great way to unblock Instagram’s Music feature abroad. Not only that, it offers 24/7 live chat and can protect every device you own simultaneously. Annual plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our detailed IPVanish review to learn more.

6. PrivateVPN

unblocks instagram musicTested Dec 2024

PrivateVPN is known for its exceptional unblocking ability. It can help you access in-demand platforms like Disney+ and Hulu while only having around 200 servers globally. We’ve always found it fast enough for data-intensive tasks like live streaming and torrenting, so browsing Instagram shouldn’t be a problem at all. This VPN also boasts a higher connection limit than most of its competitors, helping you secure up to 10 devices at a time.

As you might expect, PrivateVPN takes your anonymity seriously. It’s the only major provider to act as its own ISP, effectively ensuring that no other organization ever has access to your data The apps keep you safe using adjustable encryption, a customizable kill switch, and leak protection, plus there’s a stealth mode that lets you browse safely in China. PrivateVPN follows a strict no-logs policy, although we’d like to see it undergo an audit like its better-known rivals. Live chat-based support is available almost 24/7, but not quite.

PrivateVPN has its own Windows, Android, MacOS, and iOS apps. You’ll have to manually configure it for use with Linux systems or supported routers.

NO LOGS, NO FUSS:PrivateVPN is a zero-logs provider with solid speeds, exceptional streaming ability, and outstanding privacy credentials. What’s more, it offers a generous connection limit and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Still not sure this is the right VPN for you? Why not read the full PrivateVPN review?

How to unblock Music on Instagram using a VPN

It’s fairly easy to access Instagram’s music feature, even if you’re in a country where it hasn’t launched yet. Follow the steps below and you’ll be jazzing up your posts in no time:

1. The first step is to sign up for a suitable VPN (we recommend NordVPN)
2. Next, download the VPN app and log in
3. Connect to a server in a country where Instagram Music is available. If you’re not sure which to pick, we’d suggest trying an American or British server – whichever is closest.
4. Uninstall the Instagram app, then redownload it from the app store. Since you now appear to be in a different country, you’ll be able to install a version with the music features enabled.
5. Log into Instagram and click the plus icon to create a new post or story
6. Tap the music note icon at the top of the screen. You can also tap the sticker icon and scroll down until you see Music, but this method is slower

   

7. You can either add one of the suggested songs, or move across to the Browse tab to find tracks fitting a specific genre or theme.

   

8. When you’ve found the one you want, tap the button marked 30 and select a clip duration.
9. Finally, drag the slider in the middle of the screen to choose which part of the song you’d like to play. Finally, hit Done and finish creating your post as normal!

Methodology: How we chose the best VPNs for Instagram Music

Even if your VPN unblocks region-exclusive features on Instagram, it might be letting you down in other ways. Our team pays close attention to candidates’ security features, privacy policies, and infrastructure. Below, you’ll find a few key areas we focus on and what we expect in each:

• Server choice: Instagram’s music tools are only available in select locations, so your VPN has to have servers in some of them. Generally, we look for networks spanning around 60 countries including high-demand locations like the US and Europe.
• Performance: Slow speeds can cause all kinds of problems, from endlessly-buffering video to Instagram posts that load in line by line as though you’re back in the 90’s. We run regular speed tests, ensuring we only recommend the highest-performance VPNs.
• Unblocking ability: To access Instagram’s region-exclusive features, you have to prevent the app from finding your true location. Your VPN might offer a stealth mode, GPS spoofing, or a custom protocol that’ll help with this. As a bonus, these features will often let you access other geo-blocked platforms like Hulu and NOW as well.
• Security: To ensure that your data is adequately protected, our top VPNs must have 256-bit encryption or better, prevent IPv6 and DNS leaks, and offer a kill switch. We prefer VPNs that have undergone third-party audits to prove their no-logs claims.
• User-friendliness: Most people want a VPN that works without much additional configuration. We’re big fans of automatic protocol selection and cloaking features, beginner-friendly apps, and one-click connection. Naturally, 24/7 live chat is a huge plus.
• Price: After researching VPNs for so long, it’s immediately obvious to us when a service is charging more than is really warranted. Our recommendations are always fairly priced for what they offer. Further, we’ll always let you know if there are any deals, discounts, or guarantees you can use to lower the price even more.

Believe it or not, this isn’t the extent of our research. Check out our VPN testing methodology post for a full breakdown of our process.

Where is Instagram Music available?

At the time of writing, you can use Instagram Music in:

• Australia
• Canada
• France
• Germany
• Indonesia
• Malaysia
• Middle East (including UAE and Saudi Arabia)
• New Zealand
• Sweden
• The United Kingdom
• The United States

Will Instagram ban me for using a VPN?

Nope. Instagram’s terms of use don’t say anything about VPN usage, and the platform hasn’t historically tried to prevent users from browsing with a VPN active. Now, you may be asked to verify that it’s really you with a one-time passcode. This isn’t specifically because you’re using a VPN, but because these tools can make it appear as though you’re logging in from a new device abroad.

If you connect to your VPN and can’t access Instagram, it’s possible that the server you’re using has been banned. Just switch to a different server and you should be fine. While you’re at it, why not take the time to lock down your Instagram profile for maximum privacy?

Can I add music to an Instagram post in a browser?

At the moment, it’s not possible to add music to an Instagram story or post unless you’re using the Android or iOS app. The music button simply won’t appear if you’re using a browser (even if it’s on a mobile device).

If you’re using the app but still can’t see the music icon, the app likely thinks you’re in a country where this feature isn’t available. To resolve this, completely uninstall Instagram, connect to a VPN server in a supported country (like the US), and reinstall the app. The next time you add a post, the music button should have magically reappeared.