Getting a song on Snapchat that isn’t already available can take a bit of work, but it is possible. Snapchat has licensing agreements with major music companies, which allows them to provide a wide variety of popular songs to use in Snaps and Stories. However, there are still many songs that are not available directly within the app. If you want to use a song that Snapchat doesn’t offer, you have a few options.
Use an MP3 File
One way to get any song on Snapchat is to add an MP3 file directly into your Snap. Here’s how:
- First, you’ll need to get the MP3 file for the song you want to use. You can either purchase and download the song from iTunes, Amazon Music, or another digital music store, or convert an audio file you already have into MP3 format using a free online audio converter.
- Save the MP3 file to your phone’s storage or SD card.
- Open Snapchat and tap the capture button to take a photo or video.
- On the editing screen, tap the “Sounds” icon (it looks like a music note).
- Select “My Sounds” at the top of the screen.
- Tap the “+” icon and select the MP3 file you want to add from your phone’s storage.
- Trim the song if needed, then tap “Add” to insert it.
- Preview your Snap with the new sound and when ready, send it to friends!
The great thing about using MP3s is you can add virtually any song. However, keep a few things in mind:
- The song will only play while viewers are actively watching your Snap. As soon as they move on, the sound stops.
- You can only include a few seconds of song playback in a Snap before the sound cuts out.
- This method only allows you to add a song to individual Snaps rather than an entire Story.
Still, using MP3s is a handy workaround if you want a specific song that Snapchat doesn’t have!
Use a Streaming App
Another option is to play the song in another app while recording your Snapchat video. For instance:
- Open a music streaming app like Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, etc. Find the song you want and start playing it.
- Open Snapchat and start recording a video Snap.
- Hold your phone so the Snapchat camera records both you and the streaming app screen. The goal is to capture both video of you and audio of the song playing.
- Trim and edit the video as needed, then send it to your friends!
This method allows you to include full songs, even in Snapchat Stories. However, there are downsides:
- You need extra apps installed on your phone.
- It can be tricky balancing Snapchat and the music app on one screen.
- The streaming app UI will be visible in your Snaps.
- Song quality depends on your data/Wi-Fi connection.
But if you only need a short clip of a song, playing it from another app while recording Snapchat can do the trick!
Use Snapchat’s Voiceover Song Feature
Snapchat also has a “Voiceover Song” feature that lets you sing over popular songs to create your own music video Snaps. Here’s how it works:
- From the Snapchat camera, tap the microphone icon in the top right.
- Select the “Voiceover Song” tab at the bottom.
- Browse the available songs and pick one you want to sing with.
- Tap the record button, then start singing! The original song will play in the background while you record yourself singing over it.
- Edit the clip and share it with friends.
The Voiceover Song feature only includes popular tracks, but it’s handy for belting out your own cover versions. You can get creative and make music videos for your own amusement or share them with friends.
Use a Snapchat Soundboard App
If you can’t find a particular song on Snapchat, some third-party apps offer Snapchat soundboards with a wider music selection. For example:
- Tunedly – A music app featuring top hits and trending Snapchat song snippets.
- Swavey – Lets you share clips from over 1 million songs.
- SnapJamz – Huge soundboard full of hip hop, rap, and R&B songs.
These tools tend to come and go, but searching for “Snapchat soundboard” should reveal options. The steps to use them are similar:
- Download and install the soundboard app.
- Browse for the song you want and tap to copy it.
- Open Snapchat, tap the music note icon, and paste the song into your Snap.
- Trim the length if needed, then share!
Third-party apps expand your Snapchat music options. But keep in mind:
- These apps are not affiliated with or endorsed by Snapchat.
- They may include ads or collect data for marketing purposes.
- Songs may get taken down for copyright reasons.
- You still can only use short 5-10 second clips.
But they do provide a workaround solution for adding music Snapchat doesn’t natively support.
Convert to a GIF with Sound
Another creative option is to convert a video with your desired soundtrack into an animated GIF file. Here’s how it works:
- Create a simple video with the song playing in the background and minimal visuals (like a static image or basic text animation).
- Use a GIF converter tool to turn the video into an animated GIF file.
- Upload the GIF to Snapchat as a Looping Video, which will play with sound.
Going the GIF route takes some extra effort, but lets you embed custom music into shareable Snapchat videos. Again, you can only use short clips due to GIF length limits. But it works in a pinch!
Use Snapchat Music From Other Users
Keep in mind that songs you see in your friends’ Stories are also available for you to save and reuse! When you come across a Snap using music you like:
- Press and hold on the Snap to bring up the “More” menu.
- Select “Save Audio.”
- This adds the song to your Snapchat music library so you can reuse it.
Saving music from pals’ Stories is an easy way to expand your Snapchat soundtrack. Discover new tunes and share them with your own followers!
Snapchat Original Music
In addition to popular hits, Snapchat also produces original music and content. Check out channels like:
- Featured Tracks – Daily new singles and viral hits.
- Emerging Artists – Up-and-coming musicians.
- Snapchat Singles – Exclusive new music.
- Cover Up – Users covering hit songs.
These showcase original tunes you won’t find anywhere else. It’s a great way to discover new artists and genres.
Use Alternate Accounts
Some songs are only available on certain Snapchat accounts based on geographic region. If you don’t see a track you want, try:
- Adding friends from other countries and checking out the music they use.
- Creating an alternate Snapchat account set to a different region.
- Using a VPN tool to change your virtual location.
Unlocking region-exclusive music takes extra effort but can expose you to great international or locally trending songs.
Consider Copyright Rules
When grabbing songs from outside sources, be mindful of copyright. Avoid using full-length tracks, and don’t share any music you don’t have the rights to. Snapchat may remove Snaps with unauthorized music. Short clips are usually OK under fair use, but avoid abusing this.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, Snapchat’s licensed music library will always be limited. But with clever workarounds like using MP3s, screen recording streaming apps, third-party soundboards, and GIF conversion, you can get virtually any unsanctioned song onto Snapchat. Stay creative, have fun with music mashups and song snippets, but be careful not to infringe on artists’ copyrights.