In a move that will transport some users back to the days of MySpace, Instagram is rolling out the ability to add music to your profile page. Just like its social media ancestor, Instagram users can now select a song from the platform’s library and let visitors play a 30-second snippet.
The feature, reminiscent of choosing music for Reels, offers a customizable soundtrack to your profile. Users can update their song or snippet anytime to share their current musical preferences.
Fear not, the playback isn’t automatic, so you won’t be blasting your favorite tunes at unsuspecting bystanders while scrolling through Instagram in public.
While not yet widely available, the feature was launched in collaboration with singer Sabrina Carpenter. When it becomes accessible, users can add music by going to their profile page, selecting “edit profile,” and then choosing “add music to your profile.”
This update evokes memories of the MySpace era, where profile song choices were a form of self-expression and, for some, a way to attract potential mates. MySpace played a significant role in music discovery for certain subcultures,particularly within the emo, punk, and metal scenes.
With this new feature, Instagram is not only adding a fun element to profiles but also tapping into a nostalgic trend that reminds us of the early days of social media. Whether it will have the same impact on music discovery as MySpace remains to be seen, but it certainly adds a personal touch to the Instagram experience.
