The 67+ Best Songs For Instagram Stories | Indie Panda (2024)

If you’re like us, and you share an equal love for both music and social media, then you’re probably dying to get your hands on a great Instagram story tracklist. Having the perfect song to accompany your stories can make all the difference in engagement.

Luckily for you, this article is the answer to your query, as we’re sharing our list of the best songs for Instagram stories.

From the most current pop hits to throwbacks, trending songs, and more, we’re highlighting a list of 67+ of the best songs for Instagram stories. Keep reading to learn our reasons why these songs made the list and how they’ll take your stories to the next level.

Let’s get into it!

The 67+ Best Songs For Instagram Stories

1. Good As Hell (Lizzo)

Ever since this song’s conception and subsequent performances at big events like the VMAs, it’s been a natural crowd pleaser.

The title of this poppy, upbeat song represents exactly how it makes listeners feel. And that’s why it’s been frequently used with Insta stories sharing fun times.

Best for: Road trips, a day at the beach.

2. Bad Guy (Billie Eilish)

This song is nothing if not iconic at this point, used for movie soundtracks and more.

And on your Instagram story, the slightly up-to-no-good vibe of the song will make your pictures and videos that much edgier.

Best for: Displaying dark and smoky makeup looks, showing off baddie outfits.

3. Hypnotize (The Notorious B.I.G.)

Generation Z has become well-known for its borrowing of retro trends at this point. And 90s hip-hop and rap are no exception to that set of throwback trends.

Best for: A day on the town with friends, a night at the club.

4. Always Forever (Cults)

An indie music classic, this song is great for Instagram stories that are highlighting lovey-dovey times.

The opening lyrics “you and me always forever” speak of a long-lasting love story and even some nostalgia.

Best for: Couple photo-ops, prom/homecoming dance highlights.

5. Flashing Lights (Kanye West and Dwele)

We fully believe that you can’t go wrong throwing it back to Kanye’s Graduation album.

This song about our materialistic world is ideal for the Instagrammer who fancies themselves to be a very important person owning very important things.

Best for: Music festival pics, showing off your favorite possessions.

6. Do I Wanna Know? (Arctic Monkeys)

If you have a big ol’ crush on someone and are feeling cheeky about it, you might add this song to your story with a specially staged selfie.

The lyrics “Do I wanna know?/If this feeling flows both ways?” are vague yet specific enough that if your crush watches your story, they might just catch your drift…

Best for: Story selfies, photo ops with your crush.

7. Everybody Talks (Neon Trees)

The catchy beat to this song, as well as its memorable lyrics, make it a great Insta story song.

Want to send subliminal messages to your followers that you don’t care what anyone thinks of you? This song could be a great way to do that.

Best for: Showing off a new outfit, highlights with friends.

8. Golden (Harry Styles)

The happy beat of this song and the background vocals give off a vibe of pure glee.

This is why we think the song is great for Instagram stories that emulate that same happy vibe.

Best for: Golden hour selfies, sunset car rides with your friends.

9. Where Is My Mind (Pixies)

This classic alternative rock song has made quite the comeback with the advent of Instagram stories and TikTok.

While the song refers to psychedelic adventures and other journeys, it can also make a cool song for slightly trippy, artistic Instagram stories.

Best for: Photos of your artwork, a hike up to the highest peak near you.

10. Ms. Jackson (Outkast)

Everyone knows the memorable lyrics “I’m sorry Ms. Jackson (oh), I am for real/Never meant to make your daughter cry”.

It’s all about breaking a girl’s heart and begging forgiveness from her mother. It could just be the perfect song for a ladies man’s Insta story.

Best for: Bro selfies, thirst trap stories.

11. Best I Ever Had (Drake)

Believe it or not, this song isn’t solely good for dancing at nightclubs and school proms. It’s also a great pair for relationship-themed Instagram stories.

Best for: New couple debuts, woman crush Wednesday pics, Man Crush Monday pics.

12. 3005 (Childish Gambino)

This song is a great Insta story choice because it can work in multiple settings.

On one hand, it’s a perky, fun hip-hop song of the 2010s, and on the other hand, the lyrics “I’ll be right by your side/’Til 3005” can be a profession of love.

Best for: Romantic photo ops, dance routine videos.

13. good 4 u (Olivia Rodrigo)

Despite all the “plagiarism” allegations and backlash this song received, it’s still a well-loved banger.

It’s the perfect break-up anthem and comeback song for when you’re ready to move on from your ex and want everyone to know it.

Best for: Rebound selfies, newly single outings with your gal pals.

14. Pope Is A Rockstar (SALES)

While this song became TikTok- and Insta-famous for the wrong reasons (misinterpretation of the actual lyrics), it’s still trending.

The mistaken lyrics “go little rockstar” have become a signature musical pairing for videos where the subjects are working hard and doing their best.

Best for: Cat/dog videos, friends or family doing something creative.

15. What You Know (Two Door Cinema Club)

The days of indie rock may be behind us, but bands like Two Door Cinema Club still have their hold on the youth.

We’ve noticed that this fast-tempo, upbeat song goes well with stories, especially ones where you’re highlighting your parties and adventures with friends.

Best for: Party montages, nights out at bars.

16. Anyone (Justin Bieber)

Most Bieber songs make it to the top of the charts, quick. And this one is no exception, as it’s become super trendy in a short amount of time.

It’s essentially a love song, and using it on your Insta story to denote a romantic moment is a good idea.

Best For: Couple photos, date night adventures.

17. Dynamite (BTS)

We know for a fact that this is a great Insta story song because it’s been trending on Instagram for a while now.

This song is a true upper, and you can pair it with any highlights of your favorite days with friends.

Best for: Friend outings, fun road trips.

18. Levitating (Dua Lipa)

This song is so easy and enjoyable to sing along to with its fast-sung lyrics “You want me, I want you, baby/My sugarboo, I’m levitating”.

It’s a love song, but it’s also an upbeat track that you could enjoy with friends.

Best for: Cruising with your best pals, a night out with your significant other.

19. Drivers License (Olivia Rodrigo)

Teen sensation Rodrigo has made the list yet again with this sweet and heartfelt piano ballad we first glimpsed in the COVID days.

Drivers License has a low mood to it, which matches those rainy days spent at home, or days spent pining over an ex…

Best for: Sad selfies, montages of stormy weather.

20. Boss Bitch (Doja Cat)

The trendiest Insta users are aware of Doja Cat’s influence, so adding one of her empowering songs to your story is your next best move.

If you consider yourself a go-getter, entrepreneur, or girl boss of any kind, this song is for you.

Best for: On-the-job pics, showing off your fresh new business wardrobe.

21. New Person, Same Old Mistakes (Tame Impala)

Tame Impala graced the music scene this century with their catchy, electronic songs.

This one is about falling in love and feeling like a brand new person. So it’s great for showing off a new look on your story.

Best for: New haircut selfies, new outfits, new makeup looks.

22. Slide (Calvin Harris, Frank Ocean, and Migos)

This sultry, trendy tune featuring some of the hottest artists in the industry is perfect for pairing with nights when you’re out in your best outfit having fun.

Best for: Party highlights, a birthday night out.

23. Watermelon Sugar (Harry Styles)

Harry is one of the biggest figures in popular music, so it’s no wonder he’s made the list twice now.

Watermelon Sugar is a fun, happy tune to add to stories, but it also has some deeper, more sultry meanings that make it a good song for a selfie where you look particularly good.

Best for: Car rides with friends, a day on the lake, barbecues.

24. Delete Forever (Grimes)

Strange as you might find her journey through fame, Grimes has created some really great songs (this one included).

Her sombre detour from her usual pop-electronic tracks is about the loss of a loved one and could go well with a story regarding something similar.

Best for: Tributes to lost loved ones, sad montages.

25. Paper Planes (M.I.A.)

If you want to add a really catchy song to your story, this could be the one. Paper Planes is all about being a badass, plain and simple.

Best for: Showing off your best looks, story selfies.

26. Sparks (Coldplay)

Leave it to Chris Martin to write heart-wrenching songs about love and love lost.

This song is about the heartache of being in love with someone and wanting to remedy a breakup, which means it’s the perfect breakup post song.

Best for: Heartbreak selfies, cryptic story posts about your love life.

27. Out of My League (Fitz and the Tantrums)

Even though this song is about having a big crush on someone out of reach, it’s also just a great pop-rock tune to pair with your adventures on Instagram.

Best for: Crazy nights out with your friends, couple of photos with your S.O.

28. Swimming Pools (Drank) (Kendrick Lamar)

This is one of the ultimate party songs, especially if you find yourself at a pool party.

Even though it’s about losing yourself in the late-night party scene, it might just be an apt descriptor of your night out.

Best for: Group pics with friends at a party, funny poolside pics.

29. Still Don’t Know My Name (Labrinth)

If you don’t know Labrinth by now, then you probably haven’t watched Euphoria or heard the hype about it.

Either way, if you’re feeling in a particularly teen mood, this song is great to add to your story.

Best for: Euphoria challenge/trend stories, showing off Euphoria-inspired makeup looks and outfits.

30. Young Folks (Peter Bjorn and John)

The iconic whistling melody in this indie song is not the only thing that makes it popular. It’s also a spot-on tune to represent youth and the nostalgia of growing up.

This is why Gen Z Instagrammers are turning to it for their stories these days.

Best For: teen party highlights, a day in the park with friends

31. Kiss Me More (Doja Cat and SZA)

Feeling particularly confident on a certain day? Want to show off a new look that you feel your followers need to see?

If so, then Doja Cat’s hit track could be the right pair for your Insta story.

Best for: Thirst trap selfies, nights out with the girls.

32. Thank U, Next (Ariana Grande)

You’ve gotta love a good breakup song. What’s even better is a song that proclaims your intent to move on.

This Ari song will take your newly single selfies to the next level on Instagram.

Best for: First night out as a single lady, dinner with your best friends.

33. Megan Thee Stallion (Savage)

If there was ever a song to get you up and on your feet, as you take on the day, it’s this one.

Megan’s chart-topping hit is the perfect sonic way to tell your followers that you are confident and capable.

Best for: Girl boss selfies, group photo ops at the dance club.

34. Formation (Beyoncé)

Ladies: this Bey song is all about the sheer power of womanhood. It’s an anthemic, powerhouse track to narrate your best and most empowered days on the social media app.

Best for: Sharing your dance moves, a group pic of you and your girls.

35. BREAK MY SOUL (Beyoncé)

Next up is yet another Beyoncé single that will have you and your followers moving and grooving to the beat.

This teaser for her newest album repeats a powerful refrain – “you won’t break my soul”.

Best for: Your breakup revenge selfie, documenting a hardship that you’re determined to make it through.

36. Rain on Me (Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande)

Can you think of a better pop lady duo to make your Instagram stories really shine? We certainly can’t.

The shiny pink collaboration between Gaga and Ari is the perfect party anthem for the fun times in your life.

Best for: House party highlights, Fourth of July photo ops.

37. Feeling Myself (Nicki Minaj and Beyoncé)

Obviously, we couldn’t overlook this song for Instagram stories, as it features concepts that we all need to channel at times – confidence and self-love.

Best for: BFF selfies, showing off the outfit you wore to a friend’s wedding or special event.

38. PRIDE. (Kendrick Lamar)

For this next track suggestion, we’re throwing it back to Lamar’s sensational album DAMN.

PRIDE. is a cautionary tale against getting to an unhealthy level of co*ckiness.

Best for: Days when you’re feeling wise, documenting a project that you’re proud of.

39. Take My Breath (The Weeknd)

No one knows how to blend modern and retro genres quite like The Weeknd does.

This upbeat, electronic-esque tune quickly became popular due to its catchy sound, and your Insta story videos and photos need to have it.

Best for: Outfit of the day stories, party photos from the night before.

40. jealousy, jealousy (Olivia Rodrigo)

Did we mention that we’re fans of Olivia Rodrigo?

Every now and then, we all feel a little bit green with envy, until we come to the conclusion that we’re enough just the way that we are. This Insta story song speaks to that feeling.

Best for: Proud no-makeup selfies, self-love confessionals.

41. Havana (Camila Cabello)

Although this song is a bit of a pop throwback, its catchiness hasn’t faltered over the last few years.

Add this to your Insta story, and your followers will have the “ooh na na” stuck in their heads for the rest of the day.

Best for: A trip to the beach, Margarita happy hour.

42. All Too Well (Taylor Swift)

This 10+ minute song is obviously too long to include the whole thing. But even a short clip of it will be a crowd pleaser to your fellow Swiftie followers.

This is a love story that went all wrong, so it’s fitting for your heartbroken pics.

Best for: Sad selfies, fresh out of a breakup pics.

43. Graduation (Friends Forever) (Vitamin C)

What better song for your graduation day Insta stories than a song titled Graduation?

This turn-of-the-century throwback perfectly describes the emotions behind your posed photos with your parents, friends, and other loved ones.

Best for: Graduation day, graduation parties.

44. Wake Me Up When September Ends (Green Day)

You can’t use this song for your Insta stories year-round.

But when that namesake month comes around, it’s the perfect track to ironically or seriously add to your stories.

Best for: Humorous September 1st stories, somber rainy days.

45. Video Games (Lana Del Rey)

Lana Del Rey may be old news to some, but this classic song is so fitting for any Instagram story pertaining to love (or video games).

Best for: When you and your friends are playing video games, a romantic photo op.

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

If there is one time of year that this song screams out, it’s summertime.

Hot girl summer may be a thing of the past, but you can still jam out to this song’s beach vibes while you snap pics of yourself and your friends.

Best for: Vacation photo ops, days by the pool.

47. Level Up (Ciara)

Have you recently gotten a promotion? Are you super proud of an accomplishment you just made in school? Perhaps you’re just loving yourself in general.

If so, this song is a great Insta story companion.

Best for: Exciting announcements, reaching work milestones.

48. Skinny Love (Bon Iver)

So, maybe you just got your heart broken by your first true love. Or perhaps you were the one that did the heartbreaking and you’re currently regretting it as you post a selfie to your story.

This song might set the mood for that.

Best for: Relationship selfies, post-breakup blues.

49. Cigarette Daydreams (Cage the Elephant)

All you angsty teens: listen up. This Cage the Elephant song is an anthem of teenage angst and moodiness.

The lyrics “Cigarette daydream/You were only seventeen” say it all, and they’ll pair well with a pic of any Gen Z kid.

Best for: Teen hangout sessions, riding bikes with your besties.

50. Countdown (Beyoncé)

What’s great about this Beyoncé song is that you can add it to your Insta story and dance along to the routine.

Remember that kid who choreographed a dance to it while wearing a snuggie? You might even recreate that iconic video in your story.

Best for: Dance routines, going out with friends.

51. Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God) (Kate Bush)

Let’s be honest, this has always been a great song.

But with the Stranger Things resurgence of the hit tune, we think it’s going to be super trendy on Insta stories, too.

Best for: Stranger Things superfans, your most confident selfie.

52. As It Was (Harry Styles)

This song is a little bit heartbreaking and a little bit beautiful at the same time.

Harry surely knows how to pull at the heartstrings, and adding the song to your story will do the same to your followers.

Best for: When you’re feeling moody, when you’re feeling in love.

53. The Kind of Love We Make (Luke Combs)

Fans of country music will love this suggestion for their Instagram stories.

It’s a sultry, sexy song about igniting the passion inside, so make sure your mom isn’t watching your story when you use this one!

Best for: Romantic couples pictures, engagement photos.

54. Shut Up Kiss Me (Angel Olsen)

There’s no better way for a single person to put themselves out there than by making a story post that literally asks to be kissed!

If you’re feeling cheeky and flirty, this song paired with a selfie story could send the right message to your crush.

Best For: flirtatious selfies, romantic photos

55. Stay (The Kid LAROI and Justin Bieber)

Leave it to the Biebs to make a People’s Choice Award song that no one can resist.

People commonly use this song with their hottest Instagram stories because it’s so iconic.

Best for: A day on the lake with your friends, a night of partying.

56. Circles (Post Malone)

This song by Post Malone is about a love that you try to make work but it seems so hard to manage.

It’s a bit somber and a bit downtrodden, so don’t use it for your stories documenting your best days.

Best for: Sad day selfies, a heartbroken sunset photo.

57. Hey Ya! (Outkast)

The second Outkast song on this list is dedicated to those Instagram stories where you’re having the time of your life – preferably with your favorite people!

Best for: Polaroid photo ops, party pictures.

58. Seven Nation Army (The White Stripes)

If you’ve ever been to a big sporting event, then you’ve probably heard this anthemic song bursting from the speakers.

That’s why it works great with your Insta stories for your sporting trips.

Best for: Tailgating photo ops, game-winning points.

59. Umbrella (Rihanna)

A song all about devices meant to keep the rain off of you… this could possibly be a good track if you’re documenting a sudden thunderstorm or downpour.

Best for: spur-of-the-moment rainstorms, sad day selfies.

60. Hollaback Girl (Gwen Stefani)

Girls, hold onto your hats because this song is the perfect one to blast out of the stereo while you take a ride together.

Your Insta story will be all the better with a classic Gwen song in it.

Best for: Coastal car rides with your girlfriends, BFF selfies.

61. All My Friends (LCD Soundsystem)

Obviously, this is the perfect song to use for the stories you post with your friends. It’s a friendship song with an incredible beat.

Best for: Friend group photos at graduation, friend road trips.

62. Rehab (Amy Winehouse)

This is the perfect song to use with your stories documenting a night out on the town.

Do you intend to let loose a little bit? If so, this song is fitting.

Best for: Clubbing photo ops, girls/guys night out.

63. Toxic (Britney Spears)

That opening string instrument riff is so iconic with this song that you’ll have to add it to your stories at some point.

And what’s better than Britney for your social media presence?

Best For: Chaotic photo montages, bad girl selfies.

64. Hot In Here (Nelly)

If you and your besties are looking fly and you all know it, why not show it off?

A group photo featuring this song in your story will do the trick.

Best for: Confident friend photo ops, bikini pics galore.

65. Bye Bye Bye (NSYNC)

There’s perhaps never been a greater breakup song than this one by the iconic boy band of the 90s.

For an Insta story breakup selfie, everyone will catch your drift with this track.

Best for: Breakup selfies, moving on selfies.

66. Beautiful Day (U2)

If you’re not into adding selfies to your Instagram stories, then try a beautiful scenic view or a sunset instead.

If it’s a nice day out, this song pairs well with a landscape photo.

Best for: Road trip views, hiking pictures/videos.

67. Gold Digger (Kanye West and Jamie Foxx)

People instantly clock this song when they hear even a few seconds of it, making it great for a short Insta story.

Best for: Flashing your material possessions, showing off your best new outfit.

Closing Thoughts

Looking to spice up your Instagram game? Hopefully, our comprehensive list of the best songs for Instagram stories has given you some great ideas. Good luck and be sure to try out our suggestions!

If you enjoyed this piece, be sure to check out our list of the best TikTok songs next!