In 2025, Instagram has become even stricter about enforcing copyright laws. The platform now uses advanced AI and content recognition tools to detect copyright infringements. That means reposting a meme, using background music, or even sharing someone else's photo without permission could get your post removed—or worse, your account banned.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to protect your Instagram account from copyright strikes. Whether you're a content creator, influencer, or small business, understanding the rules is key to staying safe and growing your presence.
Copyright is the legal right that protects original creative works like music, video, images, text—even memes. Just because something is online doesn’t mean it’s free to use.
In the U.S., Fair Use allows limited use of copyrighted content without permission in cases such as:
Reviews or commentary
Parody
Educational use
Important: Fair Use is a legal defense, not a guaranteed right. Instagram’s algorithms don’t automatically recognize Fair Use, so your content might still get removed until you file an appeal.
Instagram now uses powerful AI tools that can:
Identify music using audio fingerprinting
Match video clips to databases of movies and shows
Detect reused images, even with edits or filters
Editing a clip—slowing it down or cropping—won’t protect you anymore. Popular songs, viral clips, and memes are especially high-risk.
You can use:
Your original photos
Stock images from Pixabay, Unsplash, Pexels
Public domain images
Avoid:
Downloading photos from Google or Yandex
Reposting user content without permission
SEO Tip: Add alt-text, credit the creator, and include relevant keywords in your captions.
Safe to use:
Music from Instagram’s built-in music library
Licensed music (e.g., from Epidemic Sound, AudioJungle)
Tracks created specifically for Reels
Not allowed:
Uploading popular songs manually
Using 10–15 seconds of a copyrighted song (yes, even short clips can trigger removal)
The “30 seconds is safe” myth is false—even 5 seconds can get flagged.
You’re safe if you:
Use your original videos
Post licensed or public domain clips
Transform content (add commentary, edits, subtitles, etc.)
Don’t:
Post TV/movie scenes or TikToks without permission
Repost others’ Reels with original sound and visuals
You can:
Use Instagram’s “Share to Stories” feature
Repost with explicit permission from the original creator
Avoid:
Downloading and re-uploading content, even with credit
Posting screenshots or clips without approval
Check the Notification: Instagram will tell you which content violated the rules.
File an Appeal: If you have the rights or can claim Fair Use, use the built-in form to appeal.
Avoid Repeat Offenses: Remove duplicate content to reduce your risk of being flagged as a repeat infringer.
| Mistake | Safer Alternative |
|---|---|
| Using a trending song | Use music from Instagram’s library |
| Posting a random image from Google | Use free stock images with attribution |
| Uploading TikTok videos to Reels | Create original Reels or collaborate with the creator |
| Sharing memes without credit | Make your own or credit the original source |
Include keywords like “Instagram copyright rules,” “music for Reels without copyright,” “how to avoid Instagram ban”
Use alt-text for all your images
Write original post captions
Always credit the source when using licensed content
Always verify content sources
Stick to licensed or original music and images
Don’t rely on myths like “15 seconds is safe”
Use Instagram’s built-in features whenever possible
Keep proof of licensing (screenshots, contracts, receipts)
By following these guidelines, you'll stay clear of copyright issues, protect your account from bans, and build a trustworthy brand that Instagram’s algorithm (and your audience) will love.