Crafting the perfect Instagram story soundtrack can be tricky, but finding the right music can elevate your content from ordinary to unforgettable. This year, 2023, offers a wealth of options, ranging from infectious pop anthems to soulful ballads. We've compiled a list of the best songs that capture the energy and vibe of this year, drawing inspiration from the enduring popularity of artists who’ve consistently delivered chart-topping hits. Think of the infectious grooves that have dominated airwaves for years – tracks that seamlessly blend catchy melodies with unforgettable hooks. This list celebrates the artists who have shaped the soundscape of our generation, providing a soundtrack to countless moments. From the smooth vocals of artists known for their heartfelt lyrics to the irresistible funk that gets everyone moving, this carefully curated selection ensures your Instagram stories remain engaging and reflect your unique style.
This collection aims to introduce you to a diverse range of sounds, songs that have stood the test of time and remain as fresh and exciting today as they were when first released. Whether you're looking for a song to set the mood for a relaxing evening or a track that will boost the energy of a fun night out, this playlist has something for everyone. Prepare to rediscover some old favorites and find some incredible new additions to your music library—songs destined to be the perfect accompaniment to your everyday Instagram moments. The aim is simple: to provide you with the ultimate toolkit for creating the most engaging, musically-rich Instagram stories imaginable.
| Song | Artist | Album | Listens |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Shape of You | Ed Sheeran | ÷ (Deluxe) | 6B+ |
| 2. Uptown Funk | Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars | 5B+ | |
| 3. Perfect | Ed Sheeran | ÷ (Deluxe) | 4B+ |
| 4. CAN'T STOP THE FEELING! | Justin Timberlake | TROLLS (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) | 2B+ |
| 5. Do I Wanna Know? | Arctic Monkeys | AM | 2B+ |
| 6. Billie Jean | Michael Jackson | Thriller | 2B+ |
| 7. Old Town Road | Lil Nas X ft. Billy Ray Cyrus | 1B+ |
1. Shape of You - ÷ (Deluxe)
Ed Sheeran's "Shape of You" released in 2017 from his album ÷, is a global phenomenon. Its infectious tropical house beat and relatable lyrics about an unexpected connection quickly propelled it to the top of charts worldwide, holding the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100 for an impressive 12 weeks. The song's immense popularity is evidenced by its billions of streams and numerous accolades, including a Grammy Award for Best Pop Solo Performance. Initially written with Rihanna in mind, Sheeran ultimately kept the track, creating a signature hit that showcases his evolving musical style and resonates deeply with listeners, many of whom found themselves captivated by its catchy melody after an initial listen. The song's inclusive music video also garnered positive attention.
2. Uptown Funk
Released in 2014 and featuring Bruno Mars, "Uptown Funk" by Mark Ronson is a Grammy Award-winning funk and soul masterpiece. Its infectious energy and instantly recognizable beat make it a perfect choice for Instagram Stories in 2023. The song's upbeat tempo and short, catchy sections are ideal for avoiding cuts, while its vibrant sound evokes images of dancing, celebration, and good times. This makes it particularly appealing to a broad audience, including Gen Z and millennials, and even works well for fitness enthusiasts looking for motivational background music. While not currently topping charts, "Uptown Funk" maintains significant popularity on Instagram due to its enduring appeal and frequent use in videos. Users should be mindful of copyright and potentially use a short, impactful snippet of the song to avoid infringement. Its timeless quality ensures it remains a fun and effective addition to any Instagram Story.
3. Perfect (Ed Sheeran - 2025)
Ed Sheeran's "Perfect" a timeless romantic ballad released in 2017, remains a popular choice for Instagram Stories in 2023. Its gentle melody and heartfelt lyrics, expressing the joy and commitment of a loving relationship, create a warm and nostalgic vibe perfect for showcasing romantic moments or sentimental memories. The song's moderate length avoids the need for abrupt cuts, while its evocative imagery lends itself well to visual storytelling. Though not currently topping charts, its enduring popularity makes it a consistently strong choice. Its pop genre appeals to a broad audience, from millennials to Gen Z, particularly those sharing relationship-focused content. Users should be mindful of copyright and consider using shorter snippets to avoid infringement.
4. CAN'T STOP THE FEELING! - TROLLS (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
Justin Timberlake's "Can't Stop the Feeling!" wasn't just a chart-topper; it swept awards, including a Grammy for Best Song Written for Visual Media, and garnered nominations for an Academy Award and Golden Globe. Released in 2016 for the Trolls soundtrack, the song's infectious rhythm and upbeat tempo quickly made it a global phenomenon. Its success stemmed from a blend of Timberlake's signature vocal style, a catchy melody reminiscent of classic funk, and a joyful energy that resonated deeply with listeners, transforming stressful days into moments of pure happiness as noted by many fans. The song's vibrant music video further fueled its popularity, capturing the spirit of carefree dancing and celebrating universal joy.
5. Do I Wanna Know? (2011)
Opening with a hypnotic bassline and a subtly driving rhythm, Arctic Monkeys' "Do I Wanna Know?" immediately establishes a captivating mood. The song's blend of hazy, melancholic vocals and infectious guitar riffs creates a retro-tinged, yet undeniably modern sound. Its relatively short length (around 4 minutes) makes it ideal for Instagram Stories without requiring abrupt cuts. The song's vibe is both cool and slightly mysterious, evoking imagery of late-night drives and introspective moments, making it perfect for a range of visual content. While not currently topping charts, "Do I Wanna Know?" maintains significant popularity on Instagram in 2023, consistently appearing in user-generated content. Its indie rock genre appeals to a broad audience, spanning Gen Z and millennials, and its evocative soundscape lends itself to fashion, lifestyle, and artistic visuals. To avoid copyright issues, users should consider using a short, impactful snippet of the song for their stories.
6Billie Jean
Michael Jackson
1982
Thriller
7Old Town Road
Lil Nas X ft. Billy Ray Cyrus
2019
8bad guy
Billie Eilish
2019
WHEN WE ALL FALL ASLEEP, WHERE DO WE GO?
9Calm Down
Selena Gomez,Rema
2023
10Levitating
Dua Lipa ft. DaBaby
2020
11Dancing Queen
ABBA
1976
Arrival
12Blinding Lights
The Weeknd
2019
After Hours
13Flowers
Miley Cyrus
2023
Endless Summer Vacation
14I Gotta Feeling
Black Eyed Peas
2009
THE E.N.D. (THE ENERGY NEVER DIES)
15September
Earth, Wind , Fire
1978
16Hey Ya!
Outkast
2003
Speakerboxxx/The Love Below
17Mr. Brightside
The Killers
2003
Hot Fuss
18Say So
Doja Cat
2019
Hot Pink
19Watermelon Sugar
Harry Styles
2019
Fine Line
20Save Your Tears
The Weeknd,Ariana Grande
2020
thank u, next
21Golden
Harry Styles
2019
22Rockstar
DaBaby ft. Roddy Ricch
2020
23Savage Love
Jason Derulo,Jawsh 685
2020
Get Weird (Expanded Edition)
24Flashing Lights
Kanye West ft. Dwele
2007
25Hypnotize
The Notorious B.I.G.
1997
Life After Death (2014 Remastered Edition)
26Everybody Talks
Neon Trees
2012
Picture Show
27Good as Hell
Lizzo
2016
28Golden Hour
JVKE
2023
29Always Forever
Cults
2013
Static