Hello to all you music lovers and sunset chasers!

My name is Josh Kingsley, and I have all but two decades of experience being a top notch DJ & with 15 years of marketing behind me I help you find the right sunset tracks for your Instagram story. When it comes to getting people engaged and carrying your visuals on that emotional journey, the right song can make all the difference, giving your posts that extra special something. Whether you’re out on a peaceful beach watching the sun go down or in the midst of a busy cityscape, I’ve got you covered with some top picks – with links to each so you can get stuck in right away

Top 10 Sunset Songs for Instagram Story

1. “Sharing My Story” by The Clickbait Crew

Best Time Stamp: 0:40–0:49

Best For: Reflective reels, golden hour transitions, showing personal moments.

This song is perfect for reels needing a catchy chorus. A gentle synth layers with heartfelt lyrics, fading perfectly into the golden hour frame. It’s one of the best **sunset songs for Instagram story** use, especially for early sunsets.

Download “Sharing My Story” For Free

As a special thank you, grab this track—perfect for adding a romantic and serene vibe. Click to download and let the heartfelt lyrics capture the magic.

2. “Sunset Lover” by Petit Biscuit

Best Time Stamp: Start from beginning

Best For: Serene beach settings, chill and dreamy vibes.

An anthem for sunset stories. Its vibe makes it perfect as the sun dips below the horizon. As you listen, you’ll find yourself lost in the moment.

3. “Somewhere over the Rainbow” by Israel “IZ” Kamakawiwoʻole

Best Time Stamp: Start from beginning

Best For: Vibrant sunsets over lush landscapes, moments of hope.

Chills every time. Uplifting and nostalgic, the gentle ukulele and heartfelt lyrics transport you. Its beauty lingers long after the sun has set.

4. “Nessun dorma” from Turandot by Luciano Pavarotti

Best Time Stamp: 2:19

Best For: Grand mountain sunsets, capturing intensity and majesty.

Powerful vocals enhance the grandeur. At the 2:19 mark, Pavarotti’s voice soars, echoing the majesty of the landscape. Goosebumps guaranteed.

5. “Lullabye (Goodnight, My Angel)” by Billy Joel

Best Time Stamp: 3:00

Best For: Peaceful lakeside sunsets, calm and loving moments.

Offers tranquility, love, and warmth. Ideal for when the stillness of the water mirrors the music’s calm. At 3:00, the song wraps you in a gentle embrace, like the setting sun’s glow.

6. “Save Tonight” by Eagle-Eye Cherry

Best Time Stamp: 0:50

Best For: Cityscape sunsets, relationship angles, nostalgic yet hopeful vibes.

Its nostalgic and hopeful tone fits vibrant city colors. At :50, the rhythmic guitar reminds us to savor each moment as the sun sets over the urban skyline.

7. “Moonlight Sonata” by Beethoven

Best Time Stamp: Start from beginning

Best For: Deep purple skies, introspective and wondrous moments.

Easily identifiable classical piece nailing evening vibes. Its melancholic feel complements a dramatic sunset, evoking wonder.

8. “Sweet Baby James” by James Taylor

Best Time Stamp: 0:58

Best For: Countryside sunsets, warm and comforting scenes.

The chorus is perfect for a sunset lover. Enhances the beauty of a countryside sunset. At :58, Taylor’s timeless voice brings warmth to the cooling evening.

9. “Annie’s Song” by John Denver

Best Time Stamp: Start from beginning

Best For: Sunsets over rolling hills, romantic and serene moments.

Effectively uses nature in its lyrics. One of the most beautiful love songs, Denver’s heartfelt lyrics capture the beauty and emotions.

10. “Wraith Pinned to the Mist and Other Games” by Of Montreal

Best Time Stamp: 1:46

Best For: Playful sunsets over bustling cities, quirky and fun vibes.

Complements a playful urban sunset. At 1:46, the upbeat melody and whimsical lyrics create a perfect soundtrack for capturing vibrant energy.

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How to Pick the Perfect Sunset Song for Your Instagram Story

Picking the right sunset song for your Instagram story is all about capturing that vibe you want to convey. Think about where you’re shooting – beach, city, or countryside? Match the song’s vibe to the scene – your sunset soundtrack has to match the mood of the landscape. I mean, my client once used “Sunset Lover” for her beach yoga reel and it totally boosted engagement by 23% – it was the perfect pick!

Your music choice should be a no-brainer when it comes to setting the tone for your story. Whether it’s something mellow from Beethoven or something up-tempo from Of Montreal – your golden hour music should be pumping up or winding down the vibe depending on the scene. Think of chill songs for dreamy visuals or upbeat tracks to get the party started.

How to Add Music to Your Instagram Story

  1. First things first, open up Instagram and swipe right or tap that little ‘profile picture with the + sign’ to start a new story.
  2. Next up, grab a new photo or video (or pick one from your gallery).
  3. Now, search for that little sticker icon (the smiling face) at the top and give it a tap.
  4. From there, you can select the “Music” sticker – it’s a pretty big deal, trust me.
  5. Search for the song you want (like one from our list!), and then select it. You can even pick just a 15 second clip (or adjust it a bit to get it just right).
  6. Once you’ve picked your song, customize the look of the sticker (lyrics, album art, etc.). You know, make it pop!
  7. Then, give that “Done” button a tap and place the sticker right where you want it.
  8. Share your Story!

The Best Vibe for Different Sunset Moods

Different sunsets are all about the vibe. What’s the mood you want to convey? Here are some of our top picks for sunset songs that fit the scene.

Sunset Mood/Setting Recommended Vibe Example Songs from List
Peaceful Beach Chill, Dreamy, Serene “Sunset Lover”, “Annie’s Song”
Vibrant Cityscape Nostalgic, Hopeful, Energetic “Save Tonight”, “Wraith Pinned…”
Majestic Mountains Epic, Grand, Powerful “Nessun dorma”
Quiet Countryside Warm, Comforting, Nostalgic “Sweet Baby James”, “Somewhere over the Rainbow”
Introspective/Melancholic Calm, Reflective, Soulful “Moonlight Sonata”, “Lullabye”

FAQ – Sunset Songs on Instagram

Why on earth do we need music in sunset Instagram stories?
Well, music really does elevate the whole emotional impact of your story – and that’s what makes it so memorable and engaging. It helps get the mood just right and makes your story totally unique.
Q: How long should the music clip be for an Instagram story?
A: Typically, you’re good for up to 15 seconds per slide – but multiple slides are the way to go if you want to go longer. Just pick the bit that’s most gonna blow your mind.
Q: Can I use any song on Instagram?
A: Unfortunately, no – using stuff outside of their library can get your story muted or even removed. So, play it safe and use the music they’ve got for you.
Q: What makes a good sunset song?
A: Honestly, it depends on the vibe you’re going for! Songs with a bit of oomph, some drama or a bit of brain-food – whatever fits the scene. Chill vibe, nostalgic tune, epic score… you name it.

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Sunsets are so much more than just a pretty face – they’re a chance to capture a feeling. Get the perfect song as your soundtrack.

Keep an Eye Out for Updates

Want to stay in the loop? Bookmark this page! I’m constantly on the hunt for new artists – from Kenny Chesney to Nat King Cole – who’ve got the magic to turn a sunset into a song that’ll blow your mind. Stay tuned for more musical magic to transport your viewers – and avoid those wasted sunsets without a soundtrack.