On Instagram, “OS” typically stands for “Original Sound.” This designation is assigned to audio created and uploaded directly to the platform by a user, as opposed to licensed music or sounds taken from other sources. For example, if a user records their own voiceover or composes music specifically for an Instagram Reel, the audio track would be categorized as an Original Sound.
The presence of Original Sound offers several advantages. It allows creators to establish unique audio identities and potentially gain recognition for their creativity. Furthermore, using one’s own audio mitigates the risk of copyright infringement, which can lead to content takedowns. In the early days of short-form video platforms, copyright issues related to licensed music were prevalent, leading to the development and emphasis on user-generated audio libraries, with “Original Sound” becoming a key component.