Instagram Reels have quickly become one of the most powerful tools for growing your audience, increasing engagement, and showcasing your creativity. One of the key ingredients to creating successful Reels is using trending audio. These catchy, popular sounds can help your content stand out and reach more people organically.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about how to use trending audio in your Instagram Reels, including how to find it, save it, and use it strategically to boost your reach.
What Is Trending Audio on Instagram Reels?
Trending audio refers to music or sound clips that are currently popular across the Instagram Reels platform. These sounds often appear in a wide variety of videos and gain momentum when many users start using them in their own Reels.
Instagram makes it easy to spot trending sounds. When browsing Reels, you may notice a small upward arrow icon next to the audio name this indicates that the audio is trending. Popular songs, viral sound bites, and audio from memes or movies frequently make their way into the trending category.
Why Use Trending Audio?
Using trending audio on Instagram Reels is one of the most effective ways to boost engagement and increase discoverability. Here’s why:
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Better reach: Instagram’s algorithm tends to prioritize Reels that use trending audio, giving them a greater chance of appearing on the Explore page or the Reels tab.
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Higher engagement: Viewers are more likely to watch and interact with content that features familiar or catchy sounds.
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Tap into trends: Jumping on audio trends allows you to participate in broader conversations and viral moments happening across the platform.
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Boost Instagram Reels strategy: Incorporating trends strategically helps creators and brands stay relevant and top of mind.
By staying current with Instagram audio trends, you increase the chances that your content will be noticed and shared.
How to Find Trending Audio
Finding trending audio for Instagram Reels doesn’t require third-party tools Instagram provides several built-in ways to discover what’s hot right now.
1. Browse the Reels Feed
The easiest way to find trending Reels audio is to scroll through the Reels feed. Keep an eye on the audio labels at the bottom of each Reel. If you see an arrow icon next to the name, that’s a trending sound.
2. Use the “Audio” Tab in Search
Tap the magnifying glass icon to open Instagram’s search, then switch to the “Audio” tab. This lets you search for specific songs, explore popular clips, and even find variations of trending audio.
3. Check Creators Who Share Audio Trends
Many content creators and Reels coaches regularly post lists of trending sounds. Follow a few popular creators in your niche or hashtags like #reelstrends and #trendingaudio to stay updated.
4. Follow Instagram’s Creators Account
Instagram’s own @creators account occasionally highlights audio trends and Reels best practices. It’s a reliable source for finding what’s popular across the platform.
How to Save and Use Trending Audio in Your Reels
Once you find a trending sound you want to use, adding it to your own Reel is simple.
Step-by-Step Guide:
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Tap on the Audio Name
When watching a Reel with a sound you like, tap the audio name at the bottom of the screen. This opens the audio page, where you’ll see other Reels that have used the same sound. -
Tap “Save Audio”
Once you’re on the audio page, tap the bookmark icon to save the audio. You can access your saved audio later when creating a Reel. -
Create a Reel Using the Audio
To use the audio in a Reel, go to the Instagram camera, tap “Reel,” then tap the music note icon. From there, select “Saved” to find your saved tracks and choose the one you want. -
Edit and Sync
After selecting your trending sound, you can trim the clip, adjust the timing, and sync your video to the beat. Use Instagram’s built-in editing tools to match your visuals to the rhythm of the audio.
Creative Ways to Incorporate Trending Audio
Just using trending audio isn’t enough you need to make it work for your content and brand. Here are some creative ways to use popular sounds:
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Lip-syncing: Perfect for comedy skits, dialogue clips, or funny moments.
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Dance or challenge participation: Join viral trends by mimicking dances or actions that match the audio.
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Voiceovers or story narration: Use the audio to narrate a story or make your content more engaging.
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Put a twist on it: Add a unique spin to a popular trend by tailoring it to your niche or personality.
This approach not only taps into the trend but also showcases your originality, which can help you stand out in a sea of similar videos.
Tips to Stay on Top of Audio Trends
The world of trending Reels audio moves quickly. Here are some tips to keep up:
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Scroll the Reels tab daily: Spend a few minutes each day scanning the Reels feed to identify patterns in audio usage.
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Use analytics tools: Platforms like TrendTok Analytics and Instagram Insights can help you track what’s working and what’s gaining traction.
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Bookmark popular sounds: Even if you’re not ready to use them now, saving trending audio ensures you won’t lose track of them.
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Join creator communities: Facebook Groups and Discord channels for content creators often share up-to-date trend lists and strategy tips.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
While using trending audio can be a huge boost, there are a few mistakes that can hurt your engagement:
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Using copyrighted music improperly: Make sure the audio is available for business or creator accounts. Some commercial music is restricted.
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Overusing the same audio: Repeating the same sound across multiple Reels can bore your audience. Keep it fresh.
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Ignoring context: Match the tone of the audio to your content. Don’t force a trend if it doesn’t align with your brand or message.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often does trending audio change on Instagram?
Trends can shift weekly or even daily. Staying active on the platform helps you catch them early.
Can businesses use trending music on Reels?
Yes, but some music may be restricted on business accounts. Look for royalty-free or Instagram-approved tracks if you’re running a brand profile.
What makes a sound trend on Instagram?
A sound trends when many users start using it within a short time, often driven by challenges, memes, or influencers. The Instagram algorithm then pushes Reels using that audio to more users.
Conclusion
Learning how to use trending audio in your Instagram Reels is one of the smartest ways to grow your presence, improve engagement, and stay culturally relevant. Whether you’re a creator, small business owner, or just someone who loves sharing creative content, trending music gives your videos a competitive edge.
Start by exploring Reels daily, save audio that catches your ear, and begin experimenting with your own content. The more you align your videos with current audio trends, the more likely you are to boost your Reels engagement and expand your reach.
I’m Maxwell Warner, a content writer from Austria with 3+ years of experience. With a Media & Communication degree from the University of Vienna, I craft engaging content across tech, lifestyle, travel, and business.
