In the ever-evolving world of social media, Instagram has emerged as one of the leading platforms for sharing visual content, and its feature “Reels” has garnered significant attention. To maximize your Instagram engagement, it’s crucial to stay ahead of the game and use trending audio effectively. But what exactly are trending sounds, where can you find them, and how can you determine which ones are gaining momentum? Fear not, as we have you covered with our top tips for discovering trending songs and sounds on Instagram Reels.
Understanding Trending Sounds on Reels
When a sound or song gains popularity on Instagram Reels, it is considered “trending.” One clear indication of a trending sound is the presence of a tiny arrow next to its name. While Instagram has not officially disclosed the criteria for determining trending audio, it is widely believed to be related to momentum. This means that if an audio is consistently being used or saved by users, it is likely to receive the coveted arrow, irrespective of its age.
TIP: Keep your eye on that arrow, not the numbers.
Trending Sounds for Business Accounts
For business accounts on Instagram, navigating the world of trending sounds can be a bit more challenging due to commercial music limitations and copyright concerns. However, it’s not an impossible feat. Chantal Hermetz, Later’s Social Media Specialist, emphasizes the importance of understanding the legalities surrounding the use of music on Reels to create successful content and avoid copyright infringement.
As a rule of thumb, personal or creator profiles on Instagram have access to a vast library of Reels sounds. Yet, if you come across the message “This sound isn’t licensed for commercial use,” it means you haven’t obtained the necessary license to use music from recording artists commercially. But don’t worry, all hope is not lost! Any audio labeled as “Original audio” on Instagram is fair game for business profiles. This means you still have access to a plethora of trending sounds to elevate your brand’s Reels content.
However, it’s essential to clarify that not all “Original audio” is necessarily stock music; it may also include remixes or mashups, as seen in the case of the popular remix by Austin Millz, which has been featured in over 28,000 Reels.
Navigating Copyright Concerns
Copyright concerns can be quite intimidating for content creators and businesses alike. To ensure compliance with copyright laws, Later’s Social Content Lead, Lindsay Ashcraft, advises consulting your legal team before using any sounds for your brand. This way, you can make informed decisions about which sounds align with your brand’s message and avoid potential legal pitfalls.
If you prefer to err on the side of caution, you can always find inspiration from creators like Austin Farwell, who specialize in creating “piano audios for Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube Shorts.” Their original compositions are a safe bet for steering clear of copyright issues while still engaging your audience with unique sounds.
5 Proven Ways to Find Trending Songs and Sounds for Your Instagram Reels
Now that you have a better understanding of trending sounds on Instagram Reels and how to navigate copyright concerns, let’s delve into five powerful tips for finding the latest and most engaging songs and sounds for your Reels:
1. Bookmark Later’s Weekly Reels Trends Blog
If you’re constantly striving to stay on top of all things trending on Instagram, Later’s weekly Reels trends blog is an invaluable resource. With a team of social media experts working tirelessly to update the blog with the hottest Instagram Reels trends, including business profile-friendly audio, you’ll always be in the loop. Moreover, the blog offers insights into how to incorporate these trends within your niche, making it a must-have bookmark for all Reels enthusiasts.
2. Scroll Your Instagram Reels Feed
If you’re already a regular consumer of Reels content, hunting for trending sounds becomes a breeze. While exploring the Reels feed on Instagram, keep an eye out for the tiny arrow indicating trending audio. Once you spot a sound that catches your attention, tapping on it reveals its origin, the number of Reels it has been featured in, and all the Reels that have used it. This wealth of information gives you a head start in crafting your Reels content. When you’re ready to film, simply tap the “Use audio” button and start creating magic with the trending sound. If you find an audio that resonates with your brand but aren’t ready to create a Reel just yet, don’t forget to save it for later use.
3. Browse Instagram’s Weekly Trend Report
Instagram’s official @creators account is a treasure trove of valuable resources for content creators. Every Friday, they share the top Instagram Reels trends for creators, giving you a direct line to the latest and greatest trends on the platform. As if that wasn’t enough, @creators frequently provides general Instagram tips, including insights into the algorithm. Accessing tips straight from the source can be incredibly advantageous in honing your content strategy and driving engagement.
4. Get Inspired on TikTok
Although it might seem ironic, exploring your TikTok For You Page can be an excellent source of inspiration for your Reels content. If you’re keen on hopping onto a niche trend, try typing “trending sounds” in the TikTok search bar and apply a filter for videos from “this week.” Doing so reveals a collection of TikToks featuring creators sharing the top trending sounds and demonstrating how you can use them creatively. When you come across a trend that captivates you, take note of the song and artist, and then search for it on Instagram to see if it’s featured in any Reels. Remember that TikTok trends often appear on Reels a few weeks later, so bookmarking your favorites ensures you stay ahead of the curve.
5. Follow Trending Reels Instagram Accounts
If you prefer to minimize the effort of scouting for trending sounds yourself, there are creators who specialize in identifying the latest trends, making it easier for you to create content that reaches a broader audience. Accounts like Reels Tips offer valuable insights into the transitions, timing, and edits required for trending audio, making it a fantastic resource for content creators seeking to enhance their Reels game. Furthermore, for brands and small businesses, creators like Sej and Chitra provide a wealth of tips and tutorials, including how to incorporate trending audio into your content strategy.
With the abundance of creativity and content on Instagram, staying ahead of the curve is essential for increasing your engagement and growing your audience. By incorporating trending sounds into your Reels, you can tap into the current interests of Instagram users and elevate your brand’s visibility. Remember, Instagram’s tiny arrow symbolizes a trending sound, so keep a keen eye out for it when scrolling through your Reels feed. Additionally, Later’s weekly Reels trends blog and Instagram’s @creators account are valuable resources for discovering the latest trends and incorporating them into your niche. Don’t hesitate to explore TikTok for niche trends that may appear on Reels a few weeks later, and make use of accounts that curate trending audio to simplify your content creation process.
As you embark on your journey to discover and use trending songs and sounds on Reels,
