Creating a viral Instagram Reel requires more than just great content. Top creators use different strategies to take advantage of Instagram’s algorithm.
One of the best strategies for increasing views and engagement on Instagram Reels is using popular sounds and trending music. This becomes even more effective when combined with Instagram’s smart direct messaging features, which can boost the interaction on your posts.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Finding Trending Instagram Songs for Reels
Below, we will walk you through several key methods for discovering popular Instagram Reel music and sounds. Follow along with DWB to easily find trending Instagram songs and stay ahead of the competition.
1. Explore the Instagram Reels Tab
One of the most effective ways to find trending sounds is by browsing the dedicated Reels tab on Instagram. When you open this tab, you’ll see a curated selection of videos based on your interests and engagement history.
The content shown in the Reels tab is influenced by factors such as your past interactions, the accounts you follow, and current trends.
For example, if you’re a fashion blogger and frequently follow creators who make styling videos, Instagram will likely show you popular Reels from the same niche.
By exploring these suggested Reels, pay attention to songs or sounds that appear repeatedly—this is a strong indicator that they are trending. Jump on the trend by incorporating these sounds into your own content.
2. Look for the Upward Arrow Icon on Reel Sounds
A foolproof way to identify trending Instagram Reel sounds is by spotting the upward arrow icon next to a song in the Reels tab. This arrow indicates that the sound is currently rising in popularity.
While manually checking for this icon may require some effort, it remains one of the most reliable ways to confirm that a sound is genuinely gaining traction.
Just because a sound has been used multiple times doesn’t necessarily mean it’s trending right now—it may have peaked days ago and is already losing engagement.
Whenever you find a sound with an upward arrow, save it immediately and create a Reel using it within the next few hours to capitalize on the trend.
3. Use Instagram’s Audio Suggestions
Before recording a Reel, take advantage of Instagram’s built-in sound recommendations to discover trending music.
To do this:
- Open Instagram and tap the ‘+’ button at the bottom of the screen.
- Select ‘Reel’ and tap on the Audio icon on the left side.
- Browse through the recommended sounds.
In this section, you’ll see different categories such as new releases, original sounds, and personalized recommendations.
The ‘For You’ section contains trending Reel music that Instagram suggests based on what’s currently popular. You can also check the number of Reels that have been created using a specific sound—if a song has been used in a large number of videos, it’s likely trending.
4. Find Trending Songs on TikTok
TikTok and Instagram are closely connected when it comes to trends and viral content. A song or challenge that gains traction on TikTok often crosses over to Instagram.
This makes TikTok an invaluable resource for finding up-and-coming tracks to use in your Instagram Reels.
Finding trending songs on TikTok is easier than on Instagram. Simply:
- Search for keywords like “viral sounds” or “trending songs” within the TikTok search bar.
- Use TikTok’s ‘Add Sound’ feature in the camera section to explore popular tracks.
- Check out the ‘Hot’ section, which highlights the most viral songs at any given moment.
Browse through the suggested tracks, save the ones you like, and use them in your Instagram Reels before they hit peak popularity.
5. Follow Popular Creators to Stay Updated on Trends
Aside from exploring Instagram’s music suggestions, one of the best ways to discover trending Reel sounds is by following top content creators and influencers in your niche.
By keeping an eye on the most successful Instagram creators, you can stay updated on the latest trends and gain inspiration for your own content.
You can:
- Manually search for influencers by entering relevant keywords in the Explore section.
- Browse viral posts in your niche and note the sounds being used.
Once you start following high-engagement creators, pay attention to the audios featured in their viral posts. Save these sounds, as they are likely on the rise and can help boost your content’s reach.
Final Thoughts
Using trending songs is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to increase engagement on Instagram Reels. By regularly checking Instagram’s Reels tab, looking for the upward arrow icon, exploring recommended sounds, tracking TikTok trends, and following top creators, you can stay ahead of trends and maximize your Reel’s performance.
Act fast—once you identify a trending sound, use it as soon as possible to take full advantage of its growing popularity!
