How to find trending audios on instagram reels
Published on • 6 min read
If you have spent any time scrolling through Instagram Reels lately, you have probably noticed a recurring theme: many of the most popular videos use the exact same background music, sound bites, or voiceovers. This is not a coincidence. It is a strategic move by savvy content creators and brands to leverage the power of the Instagram algorithm.
Using trending audio is one of the fastest, most effective ways to boost your reach, increase engagement, and grow your following. When a sound goes viral, Instagram prioritizes videos using that sound, pushing them onto the Explore page and into the feeds of users who have interacted with similar audio before. But how do you find these viral sounds before they become oversaturated?
In this comprehensive guide, we will break down exactly how to find trending audios on Instagram Reels using both native features and external strategies. Plus, we will show you how to pair these sounds with our main toolkit to maximize your content creation workflow.
---Why Trending Audio Matters for the Instagram Algorithm
Before diving into the "how," it is crucial to understand the "why." The Instagram algorithm is designed to keep users on the app for as long as possible. To achieve this, it serves users content they are highly likely to enjoy. One of the primary signals the algorithm uses to determine this is the audio track associated with a video.
When a specific audio track starts gaining rapid traction, the algorithm flags it as a trend. Reels that utilize this trending sound are instantly given a algorithmic push, meaning they are shown to a broader, highly targeted audience. By jumping on a trend early, you significantly increase your chances of landing on the Explore page, gaining organic reach that would otherwise require a massive advertising budget.
For businesses and creators executing a modern social media marketing strategy, keeping your finger on the pulse of trending audio is no longer optional—it is a fundamental requirement for organic growth.
---6 Proven Ways to Find Trending Audios on Instagram Reels
Finding the right audio does not have to be a guessing game. Instagram provides several built-in indicators, and there are external methods you can use to stay ahead of the curve. Here are the six best ways to find trending sounds today.
1. Look for the Trending Arrow Icon
The simplest and most direct way to identify trending audio is by looking for the trending arrow icon while scrolling through your Reels feed.
As you watch Reels, look at the bottom-left corner of the screen where the audio name is displayed. If you see a tiny, upward-pointing diagonal arrow next to the track name, that audio is currently trending. If you see a standard music note icon instead, the audio is either stable or not currently experiencing a significant spike in popularity.
- Pro Tip: When you spot the trending arrow, tap on the audio immediately. This will take you to the audio’s dedicated page, showing you how many Reels have been made with it and allowing you to save audio for later use.
2. Check the Instagram Professional Dashboard
If you have a Creator or Business account, you have access to a goldmine of data inside your Professional Dashboard. Instagram has rolled out a dedicated "Trending" section specifically to help creators keep up with the latest cultural moments.
To access this:
- Go to your Instagram profile and tap on Professional Dashboard.
- Scroll down to the "Tips and Resources" or "Creator Tools" section and look for Reels Trends.
- Here, Instagram lists the top trending songs and viral sounds of the week, along with direct links to see how other creators are using them.
3. Explore the Instagram Music Library
When you are in the process of creating a Reel, the native Instagram music library is highly intuitive. When you tap the music icon to add audio to your draft, Instagram does not just show you a random assortment of songs; it categorizes them to help you make data-driven decisions.
Look for the "For You" and "Trending" sections within the audio library. Instagram curates these lists based on your specific niche, your location, and global app activity. Tracks listed near the top of these menus are prime candidates for your next video.
4. Spy on TikTok Trends
It is no secret that many trends start on TikTok before migrating over to Instagram. By the time a sound is trending on Instagram, it may have already peaked on TikTok. This represents a massive opportunity for proactive creators.
Spend 10 to 15 minutes a day scrolling through your TikTok "For You" page (FYP) or checking the TikTok Creative Center. If you notice a particular original audio or song pop up multiple times, search for that exact sound inside the Instagram search bar. Often, you can catch the wave on Instagram just as it is starting to build, giving you a competitive edge.
5. Utilize Reels Templates
Instagram has made it incredibly easy to recreate viral videos through Reels templates. When scrolling through Reels, you will occasionally see a button above the creator's username that says "Use Template."
These templates pre-segment the audio and video clips, allowing you to drag and drop your own footage directly into a pre-timed, trending structure. Because these templates are heavily tied to trending audio, using them signals to the algorithm that your content is highly relevant and engaging.
6. Follow Trend Report Accounts
You do not have to do all the heavy lifting yourself. There are numerous creators and official Instagram accounts dedicated solely to tracking trends. For example, the official @creators account on Instagram regularly publishes weekly trend reports highlighting the exact sounds, transitions, and formats that are currently performing best.
---How to Save and Organize Your Trending Audios
Finding the perfect sound is only half the battle; you also need a system to save and organize them so you can easily access them during your filming sessions. Here is how to keep your creative assets organized:
- How to Save Audio: When you find a trending sound, tap the audio name at the bottom of the Reel. Tap the ribbon/bookmark icon in the top right corner to save it.
- Accessing Saved Audio: When you are ready to create a Reel, open the camera, tap the audio icon, select "Saved" at the top of the screen, and your curated list will be ready to go.
- Create a Digital Sandbox: Keep a running list of saved audios in your notes app, alongside the specific concept or hook you plan to use with it. Pairing your audio with a high-converting hook is crucial. If you struggle with this, you can quickly write scroll-stopping intros using our Instagram Reels Hook Generator.
Step-by-Step: How to Use Trending Audio Strategically
Simply adding a trending track to your video is not a guaranteed ticket to virality. To truly capture the attention of your target audience and satisfy the algorithm, you must use these sounds strategically. Follow this step-by-step workflow:
Step 1: Match the Vibe to Your Niche
Do not use a high-energy dance track if you are sharing a deeply reflective, educational tutorial. The audio must align with the visual aesthetic and emotional tone of your video. If the sound feels forced, viewers will swipe away, hurting your completion rate—one of the most critical metrics for the algorithm.
Step 2: Optimize the Audio Levels
If you are speaking to the camera (voiceover or talking-head style) but still want to leverage a trending song, you can do so by adjusting the volume levels. Lower the trending track's volume to between 3% and 5%, and keep your camera audio at 100%. This allows you to benefit from the trend's algorithm boost while keeping your original message clear and audible.
Step 3: Craft a Compelling Caption and Hashtags
Once your video and audio are perfectly synced, you need to optimize the metadata. A great caption keeps users on your post longer, which signals to the algorithm that your content is valuable. If you need help writing engaging copy, use our Instagram Caption Generator to write captions optimized for search and readability.
Additionally, don't forget to pair your trending audio with highly relevant hashtags. To find the best tags for your specific niche, run a quick search through our Instagram Hashtag Generator to ensure your content reaches the exact community you are targeting.
---Common Mistakes to Avoid with Trending Audios
While leveraging trends can skyrocket your growth, there are several pitfalls that can hinder your progress. Avoid these common mistakes:
| What to Avoid | Why It Hurts Your Reach | What to Do Instead |
|---|---|---|
| Using Over-Saturated Audios | If an audio has been used in over 500k Reels, the trend is likely dying, and your video will get lost in the noise. | Aim for audios that have between 5,000 and 50,000 uses for the best balance of momentum and competition. |
| Ignoring Copyright Laws | If you have a business account, some commercial tracks may be unavailable or muted due to copyright restrictions. | Focus on using original audio tracks or royalty-free trending sounds available in the business library. |
| Sacrificing Brand Identity | Jumping on trends that have nothing to do with your brand confuses your audience and leads to low-quality followers. | Only participate in trends that you can naturally adapt to your specific industry or educational niche. |
Frequently Asked Questions About Instagram Reels Audio
Why can't I find certain trending audios on my business account?
Instagram restricts business accounts from using certain commercial music tracks due to licensing laws. To bypass this, you can switch to a Creator account (which still offers deep analytics), or focus on using high-performing original audio tracks created by other users, which are generally free to use for all account types.
How long do Instagram Reels audio trends typically last?
The lifecycle of a trend is incredibly short. On average, a sound will trend for 2 to 3 weeks before starting to decline. The sooner you jump on a trend after spotting the trending arrow icon, the better your results will be.
Can I use original audio and still go viral?
Absolutely. In fact, creating your own highly shareable original audio (like an inspiring quote, a funny voiceover, or an educational soundbite) is an excellent way to get other creators to use your sound, driving massive traffic back to your original post.
---Supercharge Your Instagram Strategy Today
Finding and using trending audio on Instagram Reels is a powerful way to work with the algorithm rather than against it. By consistently spotting trends early, optimizing your video presentation, and keeping your content organized, you will set your brand up for sustained organic growth.
Ready to take your social media marketing to the next level? Don't stop at just finding the right sounds. Explore our main toolkit to discover a suite of free resources designed to optimize your profile, generate high-converting hashtags, plan your grid, and maximize your engagement rate today!