Top Tips for How to Find Trending Music on Instagram
Ever scroll through Instagram Reels and notice how some just pop while others feel kind of flat? A big part of that magic comes from the music. Using the right trending songs can make your content stand out, grab attention fast, and even go viral.
Instagram’s algorithm pays close attention to sound choices, and when you ride the wave of a popular track, your chances of getting more views, likes, and follows shoot up. Whether you're building a brand or just having fun, the music you use can make a big difference. So if you're ready to level up your Reels, here are the easiest and smartest ways to find trending music on Instagram.
Key Takeaways
Trending audio on Instagram can skyrocket your content’s reach; choose wisely, and you’ll be the next viral sensation!
Don’t underestimate the power of the Instagram Reels feed and Explore page – they’re treasure maps for locating the hottest audio tracks.
Stay in the loop by following creators and using tools like the Meta Sound Collection to ensure your sound game is always on point!
Use Instagram’s Built-In Features to Spot Trending Audio
Instagram actually gives you a bunch of helpful tools to spot trending music without needing to leave the app. One of the easiest places to start? The Reels feed. As you scroll, pay attention to the small upward arrow or music note icon next to the audio name — that’s Instagram’s way of showing you the sound is picking up steam. Tap on it, and you’ll see how many Reels have used it so far.
Next, head over to the Explore page and tap the Reels tab. You’ll start to notice certain audio clips showing up again and again. If you’re hearing the same sound from different creators, it’s probably trending.
You can also take advantage of Instagram Reels templates, which often come preloaded with popular tracks. These templates make it super simple to plug in your own clips without having to sync everything manually. Just swap out the visuals and you’re good to go.
If you’ve got a professional Instagram account, don’t skip the Professional Dashboard. There’s a section that highlights up to 50 top trending sounds — super handy if you want to stay current. (Note: this feature is only available in the U.S. and only through the Instagram mobile app.)
And here’s a quick tip: when you find a sound you like, tap the bookmark icon to save it. That way, you’ve got a go-to library of trending tracks ready whenever you’re in the mood to film.
Follow Trusted Trend Sources for Weekly Audio Updates
If you don’t want to spend hours hunting for new sounds, let the trend experts do the work for you. One of the best accounts to follow is @creators on Instagram. They regularly post Reels trend carousels that highlight popular sounds, editing ideas, and tips for getting more views.
Another solid resource is HeyOrca, which puts out a weekly find trending audio roundup for both Instagram and TikTok. It’s short, helpful, and hits your inbox every Friday if you subscribe.
The Later blog also shares fresh Reels trends each week. They break down what’s working, which sounds are taking off, and even suggest how to use them. It’s a great one to bookmark and check in on regularly.
While it’s not as frequent, Buffer’s blog sometimes includes Instagram posts about audio tips in their content strategy articles. If you’re into the marketing side of social media, it’s worth a peek.
Staying on top of these resources means less guessing and more creating. When you know what’s trending early, you can hop on before it’s old news — and that’s a huge advantage if you want to find trending songs without scrolling for hours.
Use the Meta Sound Collection to Find Royalty-Free Tracks
If you’re looking for safe, copyright-free music that still sounds great, the Meta Sound Collection is a hidden gem. It’s built right into Meta’s tools for Facebook and Instagram, and it’s totally free to use. You can access it through Meta Business Suite or Creator Studio if you’re using a desktop.
The best part? You can filter the music by mood, tempo, genre, and even duration. So whether you’re going for chill vibes or upbeat energy, you’ll find something that fits your content.
These tracks are especially useful for original videos or branded content where copyright issues can get tricky. Since the entire library is cleared for use, you don’t have to worry about takedowns or muted audio.
One thing to keep in mind: these songs are only approved for use on Meta platforms, like Instagram and Facebook. But if that’s your main focus, it’s a solid go-to for finding quality music that keeps things simple and legal.
Look at What’s Trending on TikTok and YouTube Shorts
Instagram trends don’t always start on Instagram. In fact, a lot of viral sounds you hear on Reels actually start on TikTok and make their way over later. So if you want a head start, it’s smart to keep an eye on what’s trending over there.
TikTok’s Creative Center is one of the easiest ways to do that. It lets you browse trending music by country, genre, or theme, so you can see exactly what people are using right now — not just globally, but locally too. If a sound is climbing fast on TikTok, there’s a good chance it’ll show up on Reels soon.
YouTube Shorts is another platform worth checking. Sounds that blow up there often make the jump to Instagram, especially if creators are repurposing their content across platforms. When something catches your ear, try plugging it into Instagram’s search bar to see how many Reels are already using it.
The big advantage here? You’re not just reacting to trends — you’re getting ahead of them. These platforms are perfect places to find trending sounds before they explode on Instagram. A little outside research goes a long way when it comes to riding the next big wave.
Engage With Popular Creators and Niche Pages
If you want to stay current with trending sounds, start by paying attention to the people who live and breathe content — creators in your niche. Whether you’re into fitness, food, fashion, or funny skits, there are always influencers using fresh audio in smart ways. Watching how they pair music with visuals can spark ideas for your own Reels.
A lot of niche creators jump on trends early, even before the broader Instagram crowd catches on. This gives you a chance to catch a track while it’s still rising, instead of hopping on when it’s already everywhere.
Besides creators, keep tabs on marketing pages that highlight trends. These accounts often post examples of what’s performing well and break down why certain sounds are catching on. Some even offer tips on how to remix or adapt a trend to fit your own content style.
Engaging with these pages — even just lurking and observing — keeps you in the loop. You’re not only finding trending music, but also learning how to use it in a way that feels fresh, not forced.
Create and Name Your Own Custom Audio for Reels
Sometimes, the best way to stand out is to start something new. Instead of just using what’s trending, you can upload your own custom audio to Reels. This could be a voiceover, a beat you made, a funny soundbite — anything original that fits your content.
When you do this, make sure to give your audio a clear and searchable name. Think of it like naming a song. If someone wants to use it later, they need to be able to find it easily. Avoid random titles like “Audio_123” and go with something simple and recognizable.
Here’s where it gets fun: once your Reel is live, your audio becomes clickable. That means other users can tap on it, land on the audio page, and see every Reel that’s used that sound so far. If your sound catches on, it could lead to more engagement, shares, and even help build your identity as a creator.
This is especially helpful if you're building a brand or running a business — custom audio adds personality to your content and makes it feel more original. And who knows? You might even create the next sound everyone wants to use.
Save and Organize Your Favorite Tracks for Future Use
When you find a sound you like, don’t just scroll past it — save it. Instagram’s bookmark feature lets you keep track of audio clips so you can use them later. It’s a simple tap, but it makes a big difference when you're planning content.
Creating a personal “audio library” helps you stay organized, especially if you're posting regularly. You won't have to waste time hunting down that perfect track you heard last week — it'll be right there in your saved list.
This is also a big help when you're batch-creating or scheduling Reels. Having a few sounds ready to go means you can focus more on filming and editing, not scrambling to find music at the last minute.
Conclusion
Finding trending music on Instagram doesn’t have to be a guessing game. Whether you’re using built-in features like the Reels feed or Professional Dashboard, following weekly trend roundups, or watching what’s hot on TikTok and YouTube Shorts, there are tons of easy ways to stay on top of what’s popular.
But it’s not just about chasing what’s trending — it’s about using those sounds in ways that feel true to your content. The most successful creators don’t just follow trends; they often start them. Creating your own audio or using saved tracks with intention can help you stand out.
Stay consistent, keep experimenting, and pay attention to what works. When your audio choices match your message, you’ll see more engagement, more reach, and more chances to grow.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if an audio is trending on Reels?
Look for the small upward arrow icon next to the track name. That means it’s currently trending.
Is it okay to use TikTok sounds on Instagram?
Yes, as long as the sound is available in Instagram’s music library or uploaded legally.
How often should I update my audio choices?
Every week or two is ideal, especially if you’re posting consistently.
Can I use copyrighted music on Instagram?
Only if Instagram provides the track. Otherwise, you risk muted audio or takedowns.
What’s the difference between Meta Sound Collection and Instagram’s regular music library?
Meta Sound Collection is royalty-free and safe for original branded content, while the regular music library includes popular tracks licensed for general use inside the Instagram app.