Being able to find and use trending audio on Instagram Reels has become a big part of both Instagram Reels and TikTok. Trending audio (both trending songs & original audio that creators make) can help even small accounts grow their Instagram accounts. That is, as long as creators have fun with making each trending audio make sense for their niche vs jumping on a trend that doesn’t make sense (see the end of this post or details on what I mean).
How to Find Trending Audio on Instagram
Search your favorite hashtags (make it relate to your products/service, location, or who your target audience is) and click Reels. here you will see some of the most viewed videos from this hashtag. (hopefully soon, Instagram will make their search feature more robust so you can search based on the top videos within the last week, but for now, this gives you an overview of the content that has worked in your niche. Find audio that you like and save it to use later).
The other way to find trending audio on Instagram is to literally just scroll! Click on the Reels tab on the bottom middle of your account and swipe up. If you see a small arrow going up and to the right that means the audio is currently “trending.” You can save the audio to come back to later, or create a video right away.
*but*
Do you ever find audio that you want to make sure to use for your Instagram account then later try to go back and find it but cannot?!? *OR* you find it but you forgot what you wanted to use it for?!
a few tricks to remember to Use trending audio on Instagram Reels:
On the audio’s homepage click the three dots in the right top corner. Save the link and go to a Google Doc or Note on your phone that you titled “Content Idea Brain Dump” also add a sentence for how it would work for your brand.
Save space on your calendar for content creation only time - then go into this braindump document and add your caption.
Later shoot the video, add text to the screen and add your caption. Save it to your phone.
If you are here with the question “Why can’t I save audio on Instagram Reels?” I have some tips for you as well!
If you have a Business Page (because duh, you are a business) you may not have access to be able to use to save any audio on Instagram Reels.
Well, I have a workaround for you!
Go into your settings and change your business Instagram page to a Creator Page (go into settings, account, and switch account), this way you can still have access to business tools like ads and analytics - but you would be able to create lipsyncing style Instagram Reels for your brand! This workaround also seems to work if you switch your Business Page category to “Entrepreneur” under your Edit Profile settings on your Instagram home page.
If you need a step by step guide on switching your account: https://help.instagram.com/529483457260403
This edit has helped me, and my clients get access to trending audio on Instagram so
One thing I want to note is that focusing on trending audio alone may grow your following on Instagram (playing with the algorithm), but it’s not a great marketing strategy for long-term connections with your target audience. Creating content that is educational, entertaining, and inspirational, AND uniquely you is the key - and I am not saying that is easy. But, I will say that building confidence can help.
Here are more resources on how to use Instagram Reels for your business:
10 Ideas for Wine Marketers to Use Instagram Reels (yes this works for other niches as well).
Non-music ideas for Instagram Reels (for those worried about copywriter issues).
Building confidence with creating Social Media Videos in general (Instagram Reels & TikTok Videos).
And remember, if you are still having trouble, connect with me for a one on one strategy session or sign up to be first to know more about a future class I will be teaching on the subject. Or, connect with me on Instagram, I share a lot of content with simple hacks and tips for Instagram Marketing! @sharayray.
