Using Trending Audio in Instagram Reels: A Comprehensive Guide

Using Trending Audio in Instagram Reels: A Comprehensive Guide
Photo by Marc Schulte / Unsplash

Instagram Reels has become a popular feature for users to share short, engaging videos with their audience. One of the key elements that can make a Reel stand out is the use of trending audio. Here's a combined guide based on the top resources on how to effectively use trending audio in your Instagram Reels:

When a sound or song is "trending" on Reels, it means it's growing in popularity. This is often indicated by a tiny arrow next to the audio's name. The trending status is hypothesized to be about momentum. If an audio is consistently used or saved, it's likely to be marked as trending, regardless of its age. For instance, a cover song posted in August might start trending on Reels two months later. It's essential to focus on the trending arrow rather than the numbers to gauge popularity. Source

2. Licensing and Business Accounts

For Instagram Business accounts, there are certain limitations due to commercial music rights and copyright concerns. It's crucial to understand the legalities to avoid copyright infringement. While personal or creator profiles have access to a vast library of Reels sounds, business accounts need to be cautious. Anything labeled "Original audio" is usually safe for Business profiles. However, it's always recommended to consult with legal experts before using any audio. Source

Here are some effective ways to discover trending songs and sounds for your Reels:

  • Bookmark Trending Blogs: Platforms like Later offer weekly updates on trending Reels sounds.
  • Explore Reels Feed: Watch Reels and look for repeated songs or sounds.
  • Instagram's Trend Report: The @creators account on Instagram provides a valuable weekly trend report.
  • TikTok Inspiration: Ironically, TikTok can be a source of inspiration for Reels. Trends on TikTok often appear on Reels a few weeks later.
  • Spotify Playlists: Some Spotify playlists are dedicated to trending audio on Instagram. Searching for "Instagram trending" on Spotify can provide insights into popular songs. Source

Reels Trends is a feature that helps users understand what's trending across reels on Instagram. To access it, select the Professional Dashboard action button on your profile and choose Reels Trends. From there, you can discover the latest trending audio and hashtags. This feature provides insights into trending content, allowing users to create more engaging Reels. Source

In conclusion, using trending audio in your Instagram Reels can significantly boost your content's reach and engagement. By staying updated with the latest trends and ensuring you're adhering to copyright guidelines, you can create captivating Reels that resonate with your audience.

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