How to Find Trending Audio on Instagram: A Deep Dive into Reels’ Secret Sauce

How to Find Trending Audio on Instagram: A Deep Dive into Reels’ Secret Sauce

How to Find Trending Audio on Instagram: A Deep Dive into Reels’ Secret Sauce

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Let’s face it: Instagram Reels are the new cool kids on the social media block. And like any popularity contest, there’s a secret ingredient that can catapult you from obscurity to viral stardom. That ingredient? Trending audio. But here’s the kicker – finding that perfect, trending sound isn’t as simple as picking the first catchy tune you hear.

It’s an art, a science, and sometimes, a bit of luck. So, let’s learn how to find trending audio on Instagram?

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The Instagram Audio Landscape: A Brief Overview

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let’s set the stage. Instagram’s audio library is a vast ocean of sounds, ranging from chart-topping hits to quirky original snippets. As of 2024, over 100 million tracks are available in the Instagram music library, Which has a lot of potential for your next viral reel.

But here’s the thing: not all audio is created equal in the eyes (or ears) of the Instagram algorithm. Some sounds rise above the rest, becoming the trending audio everyone and their grandma uses. And that, my friends, is what we’re after.

Why Trending Audio Matters (And Why You Should Care)

You might be wondering, “Why should I bother with trending audio? Can’t I just use any old song?” Well, you could. But here’s why you shouldn’t:

  • Visibility Boost: Instagram’s algorithm favors Reels using trending audio, increasing your chances of landing on the Explore page.
  • Engagement Magnet: Users are likelier to interact with content featuring familiar, popular sounds.
  • Trend Surfing: Using trending audio keeps your content relevant and in tune with current social media vibes.

In fact, Instagram’s algorithm tends to favor content that utilizes trending audio, increasing the likelihood of your Reels being featured on explore pages and gaining broader reach. That’s a compelling reason to jump on the trending audio bandwagon, wouldn’t you say?

How to Find Trending Audio on Instagram:

Now, let’s get to the meat of the matter. How do you actually find these elusive trending sounds? Here are some tried-and-true methods:

The Arrow Hunt: Your First Line of Defense

The simplest way to spot trending audio is right in front of you as you scroll through your Reels feed. Instagram has made it easy by adding a small but significant visual cue:

  • Open Instagram and navigate to the Reels tab.
  • As you scroll, pay close attention to the bottom left corner of each Reel.
  • Look for a tiny upward arrow next to the audio name.

This arrow is Instagram’s not-so-subtle hint that the sound is currently trending. It’s like a little neon sign saying, “Hey, this sound is hot right now!” When you spot one, you’ve struck audio gold.

The Explore Page Expedition: A Curated Treasure Trove

The Explore page is Instagram’s way of showcasing what’s popular right now, making it a goldmine for trending audio:

  • Tap the magnifying glass icon to access the Explore page.
  • Scroll through the Reels section at the top.
  • Pay attention to recurring sounds or those with high view counts.

This method is particularly effective because the Explore page is essentially a curated playlist of what’s hot. It’s like having a personal DJ for trending Instagram sounds.

The Influencer Investigation: Learn from the Trendsetters

Influencers and popular creators are often ahead of the curve when it comes to audio trends:

  • Identify influencers in your niche or industry.
  • Follow them and regularly check their Reels.
  • Take note of the sounds they use repeatedly or in their most popular posts.

This approach is like having insider information. Influencers often have a knack for spotting (or even setting) trends before they go mainstream.

The Search and Discover Mission: Direct Approach

Sometimes, the most straightforward method is the most effective:

  • Tap the search bar at the top of Instagram.
  • Type in terms like “trending audio” or “trending sounds”.
  • Look for Reels or accounts dedicated to sharing popular audio.

This method can lead you to curated collections of trending sounds, saving you time and effort.

The Weekly Trend Report: Straight from the Source

Instagram itself provides a valuable resource for trend-hunters:

  • Follow the @Creators account on Instagram.
  • Every Friday, check their posts for the weekly trend report.
  • Look for mentions of popular audio tracks or sound bites.

It is like getting a cheat sheet directly from Instagram. The @Creators account is dedicated to helping content creators succeed on the platform, making it an invaluable resource.

The Trending Audio Library: Instagram’s Hidden Gem

Instagram has a dedicated space for trending audio, though it’s not immediately obvious:

  • Tap the “+” icon to create a new Reel.
  • Tap the audio icon at the top of the screen.
  • Look for the “Trending” section in the audio browser.

This library is regularly updated with the most popular sounds, giving you a one-stop-shop for trending audio.

The Meta Sound Collection: A Treasure Trove for Business Accounts

For business accounts concerned about copyright issues:

  • Visit the Meta Sound Collection on a desktop computer.
  • Use filters like Genre, Mood, Duration, and Tempo to find suitable tracks.
  • Sort by “Most popular” to see what’s trending.

This collection offers thousands of rights-cleared sounds, perfect for commercial content.

The TikTok Connection: Cross-Platform Trend Spotting

Here’s an interesting tidbit that could give you a serious edge in the Instagram Reels game: trends often start on TikTok before making their way to Instagram Reels. In fact, studies show that TikTok trends typically appear on Reels about 2-3 weeks later. It’s like having a crystal ball for Instagram trends if you know how to use it.

Why TikTok Leads the Trend Cycle

There are a few reasons why TikTok tends to be the trendsetter:

  • Younger User Base: TikTok’s audience skews younger, and younger users are often quicker to adopt and create new trends.
  • Algorithm Efficiency: TikTok’s algorithm is incredibly efficient at surfacing and amplifying new content, allowing trends to spread rapidly.
  • Focus on Audio: TikTok has always strongly emphasized audio trends, while Instagram Reels adopted this focus later.
  • Creator Tools: TikTok offers more robust in-app editing and audio manipulation tools, making it easier for users to create and iterate on trends.

How to Leverage This Knowledge

  • Monitor TikTok’s “For You” Page: Spend time each day scrolling through TikTok’s “For You” page. Pay attention to recurring sounds, dance moves, or video formats.
  • Use TikTok’s Discover Page: The Discover page often highlights trending hashtags and sounds. Note these and watch how they evolve.
  • Follow Trend Forecasters: There are accounts on both TikTok and Instagram that specialize in identifying and predicting trends. Following these can give you valuable insights.
  • Set Up a Trend Calendar: When you spot a trend on TikTok, mark your calendar for 2-3 weeks in the future. It is when you should be ready to adapt to the trend for Instagram Reels.
  • Adapt, Don’t Copy: Remember, Instagram and TikTok have different audiences and vibes. Don’t just copy a TikTok trend verbatim – consider how to adapt it to fit Instagram’s style and your brand’s voice.
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The Art of Using Trending Audio

Now that you’ve got the inside scoop on where trends originate, let’s talk about how to use trending audio effectively:

  • Be Quick: Trends move fast, especially in the cross-platform world. Once you spot a trending sound on TikTok, start brainstorming how to use it on Reels in a few weeks.
  • Be Creative: Don’t just copy what others are doing. Put your unique spin on the trend. It is especially important when adapting a trend from TikTok to Reels.
  • Be Relevant: Ensure the trending audio fits your brand and content style. Not every trend will be a good fit, and that’s okay.
  • Be Consistent: Use trending audio regularly, but keep it from every single Reel. Balance is key.
  • Plan Ahead: Since you know trends are likely coming from TikTok, you can start planning your Reels content, giving you time to create high-quality, thoughtful content.

Remember, using trending audio is just one piece of the puzzle. Content is still king, and no amount of trendy music can save a poorly conceived Reel.

When Trending Audio Isn’t the Answer

Here’s a controversial opinion: sometimes, it’s better not to use trending audio. Gasp! I know it sounds like social media blasphemy. But hear me out. If you’re a brand with a distinct voice or a creator with a unique style, constantly chasing trends might dilute your identity.

In these cases, creating original audio or using lesser-known tracks that align with your brand might be more beneficial in the long run.

Moreover, when a trend makes its way from TikTok to Instagram, it might already be on its way out. Sometimes, bucking the trend and doing something completely different can make you stand out more.

The Future of Audio on Instagram

As we wrap up, let’s gaze into our crystal ball. What does the future hold for audio on Instagram?

  • AI-Powered Recommendations: With the rise of AI and machine learning, we might see more personalized audio recommendations. Imagine Instagram suggesting trending sounds based on your content style and audience preferences.
  • Cross-Platform Integration: As the line between TikTok and Instagram Reels blurs, we might see more official integration of trends across platforms.
  • In-App Audio Creation: As Instagram continues to compete with TikTok, we might see more features around audio creation and editing directly within the app.
  • Branded Audio Trends: We may see more brands creating their own audio trends rather than just following existing ones.
  • Localized Trends: As Instagram refines its algorithm, we might see more region-specific audio trends, allowing for more culturally relevant content.

The audio landscape on Instagram is evolving, and it will be crucial for content creators to stay informed about these changes. By keeping an eye on TikTok and understanding the cross-platform trend cycle, you can stay ahead of the curve and create Reels that resonate with your audience.

The Bottom Line:

Finding trending audio on Instagram isn’t just about following a set of steps. It’s about developing an ear for what resonates with your audience, staying attuned to the ever-changing social media landscape, and being willing to experiment. Remember, at the end of the day, authenticity is the most important trend to follow. Use trending audio to amplify your message, not as a crutch to prop up lackluster content. So go forth, find that perfect sound, and create some Reels magic. Who knows? Your next post might just be the one that sets the trend.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How often does trending audio change on Instagram?

Trending audio on Instagram can change daily, but some popular sounds may remain trending for weeks or even months.

Can I use any song I want in my Instagram Reels?

Due to copyright restrictions, not all songs are available for use in Reels. Instagram provides a library of licensed music and sounds for users.

Does using trending audio guarantee my Reel will go viral?

While using trending audio can increase your Reel’s visibility, it doesn’t guarantee virality. The content of your Reel, your audience engagement, and other factors also play crucial roles

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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