The Most Popular Trending Instagram Reels Songs (September 2024)

One of the biggest ways to harness the power of short form video is to use the right trending Instagram Reels songs — and the right trends. 

Brands that use outdated sounds, or use them improperly (the ‘tiny violin’ trend showed many creators weren’t familiar with the ‘playing smallest violin ever’ concept) can come across as out of touch, inauthentic, and rushed. 

Brands can leverage Instagram Reels to engage with their audience more effectively, gain more reach, and ultimately gain new viewers if they use the right sounds at the right times. 

That being said, there are many trends to choose from, and the lifecycle of a trend can range from a couple of weeks to a couple of months. To aid social marketers’ Instagram Reels strategy, we’re sharing the top monthly trending sounds to use on Reels.

Tips on How To Find Trending Sounds on Reels

Curious about how to find trending Reels sounds outside of this blog? To drive engagement, social marketers should: 

• Follow Reels: Scroll Instagram Reels consistently (and stay up-to-date with TikTok trends that often inform future Reels trends)  
• Stay up-to-date on the latest Instagram Trends: Read up on new Instagram Trends each month
• Watch Reels content: Follow trend-focused Instagram accounts 
• Read this: Bookmark and refer back to this blog (we update monthly)

The virality of sounds on Reels is most popularly thought to be influenced by momentum. In this case, momentum is influenced by use and how often it’s saved. 

Curious about how to find trending Reels sounds outside of this blog? To drive engagement, social marketers should: 

• Follow Reels: Scroll Instagram Reels consistently (and stay up-to-date with TikTok trends that often inform future Reels trends)  
• Stay up-to-date on the latest Instagram Trends: Read up on new Instagram Trends each month
• Watch Reels content: Follow trend-focused Instagram accounts 
• Read this: Bookmark and refer back to this blog (we update monthly)

The virality of sounds on Reels is most popularly thought to be influenced by momentum. In this case, momentum is influenced by use and how often it’s saved. 

‍Tips on How To Find Trending Songs on Instagram Reels.

Sometimes, you just need a song that enhances your Reel — whether this is a song that matches whatever you highlight in your Reel, or simply provides a pleasant background atmosphere. 

Here are some tips to find trending Instagram songs: 

• Look outside of Instagram: You might not be exposed to every song that presents a good opportunity for your brand. Fortunately, there are many Spotify playlists that round up the most popular songs on Reels, and this could spark an idea for your Instagram marketing strategy.
• Use ‘Original audio’: Be sure to only use trending videos with the ‘Original audio’ label, which means brands can use them. ‍
• Pay attention to audio permission: As a brand on Instagram, there are certain songs and audio not available — don’t use sounds with the ‘This sound isn’t licensed for commercial use’ label.

Tips on How To Find Trending Audio on Reels.

Wondering how to find trending Reels audio? Follow these steps to help you stay on top of trending sounds on Reels for your brand: 

• Pay attention to TikTok trending sounds: Sometimes these sounds trend on TikTok and Reels simultaneously, but sometimes they trend on Reels days or weeks after they appear on TikTok. 
• Don’t be afraid to be an early adopter: Don’t let the fact that an audio has a lower number of uses than you might be used to seeing. For growing trends, this often means the sound isn’t overly saturated — yet. Follow trends, but don’t be afraid to set them. ‍
• Pay attention to Instagram’s recommendations: While marketers might know this, it’s worth noting that there’s an arrow next to trending Instagram songs on the Reels Explore page that tells you if an audio is trending, and recommend related trending audio for you to use.

What songs are trending on Instagram Reels this September? Use the following songs in your Reels content to increase your chance of making it to the right Explore pages. 

Disco - Surf Curse (175K Reels) 

The surf-rock duo ‘Surf Curse’ has yet another trending hit with their song ‘Disco’, coming off the popularity of their song ‘Freaks’. This is a simple, upbeat indie love song, perfect for backing everything from recipes to OOTDs. If you’re feeling up for a challenge (and have a partner!) there is also a simple dance associated with the song, that anyone can do — dance experience or not. 

BBA - Paris Hilton (9K Reels) 

This EDM song from Paris Hilton finally combines her DJ-ing career and her pop music career in her recent album ‘Infinite Icon’. This upbeat song is perfect as the soundtrack for any of your fashion or beauty content. 

Don’t Lie - The Chainsmokers ft. Kim Petras (9K Reels) 

‘Don’t Lie’ by The Chainsmokers ft. Kim Petras is a high-energy track perfect for industries like fashion, beauty and fitness. Brands can use it in Instagram Reels to highlight product launches, tutorials or influencer workouts, for attention-grabbing content.

As Summer comes to a close, here are the songs trending on Instagram Reels this month. 

Finesse - Michael Prince ft. Koncept P, willnosleep & avonosleep (3K Reels)

This is a trending song for Instagram Reels that’s perfect for showing off. It contains strings and a long intro, where the phrase ‘do you not get the concept?’ is said. This audio is used to show progress, cars and anything that you’d like to show off. 

Ice Cream Sunday (Instrumental) - Floss (170K Reels) 

This is an upbeat instrumental, perfect for nearly any positive Reels content. Use it to show off travel destinations, beauty looks or anything else worth showcasing. 

 Big Dawgs - Hanumankind (1.2M Reels)

‘Big Dawgs’ is an energetic hip-hop track that blends powerful lyrics with a hard-hitting beat, making it a perfect choice for hype videos. It's rapidly gaining popularity on Instagram Reels, with users leveraging its intense vibe for everything from recipes to workouts and more.

Which songs are trending for Instagram Reels this month? Here are some songs to incorporate in your Reels content.

Please Please Please - Sabrina Carpenter (479K Reels) 

‘Please Please Please’ by Sabrina Carpenter is taking the internet by storm. This song is catchy and perfect for nearly any Reels content — however, this audio makes a strong statement when paired with a ‘plea’ of your own. 

The girl, so confusing version with Lorde - Charli XCX (7.2K) 

As if ‘Girl, so confusing’ couldn’t get any better — Charli XCX asked Lorde to work it out on the remix, and they sure did. This song is perfect for any content centred around the complexities of being a woman, but can also be used for most types of Reels content, like behind-the-scenes footage, hauls or styling videos. 

Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! (A Man After Midnight) - Abba (180K Reels) 

This pop classic is trending on Reels this summer, and is the perfect song to accompany travel content. It’s cheery, fast-temo sound is also perfect for any content that shows your team or friends having a ball.  

Chihiro (gravagerz remix) - Billie Eilish (88.6K Reels) 

Half of the songs from Billie Eilish’s third studio album are trending across social media — this time, with a remix of ‘Chihrio’. This remix puts a sped-up, upbeat spin on the song, making it perfect for POVs, how to’s and more.  

Good Luck, Babe! - Chappell Roan (46.3K Reels) 

From Charli to Chappell, Summer 2024 is shaping up to be for the pop girls — and of course, this means ‘Good Luck, Babe!’ is trending on Instagram, across a variety of Reels content. Use this to celebrate LGBQT+ pride (regardless if pride month is over or not), Chappell Roan-inspired makeup looks and more.

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As we move into Summer, these are the Reels songs shaping Explore pages everywhere. 

MILLION DOLLAR BABY - (1M Reels) 

This song, 'MILLION DOLLAR BABY' is the perfect upbeat track to back almost any Reels content, from recipes and DIYs to OOTDs. Pair this trending song with the appropriate Instagram hashtag for optimal reach. 

BIRDS OF A FEATHER - Billie Eilish (214K Reels)

Songs from Billie Eilish’s new album are trending across Instagram and TikTok. 'BIRDS OF A FEATHER' is a light, airy and calm song that’s suitable for nearly any content — or, stick with the song’s theme and use for content showing your favorite pairing, from complimentary products to your office pal.

Cheri Cheri Lady - Modern Talking (69.1K Reels)

This song can be found under ‘Chery Chery Lady Show’, and is an ‘80’s pop hit that’s recently resurfaced on Instagram Reels. Despite it’s distinct 80’s song and French lyrics, this song is suitable for all genders and nearly any type of content. 

misses - Dominic Fike (49.6K Reels)

This May release, 'misses' from Dominic Fike's album '14 minutes' (which is — you guess it — 14 minutes long), is picking up steam on Instagram Reels this June, with the song trending in travel, fashion, food content and more. It’s an emotional song with a catchy rhythm — perfect for Summertime listening, and your Reels content. 

Even if you’re not heading back-to-school, Fall brings themes of renewal and coziness — and here are the Instagram trends reflecting (or not reflecting) these themes this September.

Crash (500+ Reels) 

This is a fun trend that’s being used mainly by nail salons, but could work well for a variety of other industries. To participate in this trend, use this audio of a car crashing followed by gentle music — for filming, use footage of a blue beetle narrowly missing a pedestrian, followed by the ‘predestrian’ jumping into your salon for their appointment. This one requires a bit of editing, but the payoff is hilarious. Plus, it’s a fairly new trend which is perfect to stay ahead of your competitors.  

30 Minutes 

Long live meme queen Tiffany Pollard — this audio comes courtesy of her time on the show ‘Flavor of Love’, with her asking, “Did you know you have 30 minutes? 30, 30, 30, yes.” Use this audio in the background of any situation where time is running out — this can range from getting ready, your social battery or anything else that’s ‘running out’. 

I Couldn’t Help But Wonder…

This audio comes courtesy of Carrie Bradshow, who famously ‘couldn’t help but wonder’. The corresponding audio for this trend combines multiple times Bradshaw has wondered out loud — use this trend with a text overlay to draw attention to your recent musings.  

When You’re Running 

This trend uses a snippet from the remix of ‘We Need to Wake Up (Died In Your Arms) by Donny Darko, originally by Cutting Crew. To do this trend, film yourself running and include a text overlay that says “When I’m running from the cops and I hear them say the suspect has…” and proceed to include something descriptive about you, your audience or that’s relevant to your brand. Examples include “great taste in shoes”, “the best matcha in town”, or anything else — this a great trend that fits a variety of brands.

What’s trending on Instagram Reels this August?

Girls Can’t Dunk 

This is a fun trend that only requires a quick outfit change. This trend is often used by a male and female duo, but feel free to adjust it to what works best for your participants. In the trend, the more athletic person says (with a matching text overlay) ‘girls can’t dunk’, or a similarly challenging athletic feat. In the next shot, film the other person saying something to the effect of ‘watch me’. Then, have the athletic person switch to the other person’s clothing and complete the dunk, shot, flip or whatever else. 

You’re My Friend Now

This is the perfect trend to do with your office bestie and share your internal team’s personality. This is simple — lipsynch ‘you’re my friend now’ to this audio and show your followers how fast you and your office bestie clicked.

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Curious which trends (and related audio) are trending across the Instagram Explore page? Here are some trends to try this July.

I’m Feeling Rough

This emerging trend uses a line from the MGMT song ‘Time to Pretend’, ‘I’m feeling rough / I’m feeling raw’. To partake in this trend, use the associated sound and use the text feature to describe a situation that makes you feel ‘rough’.  

Match My Freak

This trend has been taking over TikTok, and is more ‘safe-for-work’ than you might think — to partake in this trend, simply use this audio and use the text feature to describe an activity or behavior you’d like to find in someone else, or simply just something unique or silly that’s habit for you.

Realizing Things 

This trend is simple to partake in — simply use this audio that’s reminiscent of someone blinking, then use the text feature to describe a recent realization you’ve had, or simply something that shocked you.

Pretty Woman

This trend uses a cover of Roy Orbinson’s ‘Oh, Pretty Woman’, and is perfect for beauty or fashion brands. Use this trend to show off beauty trends, hairstyles (like the example below), styling ideas or more.

Rapid-Fire Pictures and Videos 

Use this audio, ‘Forget You’, and share a succession of rapid-fire photos or videos. This format is perfect for ‘day in my life’ content, Summer re-caps, travel inspiration or almost anything else you have lots of content on.

We’ve covered which songs are trending on Instagram Reels, but what about the trends? Here’s what people are playing with on Reels this month. 

What Are You Addicted To? 

This song begins with an audio sample of an interviewer asking, “What are you addicted to?” before delving into a rap song. To partake in this trend, share a video or image with a text overlay that reads ‘What are you addicted to?’ or ‘What I’m addicted to’ — when the beat drops, share a succession of images featuring your addiction. 

“Let’s Dance!” 

This song originates from an Oscar’s appearance by Emma Stone  — in the clip, Emma Stone presents Oscar nominees with Ben Stiller, and asks Jonah Hill to dance onstage. This part of the clip was remixed online into a catchy song, that’s being used across TikTok and Instagram in a variety of content. 

What’s In My Bag

No, it’s not original YouTube — ‘what’s in my bag’ content has been trending quite a bit in recent times. The most recent iteration? A flatlay of your bag’s goodies, labeled for your audience. 

Take A Look Around

This trend comes courtesy of the movie Uptown Girls — the audio is spoken by a young Dakota Fanning, who says “Do you see her anywhere? Take a look around, you’re not gonna.” Either lipsynch to the sound or use the outline of Fanning herself saying it, with a text overlay detailing something you’re not going to ‘see around’ — like a problem your brand provides a solution for, perhaps. 

Here are the audio trends being used on Instagram Reels this May. 

Cara Delevigne on GTA Radio

This audio hails from the Play Station game ‘Grand Theft Auto’, where Cara Delevigne provided audio for a radio DJ. While this audio can be used in the background of other content, try using it to feature something you love while lipsynching to the words, ‘it’s time you fell in love with something that will love you back’. 

Blue Monday 

This trend originated from TikTok, and has quickly began trending on Instagram. In this trend, creators use the song ‘Blue Monday’ by Above & Beyond (the extended mix), while taking an old-school video game ‘fighting stance’. To the beat of the music, add a text overlay that communicates a common discussion or disagreement you have with a friend or colleague. 

POV

This original audio is on trend, and being used across a variety of content — one of the most popular trends being used on this audio is the ‘POV’ trend, where users share a perspective from their life to share with their followers. 

One of the challenges of staying on top of trends is the 24/7 nature of social media — and even social marketers and managers need a break. 

Dash Hudson’s Multi-Channel Social Media Scheduler feature makes it easy to stay on top of trends, and avoid any rush. When your boss inevitably reaches out about that new audio trend they read about or scrolled by, you have the pleasure of telling them it’s already in the pipeline. 

In addition to the Scheduler feature, Dash Hudson’s AI powered tools for automation and insights help with repetitive tasks and decision making, allowing you more time for making creative Reels that your audience will love.

FAQs

How do I find trending audio on Instagram?

You can find trending audio on Instagram by navigating to the Audio tool in Reels, and searching through the Instagram audio library — look for arrows that indicate an audio is trending. 

What is the most used audio on Reels?

One of the most used audio on Reels is ‘As it Was’ by Harry Styles with 3.4 million uses, and ‘Wait a Minute’ (Remix) by DJ Exe is the second-most used Instagram Reels song at 1.3 million uses.