The Most Popular Trending Instagram Reels Songs (October 2024)

Infuse your Reels with the hottest songs and audio trends.

Jamie Landry
Posted On
March 9, 2023
Updated On
October 21, 2024
21 Minute Read
trending instagram reels audio header

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Brands that use outdated sounds, or use them improperly (the ‘tiny violin’ trend showed many creators weren’t familiar with the ‘playing smallest violin ever’ concept) can come across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

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. 

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.

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Popular Reels Songs - October 2024

Here are some of the most popular songs used on Instagram Reels this October. Try the following sounds to increase your chances of making it to Instagram’s Explore page.

LoveShack - The B-52’s (2.9K Reels) 

This 1989 song, ‘LoveShack’ by the B-52’s is making a comeback on Instagram Reels — with less than 5K views, this is a great song to use before it becomes oversaturated. Perfect for any fun, upbeat content. 

Image credit: @curlyfemmefashion

Witches - Alice Phoebe Lou (26.3K Reels) 

One for Halloween! Whether you’re dressing as a witch or not this Halloween, ‘Witches’ is a fitting song to showcase costumes, Halloween decorations or parties, or simply to show off your regular Halloween-themed fits. 

woman wearing fall outfit standing in courtyard
Image credit: @cheyennebdrew

No One Noticed - The Marias (13.6K Reels)

‘No One Noticed’ by The Marias, featured in over 13.6K Instagram Reels, is often used to create a dreamy, nostalgic vibe. Its mellow and atmospheric sound makes it perfect for visually captivating content like travel montages, slow-motion shots, or reflective moments. Creators frequently pair the song with aesthetic visuals to enhance the emotional depth of their storytelling.

Image credit: @izzwoods

Popular Reels Songs - September 2024

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. 

person holding crochet project
Image credit: @aver.paula

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. 

brown curly balayage hair
Image credit: @gossipshair

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.

shrimp penne pasta
Image credit: @slimmingeats

Trending Reels Songs - August 2024

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. 

man running fingers through hair

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. 

pink milk being poured into glass
Image credit: @empress1908gin

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.

butter chicken cooking in pan
Image credit: @amateurprochef

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Trending Reels Songs - July 2024

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. 

ig reels screenshot woman giving facial massage
Image credit: @merakbeautylounge

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. 

ig reels screenshot of light tech
Image credit: @rorycreelman

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.  

woman on greek beach
Image credit: @meganbattad and @ios_island

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.  

fenty cream lip stain swatch on hand
Image credit: @sairasglam

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.

ig reels screenshot girl dancing in room
Image credit: @jaclynforbes

Trending Reels Audio - October 2024

Whether you’re showing off your Halloween costume or just want to show off your latest fits, here are some of the trending Reels formats to use this month.

OOTD Sound Effects 

This sound is complete with bangs, bops and other interesting sounds — there are 5 sounds in total, meant to show off five different outfits throughout the week. Use it to showcase an outfit, how  to style an outfit or share some of the best outfits worn in the office that week. 

woman wearing white tshirt and frilly shorts ootd
Image credit: @zigs_mom

OOTDs

Similar to the trend above, this trend uses a slowed-down version of the opening instrumental of Tame Impala’s ‘The Less I Know The Better’ — to use this trend, film yourself alone or with a friend, with each outfit change corresponding to the beat of the music. 

man and woman posing for ootd
Image credit: @agedivy

Fallen Flatlay 

This is a fun trend, but requires someone who doesn’t mind laying on the ground — or putting their belongings there. This trend is meant to showcase ‘what’s in your bag’ in a creative way. To partake in this trend, carefully place your bag’s contents on the sidewalk or ground, and place yourself on the ground like you’re falling. The filmer should focus on the fallen person first, then pan to the bag’s contents with aa text overlay that says something along the lines of ‘what’s in their bag?’ 

contents of louis vuitton purse on ground
Image credit: @abigalemasters

Trending Reels Audio - September 2024

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.  

two women at nail salon
Image credit: @cremabeauty_sa and @monicasteyn

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’. 

ig reels screenshot woman looking in mirror
Image credit: @makiyahmichelle

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.  

woman walking through street in blazer ig trend
Image credit: @emily.the.recruiter

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.

woman running for ig reels trend
Image credit: @aperolcanada

Trending Reels Audio - August 2024

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. 

girl holding basketball for ig reels trend
Image credit: @ava.tocloo

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.

two girls talking to one another
Image credit: @kennelly_m

Trending Audio on Instagram - July 2024

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’.  

ig reels screenshot person dancing through hallway
Image credit: @therealsahd

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.

ig reels screenshot match my freak screenshot
Image credit: @marykorlindowns

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.

ig reels screenshot girl wearing white headphones and white tank top
Image credit: @cindydoinstuff

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.

woman getting hair cut in salon chair
Image credit: @hairby_bellali

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.

ig reels screenshot coffee on wooden table in cafe
Image credit: @spotted.toronto

Trending Audio on Instagram - June 2024

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. 

shot of apartment kitchen
Image credit: @simplykassiex

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. 

what's in my bag with labeled bag contents
Image credit: @iamsumy

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. 

cutout of dakota fanning in front of plants in ig reels meme
Image credit: @in.home.jungle

How Dash Hudson Can Help Schedule and Auto Publish Your Reels

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. 

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