The Most Popular Trending Instagram Reels Songs (May 2026)

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Brands that use outdated sounds, or use them improperly (the ‘tiny violin’ trend showed many creators weren’t familiar with the ‘playing smallest violin ever’ concept) can come across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

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.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DYhZyIRRnMX/Explore this month’s trending Instagram Reels songs. 

Freakin’ Out - Dexter and the Moonrocks (113K Reels) 

This song is being used heavily across travel fitness content, but is also being used for the ‘remember who you are’ trend, where creators share a short selfie video with a text overlay that says ‘remember who are are’, followed by a video montage of different things that make you, ‘you’.

Audio: Freakin’ Out - Dexter and the Moonrocks

golden hour (piano instrumental) - Chilled Pig

Whether you’re taking a vacation or you’re a travel brand sharing dreamy visuals of vacation destinations, this is the perfect trending instrumental sound to pull focus to strong visuals and infuse your posts with calm, whimsical audio. 

‍Audio: golden hour (piano instrumental) - Chilled Pig

Gypsy - Fleetwood Mac (55K Reels)

It’s not just new hits that trend. Fleetwood Mac’s 1982 hit ‘Gypsy’ is trending across Reels, with many posts featuring coastal scenery using the sound. However, you don’t need to be a travel brand or vacationing on the East Coast to use this sound, with fashion brands and home decor brands using the sound to show off styles ranging from boho to eclectic. 

Audio: Gypsy (2016 Remaster) - Fleetwood Mac

Try out these trending Instagram Reels songs this month. 

Just a Girl - No Doubt (404K Reels)

This early 2000s anthem is trending in Reels that lean into confidence, individuality, and a bit of attitude. Brands are pairing it with transformation content, bold fashion moments, and messaging that challenges expectations. It’s a strong choice for campaigns that spotlight empowerment or highlight a distinct point of view.

Runaway - Kanye West ft. Pusha T (595K Reels)

The instrumental intro is having a moment in fitness and motivational Reels, especially for that slow build before a big reveal. Brands are using the piano to set up workout clips, progress shots, or “get in the zone” style content. It’s a natural fit for fitness and wellness teams looking to add a focused, driven edge.

Saturday Love Cherrelle ft. Alexander O'Neal (64K Reels) 

This nostalgic R&B track is gaining traction in Reels centered on relationships, weekend plans, and lifestyle moments. Brands can use it to support content around date nights, self-care routines, or casual ‘come with me’ style videos. It’s being used often acros fashion, beauty, and hospitality industries.

Here are some trending Reels songs to use throughout your content this month. 

You’ll Always Find Your Way Back Home - Hannah Montana (71K Reels) 

Excited for the Hannah Montana reunion? So are we. Use this classic Hannah song to celebrate the reunion, or simply use it to back any type of fun, upbeat content. 

Audio: You’ll Always Find Your Way Back Home

LA MuDANZA - Bad Bunny (736K Reels) 

We might be past Bad Bunny’s iconic Super Bowl halftime performance,  but his songs continue to trend across social. Use this horn-filled track to back upbeat, bold content, particularly fitting for fashion, travel, or food industries. 

Audio: LA MuDANZ

Anything Could Happen - Ellie Goulding (101K Reels) 

‘Anything could happen’ is an inspirational song, often used in fitness content, before and after content, or Reels that depict reaching your goals or fulfilling your dreams. Consider using it to back any inspiring messages or content you have coming up. 

Audio: Anything Could Happen

Add these songs to your Instagram content to align with what’s trending.

End of Beginning - Djo (1.5M Reels) 

‘End of Beginning’ continues to trend post-Stranger Things finale, often used as a low-key backing track, in nostalgia-driven content, city montages, travel recaps, and more. The audio track builds steadily, so brands should save their most impactful visuals for the lyric ‘drop’ to maximize its impact. 

Audio: End of Beginning - Djo

Aperture - Harry Styles (111K Reels) 

‘Aperture’, the latest from Harry Styles, is a fast-paced, synth-backed, pop track, titled after a camera function that lets light in. Use this song in fun, upbeat content, or try the ‘we belong together’ trend, filling out the prompt ‘If you love…’ with an edit featuring different clips of you or from your brand, highlighting some of your most significant characteristics. 

Audio: Aperture - Harry Styles 

DtMF (piano version) - Various Artists (117K Reels) 

This is a calm and mellow, piano ballad, perfect for highlighting soft, romantic clothing or makeup styles, dreamy interiors, or tranquil travel experiences. 

Audio: DtMF (Piano Version) - Various Artists 

Whether you’re finishing school, getting your audience ready for summer, or still revelling in Spring, try these Reels trends to make the most of your content. 

My Name Is Not 

This is a fun and easy trend to poke fun at your favorite hobby, new obsession, or a product from your brand. Simply film yourself or the collection you want to spotlight, with a text overlay saying ‘I always tell myself, “(Name), you don’t need more (object).” Good thing my name isn’t (name).

Horror Movies 

This Instagram Reel is perfect to poke fun at the things that truly horrify you…like a bad iced coffee, your favorite show ending, or a bad hair day. Simply share a short video of yourself, with a short list of 5 things that are truly a horror movie for you, no matter how big or small.  

Bright Text Overlays 

This trend is more of a visual trend being seen across Reels and other short-form videos. Brands and creators are embracing color, using bold, bright font overlays to draw attention to their content and give sound-off users an idea of what the video is about. 

Lean into these Reels trends in April and early May. 

Brainwash You 

This text-led trend uses a bold hook like, “spend enough time with me and I’ll convince you to…” followed by a specific transformation or outcome. Brands can use it to position products or services as the driver of a specific result, making it a great trend to leverage for motivational or conversion-focused content. 

Color Walk 

This is a great trend to leverage for brands promoting a specific color story or even a pattern. Simply film yourself or multiple team members dressed in a specific color, stating which color you’re looking for on your walk. Take photos of flowers, buildings, or anything else you find in that color along the way, sharing your findings (along with the products you’d like to spotlight) in a collage at the end of the video. 

Bieberchella 

Bieberchella, hallelujah! To participate in this trend, use Justin Bieber’s trending song ‘EVERYTHING HALLELUJAH’ and list some of your favorite things, punctuated with a ‘hallelujah’ over a casual video or selfie. For brands, try listing products and other things, habits, or activities you think will resonate with your audience. 

Look out for these trending Instagram Reels this March.

Want to?

Going on a work trip or want to spotlight another fun activation? Take advantage of the travel to create some fun content. In this example, actress Leighton Meester asks her costar Ashley Park, “Wanna see a movie?” before sharing their journey to a premiere of their upcoming movie. Other popular takes on this trend include, “Want to get sushi?” (or another food item), and showing your journey to Japan or other destination.

Me Before Spending

Gearing up to make a big purchase? Celebrate with this trend, filming yourself ‘before’ your purchase looking sad or unfulfilled, then after, sporting your new purchase. For brands, you could refocus this trend to a product or service you offer, with wording like, “Me before finding the perfect lip colour.”

Clap If You’re Against...It

^This trend can be done with the corresponding trend in a few different ways. In the example below, the creator uses the text overlay to write “me trying to soft launch getting a second after we said we were only having 1,” while the sound plays a clip of Wendy Williams saying, “Clap if you’re against it,” or in this case, for it. Alternatively, you can use this sound to share something you’re against, but might be uncertain if others feel the same.

Kick off the year strong with these trending Instagram Reels ideas and trends.

What do you do all day

The “what do you do all day” trend features someone walking in circles while a looping list of tasks from their job or role appears on screen. It can be created for laughs with exaggerated “busy work,” or used more realistically to show what the day-to-day actually looks like.

Non-Verbal Reaction

This trend starts with a short video of someone posing a question or statement. When the piano part of the audio kicks in, a rapid slideshow of still images (often popular memes) flashes on screen as a wordless, visual “reaction” to what they said.

I Asked the Universe for a Sign

The “I asked for a sign” trend usually features a Reel set to the “Heaven” audio. The creator looks up at the sky, the video cuts to a shot of the clouds, and the “sign” appears as a cloud shaped like the exact thing they’ve been hoping for. Usually something unexpected or oddly specific that a cloud wouldn’t normally resemble.

Ring in the holidays and the New Year on Instagram’s Explore page with this month’s latest Reels trends. 

C’Mon Superman, Say Your Stupid Line

This trend works well for brands with a signature catchphrase or a line you or your team repeats all the time. To join in on Instagram, start your Reel with the text “C’mon Superman, say your stupid line,” then cut to the clip that delivers the ‘line’ you want to spotlight.

Nina Park Makeup

If you’re a beauty brand, celebrity makeup artist Nina Park’s makeup technique is a growing favorite among beauty lovers. It’s a great time to explore recreating her iconic makeup style with your brand’s products and sharing on Reels. 

I Don’t Know What To Gift You 

Want to create a new spin on a Christmas wishlist? Create a Reel featuring short clips of your favorite products that you hope to find under the tree. This is a great opportunity to spotlight your brand’s most popular products. 

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 Social'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 Social’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.

Trending Instagram Reel 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.