Master trending Reels: create viral Reels with ease

6 min


Instagram trending Reels have skyrocketed in popularity since their debut in 2020, with a 57.4% year-over-year increase in usage by 2023. This growth has led Reels to surpass other Instagram content types in terms of reach and engagement. On average, Reels boast a reach rate of 33.8%, outshining image posts, which have a reach rate of 29.9%. 

Let’s find out what Reels are, why they’ve become so popular, and how to make the most of them. This guide is for anyone looking to use trending sounds, come up with unique concepts, and learn the latest hacks in Reel-making.

ig reels
Instagram Reels have become a crucial element in social media strategies for businesses and content creators, driving higher interaction and visibility on the platform.

Why are Reels so popular right now

Trending Reels are short, engaging and captivating videos on Instagram that use popular sounds, music, and themes to grab viewers’ attention. They mirror the latest trends, challenges, or viral moments, making them highly shareable and relatable. By tapping into what’s popular, Reels can significantly boost your reach and engagement on the platform. 

It is a very powerful tool for expanding your audience and increasing interaction because:

  • Instagram’s algorithm favors content that’s already gaining traction. By hopping on trends, your Reels are more likely to be featured on the Explore page, increasing the likelihood of going viral.
  • Trending Reels can significantly elevate reach and engagement on Instagram: сontent that’s relevant and timely is more likely to attract likes, comments, and shares. 
  • When your Reels resonate with current interests, they become more shareable, broadening your reach as followers share them with their networks.
  • Trending Reels give you a platform to creatively interpret popular content. This not only captivates your existing followers but also draws in new ones who appreciate your unique perspective.
instagram trending songs
Dive into the world of Reels with creativity and strategy to maximize your impact.

How to make trending Reels?

Creating Instagram Reels that trend involves a strategic blend of creativity, analytics, and engagement tactics. 10 steps to make your Reels stand out:

  • Eye-catching visuals for Reels: Focus on high-quality visuals. Ensure good lighting, clear composition, and dynamic movement to grab viewers’ attention instantly.
  • Video editing: Use Instagram’s editing tools or third-party apps to add effects, transitions, and text overlays. Good editing makes your video more engaging.
  • Instagram Reels captions: Write engaging captions that complement your visuals. Use humor, storytelling, or intriguing questions to captivate your audience.
  • Using hashtags for Reels effectively: Hashtags can broaden your reach, research trending hashtags in your niche and use them to increase visibility.
  • Call to Action for Instagram Reels: Include clear calls to action (CTAs) in your caption. Prompt viewers to like, comment, and share your content to increase interaction. For example, «Follow for more tips» or «Tag a friend who needs to see this».
  • Reels engagement strategies: Use interactive elements like polls and questions to boost engagement. Create content that encourages comments and shares.
  • Instagram Reels Insights: Regularly check statistics to understand which content performs best. Analyze metrics such as reach, engagement, and viewer demographics.
  • Instagram сhallenges: Participate in trending Instagram challenges to increase visibility. Put your own unique twist on challenges to stand out.
  • Promote Instagram Reels: Share your Reels across other social media platforms, or collaborate with influencers to extend your reach.

By integrating these strategies, you can create compelling, trending Instagram Reels that not only engage your audience but also significantly boost your reach and account growth.

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Always end your Reels with a clear call to action to prompt viewer engagement.

3 frequently asked questions about Ig Reels:

How to get more views on Instagram Reels?

Post at optimal times when your audience is most active. Engage with your viewers by responding to comments and encouraging shares.

How to go viral on Instagram Reels?

Create content that’s relatable and shareable. Tap into current trends and cultural moments with authentic and original content.

Instagram Reels best practices? 

Keep your video concise and engaging, ideally between 15-30 seconds. Use trending music and sounds to enhance discoverability.

how to save instagram reels to camera roll
Share your Reels across other social media platforms, or collaborate with influencers to extend your reach.

The power of trending audio

Using trending audio in your Instagram Reels is like riding a wave — catch it at the right time, and you’ll glide effortlessly toward greater visibility and engagement. Here’s why hopping on the trending audio bandwagon can elevate your content:

  1. Think of trending audio as the SEO for Instagram Reels. Just like using the right keywords can boost your blog’s search engine ranking, using popular audio can propel your Reels into the explore feeds of countless users, expanding your reach significantly.
  2. Using trending audio keeps your content fresh and current. It’s like joining a popular conversation at a party — everyone is already tuned in, and your participation signals that you’re in the loop. It shows your audience that you’re aware of the latest trends and cultural moments.
  3. Popular sounds and music act as instant connectors with your audience, because listeners are immediately engaged. By using audio that resonates with viewers, you tap into shared experiences and emotions, making your content more relatable and engaging.
  4. Just as a catchy chorus encourages people to sing along, trending audio can prompt viewers to interact with your content. They’re more likely to like, comment, share, and recreate your Reels using the same audio, thereby boosting engagement and extending your content’s lifespan.
  5. Trending audio can be the catalyst that sends your Reel viral. When an audio clip is trending, it’s being shared and recreated widely. By using it, you’re tapping into a collective movement, increasing the chances of your content being picked up and spread across the platform.

In essence, using trending audio in your Reels is like adding a supercharger to your content strategy. It not only boosts discoverability and relevance but also creates a deeper connection with your audience, leading to higher engagement and the potential for viral success. So, next time you’re creating a Reel, don’t just think about what you see — think about what you hear.

best songs of 2024
Trending audio isn’t just a sound: it’s the essence of viral Reels.

Becoming a trending audio master in 5 steps

1. Navigate the explore page

Start by exploring the Explore page on Instagram. This section showcases trending content and is a goldmine for discovering trending audio. Look for Reels with high engagement and note the audio they use.

2. Use relevant hashtags

  • Pay attention to trending hashtags related to Reels. Hashtags like #TrendingReels or #ViralReels can help you find popular content and their associated audio.
  • Use daily trending hashtags to find the latest popular audio. Hashtags like #MusicMonday or #ThrowbackThursday often feature music trends.
  • Use niche-specific hashtags relevant to your content. For example, #FitnessMusic or #FashionBeats can help you find audio that suits your particular theme and audience.

3. Built-in «Trending Audio» section

Instagram’s Reels creation tool has a built-in section for trending audio. When creating a Reel, tap the music icon to access a library of trending tracks. This makes it easy to find and use popular audio clips.

4. Helpful tools and resources

  • Third-party trending music resources: utilize third-party resources to discover trending music. Websites like Tokboard or apps like TrendTok provide lists of trending audio and songs across various platforms.
  • Spotify playlists for Instagram Reels: check out Spotify playlists curated specifically for Instagram Reels. These playlists feature trending songs that can add a popular beat to your content.
  • TikTok trending audio for Reels: browse TikTok for trending audio clips. Since trends often cross platforms, popular TikTok sounds can also become hits on Instagram Reels.

5. Choosing the right trending audio

Choose trending audio that aligns with your Reel’s concept, target audience, and brand voice. Consider the genre, mood, and message of the audio. For example, an upbeat pop song might suit a fun, energetic Reel, while a mellow instrumental might be better for a calming, aesthetic video.

By following these steps, you can effectively harness trending audio to create engaging and viral Instagram Reels.

Conclusion

In the world of Instagram Reels, trending audio is the secret sauce to viral success. It’s not just about what you show, but also what you sound like. Remember, the beat of tomorrow’s viral sensation is already out there. Embrace it, remix it, and let your creativity shine.

The future of Reels is now, and it’s waiting for your unique sound. Start creating, start trending, and let your sound shape the next wave of engagement.

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