Choosing the right trending audio to accompany your latest Instagram post is an art, not a science. Still, opting for a trending sound or music clip could provide the boost you need to get your video on the Instagram Explore page or Instagram Reels feed.
While it used to be just for Instagram Reels, you can now also add trending audio to your carousels and single photo posts. This gives your posts a better chance of landing on the Explore page, and it makes carousels and photos eligible to appear on the reels feed, too. That opens up a new way to expand your reach.
But where can you find trending audio on Instagram? If you feel like you’re always chasing the tail-end of trending songs on the app, you’ve come to the right place.
Here are some of the most viral, versatile, trending songs and sounds on Instagram right now.
Jump to a section:
13 trending songs and audio on Instagram
Here's a quick summary of what is trending in December 2025.
Trending songs on Instagram in 2025
- 1. Barota
- 2. Ariel J - Hug the air
- 3. Love Letters
- 4. Winter Magic
- 5. Should I Stay or Should I Go
- 6.Beautiful Things (Piano Instrumental)
- 7. Chanel
- 8. I Think We're Alone Now
- 9. Original audio by shay.aka.dooterduckie
- 10. Gifts to your future self
- 11. Elf Interlude
- 12. Life Feels So Good
- 13. Original audio by Roryeliza
1. Barota
Sidhu Moose Wala’s posthumous hit Barota is taking over feeds and hearts. Creators are using the song to honor and pay tribute to the Punjabi hip-hop star who was tragically shot in May 2025.
2. Ariel J - Hug the air
Ariel J.’s Hug the Air is pure R&B poetry in motion. The soulful lines, including “Hug the air and she will hug you back. I know you’ve never been up that high,” are inspiring creators to celebrate personal growth, courage, and those moments when you step into new heights.
3. Love Letters
James Quinn’s Love Letters is a stunning neo-classical piano piece. Creators are using it to showcase love, special moments, and beautiful scenes. It's perfect for content that wants to portray timelessness, elegance, and emotion.
4. Winter Magic
A seasonal sound for the Northern Hemisphere, Winterbell's Winter Magic is giving "first snow of the season" energy. As the name implies, it's ideal for any cosy content that celebrates the season.
5. Should I Stay or Should I Go
This classic track by The Clash is witnessing a revival thanks to Season 5 of Stranger Things, where the song lyrics depict part of the plot. Creators (not doubt fans of the series) are lip-syncing to the song with red lightning and shadow monsters in the background.
6. Beautiful Things (Piano Instrumental)
Benson Boone’s Beautiful Things is incredible. The piano instrumental version is soft, tender, and full of emotion — the perfect background for life’s most, well, beautiful moments.
7. Chanel
Tyla's new song Chanel blends Amapiano-infused pop and R&B, and creators have taken on a dance challenge with some Amapiano-inspired moves. Look, I am South African, but I'm going to need a couple of tutorials (and maybe even a new rhythm centre in my brain) to get this one right.
8. I Think We're Alone Now
Stranger Things nostalgia is alive and well with Tiffany’s I Think We’re Alone Now. Creators are using the '80s pop classic for a range of reels, not just Stranger Things content.
Fun fact (I was today years old when I learnt this): The song was originally recorded by Tommy James and the Shondells in 1967.
9. Original audio by shay.aka.dooterduckie
This upbeat clip mixes a cheeky “let’s do it” with the iconic intro to Salt-N-Pepa’s Push It — 100% made for reels that show off confidence and fun. Creators are using it for playful reveals, fitness flexes, and strutting their stuff. Basically, any moment that needs a burst of energy and attitude.
10. Gifts to your future self
Adam Dodson’s song is an ambient guitar piece that calls for moments of reflection. Its clean, reverb-soaked tones are perfect for scenic shots, “wow” moments, personal growth, or quote overlays.
11. Elf Interlude
Lean in to the season with Tori Kelly's cute and Christmassy jingle. If you aren't feeling festive yet, this song will change that for you.
12. Life Feels So Good
As it says on the box, Life Feels So Good is a warm and uplifting track. Creators are using it for good-vibes-only content that reflects the lyrics: "Woke up smiling, no big deal; Toast popping, this joy feels real, oh-oh; No jackpot, just my feet on the floor; Still, I'm grinning like I won more." In a nutshell: it's a good day to have a good day.
13. Original audio by Roryeliza
Still on the trending list, this audio clip by Roryeliza blends the intro of Missy Elliott’s Pass That Dutch with JoJo’s Leave (Get Out) to create a playful contrast. Creators are using it to highlight unexpected differences, or just using the first half (Missy Elliot) to grab attention and dish out some serious swagger.
How to find trending audio on Instagram
Not loving any of the above options? No sweat: here’s a crash course on how to find trending sounds on Instagram Reels.
- Use Instagram’s trending audio list: Check Instagram’s built-in leaderboard for the top 50 trending songs updated every few days. Find it when creating a post, story, or reel on the Instagram mobile app by tapping the music icon, then selecting ‘Trending.’ Save tracks for later with the bookmark icon.
- Check the professional dashboard: If you have a professional account in the US, visit the Professional Dashboard on your profile, scroll to Tips and resources, and tap Trending audio for curated suggestions on Instagram Reels.
- Look for the arrow icon: As you scroll reels, watch for an upward arrow next to audio tracks—that’s Instagram’s indicator that a sound is trending.
- Follow Instagram’s Creators account: The @creators account shares regular updates on trending songs, editing tips for Instagram Reels, and feature announcements. Check out their IG Anthems highlight for more trending songs and trending sounds.
- Check TikTok or YouTube Shorts for early trends: Many trending Instagram Reels sounds originate on TikTok or YouTube Shorts. Browse trending sounds there, then search for those tracks on Instagram to get ahead of the curve.
Don't forget about original audio
As you can see from some of the audio we've mentioned on the list, many creators are making waves with their own clips, and jumping on a trending original track can give your content an extra boost and help it stand out in feeds.
💡Pro tip: You can find trending original audio on your professional dashboard under the Original audio tab.
Happy posting with these trending Instagram songs!
You're well-equipped to find the next great trending audio on Instagram for your reels, carousels, or single-photo posts — and you've got several great tracks to put in your back pocket if you get stuck!
If you’ve created an Instagram Reel with one of these trending songs, we’d love to see it. Tag @buffer on Instagram so we can find you!
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