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 May 2026.
Trending songs on Instagram in 2026
1. POP DAT THING (Official Remix)
POP DAT THANG (Official Remix) by DaBaby, GloRilla, Yung Miami, and YKNIECE only just dropped, but Instagram creators wasted no time jumping on it. With thousands of reels already using the sound, it’s being used for a range of content — gym clips, lip syncs, fashion edits, travel recaps, you name it.
⚠️ Warning: contains expletives.
2. OKAY!
Forrest Frank's new track is bringing upbeat, gratitude-filled energy to Instagram right now. The feel-good lyrics and sunny production have also sparked a dance challenge.
3. Quiet Comfort
Quiet Comfort by Oldies Playing feels like stepping into another time for a minute. The soft strings and distant, old-radio effect create this warm, nostalgic atmosphere that fits perfectly with slow-living content, like rainy mornings, baking, reading, or cozy aesthetics.
4. Beat It
Beat It by Michael Jackson is having a huge moment on Instagram right now, thanks to the new Michael biopic. Creators are using the track for dance clips and full-on “channeling MJ” moments.
5. The Author
This new song by Brandon Lake and Nick Jonas is quickly becoming a favorite for faith-based creators on Instagram. The worship track is showing up in lip syncs, devotional content, fan edits, and reflective reels.
6. Suga Suga
Suga Suga (feat. Frankie J) by Baby Bash and Frankie J is an oldie that I'd almost forgotten about until I heard that catchy intro. Creators are using the laid-back hit from the early 2000s for just about everything — travel clips, gym edits, recipes, even literal sugar-filled baking content.
7. Dracula (JENNIE Remix)
The Dracula trend is still absolutely everywhere on Instagram. Creators are pairing up to lip sync the back-and-forth lyrics while dramatically walking down streets, parking lots, hallways — really, any stretch of pavement will do.
⚠️ Warning: contains expletives.
8. Vogue (Edit)
Although this hit is from 1990, my favorite quote from Madonna rings true: “The most controversial thing I've ever done is stick around." Vogue by Madonna is back in the spotlight thanks to all the buzz around The Devil Wears Prada 2. Creators are using the iconic track for reels where the outfit is the main character.
9. Original audio by justtrip.it
This original audio from justtrip.it is fueling one of Instagram’s dreamiest travel trends right now. The orchestral sound pairs with on-screen text that starts with “How do you like your coffee?” followed by “Me: in Italy,” “Me: at Disneyland,” “Me: in Europe” — usually alongside a scenic clip or photo from that destination. Take me there.
10. Be Like a Woman
Be Like a Woman by Chris Rainbow is the backdrop to one of the easiest-to-recreate Instagram formats right now. The trend starts with the on-screen text “This looks so cool, I have to capture it,” then unfolds into a stream of aesthetic clips, favorite finds, recommendations, or little mood board moments worth saving.
11. Runway
If there’s ever been a sound designed for a dramatic entrance (or exit), this is it. Runway by Lady Gaga and Doechii is the lead single from The Devil Wears Prada 2 soundtrack, and it leans all the way into bold struts. "No matter what, no matter what. You got to strut. Walk, I'm feeling fab. I'm feeling free, I feel exceptionally me."
12. The One That Got Away
The One That Got Away by Katy Perry is becoming the soundtrack to everyone’s personal horror franchise. Creators are using it for “top five horror movies” list-style videos, where the “movies” are actually painfully relatable situations, pet peeves, or niche nightmares.
13. Original audio by marieclairegreece
Another The Devil Wears Prada 2 moment is taking over Instagram — and even Meryl Streep is in on it. Creators are recreating the film’s icy judgment scene, complete with the slow, disappointed stare and that cutting little “That’s all.”
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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