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 August 2026.
Trending songs on Instagram in 2026
1. august
Released back in 2020, this song by Taylor Swift hits the trend list every August for obvious reasons. Use it to showcase your "life lately" content.
2. Original audio by valeri_murr
Prepare to do a few takes to get this trend right. Accompanied by valeri_murr's original audio, creators are balancing a shoe on a raised foot before tossing it and transitioning to a new fit. Bring your balance.
3. Original audio by arceriinteriors
Audiences love how-it's-made content, and this audio with the appropriate "I sit for hours" lyric is being used for a trend showing the work behind the results. To hop on this trend, stitch together behind-the-scenes clips before unveiling the finished project.
4. She Wolf
Here's a blast from the past. Shakira's song is the soundtrack to the "My Biggest Flex" trend on Instagram. Creators are listing all the hats they wear with the text overlay, "My biggest flex is that you can hire me as your...". It's a fun way to showcase multiple skills, services, or side hustles in one reel.
5. End of August
End of August by Noah Kahan is the soundtrack to the "And for the lady..." trend on Instagram. Creators use the text overlay to reveal the perfect product, place, or experience for a particular type of person. Tip for brands: This is an easy format to showcase exactly who your offering is made for.
6. Sometimes
Sometimes by Fleetwood Mac (released in 1971) is one of those timeless songs that works with just about anything. Keep this one in your favorites when you need a backing track to any lifestyle-related content and reflections.
7. Original audio by thefoundryavondale
This trend is all about the moment someone finally gives you the little push you needed. Creators are taking it literally, showing themselves getting an actual shove into buying something, starting a new hobby, or trying something they've been putting off. It's a great fit for brands to convince people to take the first step.
8. Loser
Loser by Tame Impala is having a second wave thanks to its standout moment in Spider-Man: Brand New Day. Fans are predominantly using the track for Spider-Man edits and movie content.
9. oh yeah?
Another Spider-Man: Brand New Day is oh yeah? by Steve Lacy. Creators are using the song as the soundtrack to starting a brand new day in their cities, especially New York. If you have a cityscape to show off, this one's for you.
10. EoO
Spider senses are tingling on Instagram at the moment, with Bad Bunny's EoO from Spider-Man: Brand New Day movie also trending. The fan appreciation is real.
11. petal
petal by Ariana Grande may have only just been released, but it's already blooming on Instagram. The song is dreamy and synth-heavy, lending itself to fashion, beauty, and even dance.
⚠️ Contains an expletive.
12. sweetly (71.78)
sweetly (71.78) by jkl is one of those feel-good instrumentals that is super versatile. It exudes "good vibes only" energy, so use it for those aesthetic reels, slow mornings, beautiful spaces, and reflective moments.
13. Cherry on the Edge
Cherry on the Edge by miss rany is giving girl power on Instagram. Creators are using it for everything from beauty and fashion to gym updates, outfit reveals, and travel vlogs. When you hear the vocals and vibe, you'll see why. *adds to Spotify playlist.
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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