Some say the Instagram algorithm treats all content equally, but when it comes to trending Reels, it might have its favorites 👀. That’s why staying on top of the latest Instagram Reels trends is crucial for maximizing your reach and engagement.

To truly make an impact, timing matters—scheduling your Instagram Reels strategically can give your content an extra boost.

Instagram thrives on fresh, engaging content, and hopping on popular Reels trends helps keep users active on the platform. So, let’s dive into 20 exciting trends that will keep your Insta game strong in 2025!

>> Related topic: Everything You Need to Know about Instagram Algorithm 2025

What Are Instagram Reels Trends?

Instagram Reels trends work similarly to TikTok trends, featuring the latest viral challenges, styles, and themes that gain traction on the platform. These trends typically include key elements such as:

🎨 Creative Effects

🎵 Trending Music

#️⃣ Popular Hashtags

Jumping on these trends can significantly boost your visibility and engagement. By incorporating trending elements into your Reels, you can stay relevant, reach a wider audience, and make your content more engaging and shareable.

Why Instagram Reels Trends Should Be Part of Your Social Media Strategy

Let’s start with the numbers—data from Semrush shows that Reels outperform all other types of Instagram posts in terms of engagement. While images might get slightly more comments, Reels dominate in nearly every other metric.

But hopping on Reels trends isn’t just about looking trendy—it’s a powerful way to increase your profile’s visibility and engagement. Here’s why:

• Endless Content Inspiration – Trending formats provide fresh ideas, making it easier to create engaging content. Plus, Instagram’s algorithm prioritizes content that aligns with current trends, helping your posts reach more people.

• Expand Your Audience Reach – Reels content accounts for over 50% of all Instagram shares via DMs. When your content taps into what’s trending, it has a higher chance of landing on the Explore page and attracting new followers.

A great example is @girlsthatinvest, a brand that leveraged trending Reels to skyrocket its visibility. Thanks to its smart use of Instagram trends, the account now empowers half a million women to make better financial decisions. #GirlPower 💪

Hottest Instagram Reels Trends in 2024

A mix of fresh, familiar, and timeless trends (yes, cat videos are still going strong!) are dominating Instagram Reels this year. These trends offer endless opportunities to engage your audience, entertain them, and spark creativity.

Let’s dive into the top Instagram Reels trends you need to know right now—along with tips to help you maximize their impact:

1. The Glow Up

This trend highlights dramatic transformations, whether it’s a home renovation, a style makeover, or a business success story. The key to making your Reel stand out? Pair it with a trending or high-energy soundtrack to instantly grab attention and boost engagement.

2. The Mini Vlog

Simple yet engaging, the mini vlog is all about sharing short, day-in-the-life clips in 30-60 seconds. Whether it’s your daily routine, travel adventures, or special moments, this trend allows you to offer a glimpse into your world in a quick and relatable way.

Most mini vlogs are set to soothing background music, often paired with a voiceover or original audio, with subtitles for added context. You can showcase anything from your morning routine and favorite beauty products to behind-the-scenes moments that make your day unique.

This trend thrives on authenticity, making it a powerful way for both influencers and casual creators to connect with their audience on a more personal level.

3. The Reaction Reels

Reaction Reels are all about creators responding to viral videos, trending content, or other Reels in an engaging way. To boost interaction, these reactions often include:

• Funny Commentary

• Relatable Expressions

• Dramatic or Exaggerated Reactions

• Thoughtful Insights or Hot Takes

For instance, if you're a social media marketer, you could react to a trending marketing campaign, breaking down its strategy while adding your own expert tips for Instagram success. This trend is a great way to showcase personality, spark discussions, and keep your audience engaged!

4. The Self Introduction Reel

This Instagram Reels trend is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to introduce yourself. Short, easy to create, and highly impactful, it began as a quick method for creators to share who they are by setting up their camera, filming a casual moment (like working on a laptop), and overlaying full-screen text describing themselves and what they do.

For this trend, the audio isn’t the focus—what truly matters is how you craft your message. Choosing the right words can make all the difference in grabbing attention and resonating with your audience. Many new creators leverage this format to land on the Explore page and showcase their work.

If you’re a small business owner, this type of Reel can be a game-changer for increasing visibility and attracting potential customers!

5. The New Dance Trend Challenge

Love it or hate it, dance challenges remain a powerhouse trend on Instagram Reels. Creators continue to jump on the latest moves, choreographing routines that others can easily follow to boost engagement, promote hashtags, and grow their accounts.

By using a trending sound or song, you can take it a step further—why not create a branded dance challenge? Encourage your followers to join in and make it their own, turning it into a fun, interactive way to expand your reach!

6. The Pet Cameos

Pets—especially cats—are ruling social media with their irresistible charm. Whether they’re stealing the spotlight or simply being their adorable selves, pet-themed Reels consistently capture attention and boost visibility.

If you have a furry friend, try creating a Reel featuring your pet reacting to different sounds, with their expressions doing all the work. To maximize engagement, pair it with a trending song or tie it to a popular event, relatable moment, or viral social media trend. With the right touch, your Reel could be on its way to going viral!

7. The Interactive Poll

Instagram is designed as an interactive, gamified experience, which is why users love engaging content—especially through Reels and Stories.

Consider creating “This or That” choices or “Would You Rather” scenarios, where viewers can participate by voting and commenting. Leverage Instagram’s built-in poll stickers to make it fun and easy, then keep the momentum going by sharing the results in a follow-up Reel.

For maximum reach, use trending audio to boost visibility. And if you have the budget, integrate influencer marketing by featuring a well-known creator to amplify engagement even further!

8. The Stop Motion or Aesthetic Planning Reels trends

This trend showcases mesmerizing before-and-after transitions—imagine a cluttered desk transforming into a sleek, minimalist workspace, one step at a time. People are drawn to the satisfying blend of order and aesthetics, making these Reels highly engaging.

The secret to success? Consistency and seamless transitions. The smoother the transformation, the more shareable it becomes. To achieve this effect, try using Instagram’s stop-motion feature for a polished, visually appealing result.

9. Point of View (POV) Reels

POV (Point of View) Reels give audiences a first-person perspective, making content feel immersive and relatable. Whether you're sharing a day in your life, a behind-the-scenes moment, or a special event, this trend helps create a personal connection with viewers.

From the daily routine of a social media manager to a front-row seat at an exclusive event, POV Reels add depth to your content strategy. People love experiencing the world through someone else’s eyes—just keep your camera steady and let them see things exactly as you do!

10. The Green Screen Trends

The green screen trend allows you to insert yourself into any backdrop—whether it’s a famous movie scene, a viral moment, or a trending topic. Its popularity comes from its versatility, making it perfect for adding commentary, humor, or explanations while using a visual background to enhance your message.

The key to making this trend work? Pick backgrounds that complement your content rather than distract from it, ensuring your message stays clear and engaging.

11. Meet the Team Reel

This trend gives every industry a chance to showcase the real people behind the brand. Whether your team is hard at work or having fun while prepping for a big project, these Reels offer an authentic, behind-the-scenes look at your company culture.

Why does it work? Because it humanizes your brand! Audiences love putting faces to the name, making your content more relatable and engaging.

For the best results, keep it fun and light-hearted. A little personality goes a long way in building a stronger connection with your audience and encouraging them to explore more of your Instagram content!

12. The One-Second Infinite Loop Reel

This trend features seamless, looping one-second Reels that keep viewers watching on repeat—often without even realizing it! The trick is to create a flawless transition where the end flows perfectly back to the beginning.

A great example? A smooth outfit change or a visual effect so seamless that it feels endless. These Reels are highly effective for boosting watch time and engagement, making them a must-try for creators looking to keep their audience hooked!

13. Quick Tips Reel

Everyone loves bite-sized, actionable advice! Reels like “3 Editing Hacks for Better Engagement” or “5 Marketing Tricks to Boost Your Brand” are a go-to for delivering valuable insights in a fast, digestible format.

Not only are these Reels easy to watch and share, but they also establish you as an expert in your field, helping build trust with your audience. The secret to success? Keep your tips concise, use clear visuals to highlight key points, and make them save-worthy for maximum impact!

14. Why You Should STOP Doing This Reel

This attention-grabbing Reel format challenges common habits or misconceptions while offering a smarter alternative. For example, “Why You Should Stop Counting Calories to Lose Weight” could introduce healthier, more effective strategies.

Why does it work? It tackles a pain point, sparks curiosity, and keeps viewers engaged by delivering a better solution.

To make the most of this trend, use strong hooks, industry-relevant hashtags, and clear, actionable insights to boost reach and impact!

15. Get Ready With Me (GRWM) Trend

"Get Ready With Me" Reels offer a behind-the-scenes look at your routine—whether you're prepping for work, an event, or a special occasion. These videos feel personal and relatable, making them a great way to build a deeper connection with your audience.

Viewers love GRWM Reels because they feel like they’re hanging out with you, picking up tips, and getting a glimpse into your daily life.

To make your Reel even more engaging, share your thoughts or stories while getting ready and add text overlays to break down each step. The more natural and authentic, the better!

16. "When My Manager Asks X, But I Already Did Y" Reel

This workplace humor trend perfectly captures those awkward yet hilarious moments when you’ve already taken action—just not in the way your manager hoped! Imagine being asked to cover an extra shift… but you’re already boarding a flight for vacation. ✈️

It’s super relatable, making it the kind of content people laugh at, nod along to, and instantly share with coworkers and friends. If you’re looking for an easy way to boost engagement, this trend is a must-try!

17. The "How-To" Educational Reel

Educational Reels make learning fun and fast! Whether it’s a step-by-step tutorial or a quick guide, these videos are highly effective because they deliver real value in an easy-to-digest format. People love picking up new skills—especially when they’re explained clearly and concisely.

The best part? You get to share your expertise while providing helpful content for your audience. Keep your instructions simple, engaging, and visually appealing to maximize impact and encourage shares!

18. The Life Hack Reel

Life hack Reels are a goldmine for engagement—especially when paired with trending audio like “What Is an Unimaginable Practice Today That Once Was” 🎶. These videos highlight how something we take for granted now wasn’t always so obvious, making them both surprising and insightful.

Why do they work? They deliver practical, eye-opening tips that leave viewers entertained, informed, and eager to share. A well-executed life hack Reel can spark curiosity and appreciation, keeping your audience hooked!

19. The “What Feels Illegal to Know” Reel

This trend is all about revealing insider tips and hidden hacks that seem almost too good to be true—those “secret” tricks that feel like you shouldn’t know them, but you’re glad you do!

Whether it’s a money-saving strategy or a time-saving shortcut, these Reels hook viewers instantly by offering something surprising and incredibly useful. People love content that makes them feel in on a secret, making this trend highly engaging and super shareable!

20. The ASMR Reel Trend

ASMR (Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response) has taken social media by storm, and Instagram Reels is no exception.

This trend focuses on soothing sounds and visuals designed to create a relaxing, tingly sensation for viewers. Whether it’s whispered narration, soft tapping, or satisfying textures, ASMR Reels captivate audiences by tapping into the universal need for calm and stress relief—making them both engaging and deeply immersive.

How to Create Engaging Instagram Reels

Once you've picked the Reels trends to jump on, it's time to focus on creating content that stands out. Follow these key strategies to make your videos more engaging and effective:

• Use popular Instagram Reels trends to increase visibility.

• Maintain your brand’s unique voice so your content feels authentic.

• Be mindful of the context—avoid posting content that could come across as insensitive during major global events.

Here's how to make it happen:

1. Use On-Screen Text & Captions

With 92% of U.S. consumers watching videos without sound, captions and text overlays are essential for conveying your message and improving accessibility.

✔ Why It Works:

• Makes content easier to follow and more memorable for viewers.

• Ideal for educational Reels, travel videos, or branded content where key points need to stand out.

2. Leverage Trending Audio & Reels

Using popular sounds can significantly boost your reach, as Instagram’s algorithm tends to favor content that aligns with current trends. This increases your chances of appearing on the Explore page and in the Reels tab.

Instagram makes it simple to discover what’s trending—keep an eye on the Reels explore page, audio library, and creator suggestions to stay ahead!

How to Find & Use Instagram Reels Trends

🔍 Access the Reels Trends Hub

• Head to your Professional Dashboard on Instagram.

• Click on Reels Trends to explore what’s currently trending.

• Alternatively, tap the three-line menu at the top of your profile and select Reels Trends for quick access.

🎵 Discover Trending Audio & Hashtags

Once inside the Reels Trends section, browse through the latest popular sounds, challenges, and hashtags that are gaining traction. Incorporating trending elements into your content can help boost visibility and engagement.

💡 Stay Ahead with SO9’s Idea Center

To make trend-hunting even easier, SO9’s Idea Center curates the latest trending music, popular hashtags, and viral content ideas all in one place. This feature helps you stay up-to-date with Instagram’s hottest trends and effortlessly integrate them into your Reels strategy.

🎬 Integrate Trends into Your Reels

When you find a trend that aligns with your brand, put your own spin on it. Whether it’s jumping on a viral challenge or using a trending sound like “Million Dollar Baby”, make sure it fits your brand’s style while staying relevant to what’s hot on Instagram.

3. Enhance Video Quality

To ensure your Reels look polished and visually appealing, follow these key tips:

💡 Use Proper Lighting – Natural light is ideal, but if filming indoors, opt for soft, even lighting to avoid harsh shadows and create a clean, professional look.

📸 Keep Your Camera Steady – Use a tripod or stabilizer to prevent shaky footage, making your content smoother and more enjoyable to watch.

🔍 Shoot in High Resolution – Always record in the highest resolution available on your device to maintain clarity, especially for viewers watching on larger screens. High-quality visuals make your content stand out and look more professional!

>> Read more: 6 Must-Have Instagram Analytics Tools to Boost Your Growth in 2025

Level Up Your Instagram Reels Strategy with SO9

Let’s be real—keeping up with Instagram Reels can feel overwhelming. But what if managing your content was effortless? SO9 is here to simplify the entire process, from planning to publishing and analyzing your performance.

• Streamline Your Content Calendar – Plan and schedule your Reels in advance to ensure they go live at peak engagement times, maximizing your reach.

• Manage Multiple Accounts with Ease – If you're juggling multiple Instagram profiles, SO9 keeps everything organized and consistent across all accounts.

• Collaborate Seamlessly – Work with your team to review and approve Reels before publishing, ensuring high-quality content every time.

With SO9, you have everything you need to create impactful, high-performing Reels—all in one place. Try it for free today!