If you’ve scrolled through Instagram lately, you’ve probably noticed one thing: Reels are running the show. From viral audios to clever edits and relatable one-liners, Instagram trends are constantly evolving, and creators are getting more creative by the minute. Whether you’re building a brand, growing your audience, or just trying to have fun with content, hopping on the right trends can give your posts that extra push.
In this article, we’ve rounded up 20 of the biggest trends on Instagram right now, from audio-based formats to creative content ideas, and broken down why they work and how you can make them your own. Let’s dive in.
The Latest Viral Instagram Reels Trends
Let’s start with the content that’s actually filling your feed. These Reels trends are everywhere right now, whether it’s a clever audio snippet, a throwback reference, or a new way to show off your wardrobe.
If you’re looking for ideas to boost views, gain followers, or just have some fun, these 10 trending formats are a great place to start.
1. I Grieve Different
This one uses Kendrick’s “United in Grief” and is basically a setup and punchline format. You start by listing all the great things about your situation, llike being in a happy relationship, and then hit them with “I grieve different” to reveal the one downside. The fun twist? That downside is usually you. It’s funny, a little too real, and totally scroll-stopping.
2. I’m a Mommy
This Love Island audio is making the rounds, and it’s hilarious. It’s the kind of trend that lets you be dramatic, sarcastic, and relatable all at once. And honestly? Everyone’s got a little “mom” energy somewhere.
3. It Feels Illegal!
You know when something is so perfectly matched it feels like it shouldn’t exist? That’s the vibe here. One person introduces the other to something oddly perfect, like finding your golden retriever partner when you’re a black cat one or mixing two totally different songs, and the reaction is always the same: “It feels illegal!” It’s super fun to watch, super easy to join, and lets you get a little weird (in the best way).
4. Regina, wait.
Who doesn’t love a good Mean Girls reference? This trend uses the iconic “Regina, wait!” moment and is perfect for calling out something overly dramatic, chaotic, or just plain ridiculous. If you’re also a Mean Girls fan, hop on to this trend and make your audience laugh a little. It’s short, snappy, and everyone gets the reference, aka instant relatability points.
5. Summer Outfit Rotation
Cue the spin! This trend is your moment to shine with a summer fit check that brings the drama. The “Dame un Grrr” audio gives it just the right dose of attitude while you rotate through your best warm-weather looks. If you’ve got style and a camera, this one’s a no-brainer.
6. It’s not clocking to you
If you still haven’t used this one, then you’re not getting it, it’s not clocking to you! This Justin Bieber sound has gone viral, and it’s basically everywhere right now. This is your perfect time to make the most out of it until it disappears and goes to the trend cemetery. Use it while it’s hot and give it your own spin before it’s overused into oblivion.
7. And for the lady… Perhaps a salad?
If you love calling out stereotypes in a funny way, this is the one. The audio sets up the classic “girls only order salad” trope, and then you completely flip it, usually by showing the complete opposite of the stereotypical situation. It’s been around for a bit, so if you’re gonna do it, now’s the time. Don’t let the salad joke go cold, serve the punchline hot.
8. Coffe Tray Trend
If you could only keep what fits on a coffee tray… what would make the cut? This trend is all about showing off your absolute essentials, whether it’s your go-to skincare, ride-or-die makeup, or random comfort items you can’t live without. It’s minimalism with personality and a great way to show off your favorites without saying a word. Bonus points if your tray aesthetic is on point.
9. What Do You Think I’m Going to Say to You?
The answer is no. The question doesn’t even matter. This trend uses a sassy little audio moment to shut down unrealistic expectations or obvious no-gos in your niche: like free work, bad advice, or “just one more revision.” It’s blunt, funny, and super relatable, especially if you love a little digital eye-roll.
10. Fit Check (Stop-Motion Style)
Fit check, but make it cinematic. This version of the classic outfit reveal uses stop-motion transitions to show off multiple looks (or products) in just a few seconds. It’s quick, eye-catching, and way more fun than a regular mirror selfie. Perfect if you’ve got style and editing skills, or at least the patience to change clothes five times.
Instagram Trends to Improve Reels Performance
While jumping on viral audio, hashtags, or editing styles is fun, understanding the bigger picture trends shaping Instagram right now can make a major difference in your strategy. From how users interact with content to how Instagram itself is changing, here are 10 trends to keep on your radar in 2025.
1. Longer Captions Are Back
Short and snappy still works, but long-form captions are having a moment. People are using the caption space almost like a microblog to share stories, insights, or even mini essays. It builds connection, gives your audience something to stay for, and works especially well for creators who want to go deeper. Bonus: longer time spent reading equals better performance in the algorithm.
2. Personality Over Perfection
Instagram used to be all about the curated aesthetic, but now? Audiences crave authenticity. Messy, funny, unfiltered content is winning, especially on Stories and Reels. Whether it’s behind-the-scenes chaos or a candid voiceover, showing your real self can make you way more relatable and more likely to get that follow.
3. Close Friends Stories for Engagement
More and more creators and brands are using Instagram’s Close Friends feature for exclusive updates, sneak peeks, or even mini communities. It adds a layer of intimacy and makes followers feel like they’re “in” on something special. Think of it like your own little VIP club, without having to launch a whole new channel.
4. Carousels as Mini Storytelling Tools
Carousels aren’t new, but the way people use them keeps evolving. In 2025, creators are using them to tell mini-stories, break down how-tos, or deliver step-by-step advice. They’re great for value-packed content that people want to save or share, plus, multiple slides keep viewers engaged longer, which helps you show up in the feed more often.
5. Link in Bio 2.0
The link in bio is getting a glow-up. With tools like Linktree, Beacons, and even Instagram’s own native tools improving, creators are treating their bio link like a homepage. Instead of a single link, people now expect a full menu, whether it’s your shop, newsletter, new content, or all of the above. It’s your chance to guide people off the app in a way that actually works.
6. Creator-Led Collabs Over Influencer Ads
People are tuning out traditional influencer promos and leaning into creator-led collabs that feel more genuine. Think: co-designed products, hands-on campaigns, or recurring partnerships that actually build trust over time. It’s less about pushing a product and more about being part of a brand’s story in a real way. The vibe is “I use this,” not “I was paid for this.”
7. Algorithm Loves Saves and Shares
Forget likes, what really moves the needle right now is saves and shares. The algorithm favors content that people engage with in a meaningful way, and those two actions are gold. Whether it's a useful tip, relatable quote, or carousel with good advice, aim for content people want to revisit or send to their group chat.
8. Niche Communities Are Thriving
It’s not about reaching everyone, it’s about reaching the right people. Instagram is full of niche pockets where super-specific content performs incredibly well, from mushroom foragers to neon-nail girlies. If your content speaks to a micro-interest, lean into it. The more niche you go, the more loyal your audience tends to be.
9. Multi-Format Posting is the New Norm
In 2025, the smartest creators are mixing it up. Instead of sticking to just Reels or static posts, they’re using everything: Reels, carousels, Stories, Lives, and even Broadcast Channels. Each format plays a different role, and together they help you stay top of mind. Basically, don’t put all your eggs in one Instagram basket.
10. Value-First Content Wins
Pretty pictures still matter, but people want more than just vibes. Content that teaches, solves a problem, or gives a fresh perspective tends to perform better than content that’s just aesthetic. Whether it’s tips, templates, or even memes with a message, adding some kind of value makes your content shareable, and keeps people coming back for more.
Create Instagram Reels with Podcastle
Instagram trends move fast, but they are one of the best ways to grow your presence, reach new audiences, and keep your content feeling fresh.
If you want to jump on trends without spending hours editing, Podcastle has your back. With Podcastle’s video editor, you can record, trim, and polish your Instagram Reels all in one place. The built-in tools, like automatic resizing, make sure your content is perfectly formatted for vertical video.
Want to make sure your video is scroll-stopping quality? Try the AI video enhancer to sharpen your visuals and fix lighting. You can also clean up your audio with one click using background noise removal and voice enhancement.
For creators working on the go or juggling multiple platforms, Podcastle makes the process easier and way more efficient. You can focus on what matters, creating fun, original, trend-savvy content, and let the platform handle the rest.
So the next time you catch yourself thinking “I should try this trend,” just know Podcastle is the tool that’ll help you make it happen without the stress.
FAQs
What are Instagram trends?
Instagram trends are popular formats, audio clips, challenges, filters, or content styles that gain rapid traction across the platform. They often emerge from Reels, Stories, or viral posts and can influence how users create and engage with content, like a specific dance, meme, soundbite, or editing style being replicated by thousands of accounts.
How to find Instagram trends?
To spot Instagram trends, start by scrolling through Reels and paying attention to recurring audio tracks, editing styles, or challenges. You can also check the Explore page, follow creators in your niche, or use trend-tracking accounts that highlight what’s gaining momentum. Tools like Later, TrendTok Analytics, or Meta’s Creator tools can also help surface trending content.
How to find story trends on Instagram?
Story trends are more subtle than Reels trends but can still be found by watching what popular creators are doing. Look for commonly used stickers, templates, filters, or engagement tactics (like “ask me anything” prompts). You can also explore trending Story filters or use the Create mode to see what Instagram is currently highlighting for interactive features.
