The Most Popular Trending Instagram Reels Songs (September 2025)

One of the biggest ways to harness the power of short form video is to use the right trending Instagram Reels songs — and the right trends. 

Brands that use outdated sounds, or use them improperly (the ‘tiny violin’ trend showed many creators weren’t familiar with the ‘playing smallest violin ever’ concept) can come across as out of touch, inauthentic, and rushed. 

Brands can leverage Instagram Reels to engage with their audience more effectively, gain more reach, and ultimately gain new viewers if they use the right sounds at the right times. 

That being said, there are many trends to choose from, and the lifecycle of a trend can range from a couple of weeks to a couple of months. To aid social marketers’ Instagram Reels strategy, we’re sharing the top monthly trending sounds to use on Reels.

Curious about how to find trending Reels sounds outside of this blog? To drive engagement, social marketers should: 

• Follow Reels: Scroll Instagram Reels consistently (and stay up-to-date with TikTok trends that often inform future Reels trends)  
• Stay up-to-date on the latest Instagram Trends: Read up on new Instagram Trends each month
• Watch Reels content: Follow trend-focused Instagram accounts 
• Read this: Bookmark and refer back to this blog (we update monthly)

The virality of sounds on Reels is most popularly thought to be influenced by momentum. In this case, momentum is influenced by use and how often it’s saved. 

‍Tips on How To Find Trending Songs on Instagram Reels

Sometimes, you just need a song that enhances your Reel — whether this is a song that matches whatever you highlight in your Reel, or simply provides a pleasant background atmosphere. 

Here are some tips to find trending Instagram songs: 

• Look outside of Instagram: You might not be exposed to every song that presents a good opportunity for your brand. Fortunately, there are many Spotify playlists that round up the most popular songs on Reels, and this could spark an idea for your Instagram marketing strategy.
• Use ‘Original audio’: Be sure to only use trending videos with the ‘Original audio’ label, which means brands can use them. ‍
• Pay attention to audio permission: As a brand on Instagram, there are certain songs and audio not available — don’t use sounds with the ‘This sound isn’t licensed for commercial use’ label.

Tips on How To Find Trending Audio on Reels

Wondering how to find trending Reels audio? Follow these steps to help you stay on top of trending sounds on Reels for your brand: 

• Pay attention to TikTok trending sounds: Sometimes these sounds trend on TikTok and Reels simultaneously, but sometimes they trend on Reels days or weeks after they appear on TikTok. 
• Don’t be afraid to be an early adopter: Don’t let the fact that an audio has a lower number of uses than you might be used to seeing. For growing trends, this often means the sound isn’t overly saturated — yet. Follow trends, but don’t be afraid to set them. ‍
• Pay attention to Instagram’s recommendations: While marketers might know this, it’s worth noting that there’s an arrow next to trending Instagram songs on the Reels Explore page that tells you if an audio is trending, and recommend related trending audio for you to use.

Here are the songs filling up the Instagram Explore page this September.

Iris - Goo Goo Dolls (450K Videos)

With 450K uses on Reels and climbing, Goo Goo Dolls’ classic hit ‘Iris’ is often used in motivational, inspirational, and uplifting content. While it’s been used across this type of content, it’s also currently trending for tongue-in-cheek, satirical content. 

Audio: Iris - Goo Goo Dolls

MOOO! - Doja Cat (38.4K Reels)

While ‘MOOO!’ is primarily being used by creators partaking in the song’s trending dance, it’s a great opportunity for music brands to partake in the trending dance, like Katseye in the example below.

Audio: MOOO! - Doja Cat

House Tour - Sabrina Carpenter (18.5K Reels)

Are you even surprised to see the latest from Sabrina Carpenter trending on Reels? This song is being used in almost any type of Reels content, but is particularly fun for home decor brands looking to have some fun and show off fall decorating inspiration. 

Audio: House Tour - Sabrina Carpenter

As Summer comes to a close, here are the songs trending on Instagram Reels.

back to friends - sombr (220K Reels)

This song is a moody, aesthetic-favorite currently trending in August 2025, particularly for emotional or transformative content — think travel or beauty content.

Audio: back to friends - sombr

Diet Pepsi - Ben Platt (84 Reels)

Is it too late to claim this cover as the song of the Summer? Ben Platt’s Addison Rae cover has minimal uses, but is trending across TikTok and sure to grow in popularity on Instagram. Use this song in nearly any type of content, whether it’s Las Culturista’s-related or not. 

Audio: Diet Pepsi (Live from 2025 Las Culturistas Culture Awards) - Ben Platt 

Love is Ever - 12BH (14.8K Reels)

Love Is Ever is a gentle, dreamlike track by 12BH, blending soft vocals and instrumentals. It’s a great fit for Instagram Reels featuring romantic moments, cozy routines or nostalgic aesthetics. Use this song in fashion content featuring soft, romantic styles. 

Audio: Love is Ever - 12BH

As July rolls in, here are some trending songs to try in your content. 

Fame is a Gun - Addison Rae (16.4K Reels) 

This moody synth-pop track is trending on Reels for its introspective tone and polished sound. Creators are using it to share reflective moments, emotional storytelling and cinematic fashion edits.

Audio: Fame is a Gun - Addison Rae

Oops!...I Did It Again - Britney Spears (247K Reels) 

This nostalgic pop hit is making a comeback on Reels, with creators using it to spotlight repeat habits, playful mishaps and outfit ideas. The song’s bold, recognizable vibe makes it a go-to for adding humor and early 2000’s flair to your content. 

Audio: Oops!...I Did It Again - Britney Spears 

See You Again - Tyler the Creator ft. Kali Uchis (278 Reels)

Tyler, The Creator and Kali Uchis' dreamy duet ‘See You Again’ is trending on Instagram Reels, with creators using it to underscore romantic moments and nostalgic memories, in both serious and comedic forms. The song's mellow vibe and heartfelt lyrics make it perfect to capture a summer memory, a travel montage or even styling tips. 

Audio: See You Again - Tyler the Creator ft. Kali Uchis

Here are the trending Reels songs creators are using across Reels content this month. 

Sapphire - Ed Sheeran (940K Reels)

Ed Sheeran's unreleased track “Sapphire” has gained traction on Instagram Reels after he shared a teaser featuring Shah Rukh Khan singing a line from the song. Creators are using the snippet to build anticipation for the full release, often pairing it with behind-the-scenes content or moments of personal significance. 

Audio: Sapphire - Ed Sheeran

Born Again – Lisa ft. Doja Cat and Raye (472 Reels)

This empowering pop anthem blends disco and electropop elements. Reels featuring “Born Again” often showcase personal transformations, fashion transitions, or moments of self-empowerment, aligning with the song's themes of rebirth and resilience.

Audio: Born Again - Lisa ft. Doja Cat and Raye

Save My Love - Marshmello, Ellie Goulding & AVAION (161 Videos)

Released on June 6, this dance-pop collaboration has quickly become a favorite for summer-themed Reels and is on the rise among users. Creators are using it to highlight travel adventures, beach outings, and romantic moments, leveraging the song's uplifting and euphoric vibe. 

Audio: Save My Love - Marshmello, Ellie Goulding & AVION

Bliss - Tyla (20+ Reels) 

Tyla's ‘Bliss’ is on the rise this June, with the song combining slinky pop rhythms with amapiano-influenced drums. It's being used in Reels that emphasize aesthetic visuals, like fashion montages, serene landscapes or moments of personal tranquility that reflect the an atmospheric quality.

Audio: Bliss - Tyla

Discover the songs trending for brands and creators on Instagram’s Explore page this month. 

“Deep In It”

Set to a soulful track, this trend involves creators sharing moments of deep thought or emotion, often with a reflective or introspective tone. It's used to convey personal stories or feelings, connecting with audiences on a more emotional level.​

Audio: Deep In It

Selfless 

‘Selfless’ by The Strokes has a mellow, emotive vibe. Its understated mood makes it a versatile pick for lifestyle storytelling, soft aesthetic montages, or even before-and-after sequences with an emotional hook. It’s the perfect backdrop for Reels that aim to inspire, connect, or simply slow things down.

Audio: Selfless - The Strokes

September’s trending Reels audio are fun, silly, and perfect for having some fun with your brand on Instagram. 

You Are A Diva 

Taken from a clip of Kim Cattrall hyping up a young Britney Spears, this trend is simple: no lip synching required (unless you want to). Just add the original audio to your Reel, using a text overlay if you desire to add some character but typing out ‘You Are A Diva’ over a video or carousel of a cute pet (see the bunny below), an amazing outfit, or a creator you’re working with. 

I Am An Autumn 

If we’re being honest, we’ve been ready for Autumn since August, and this trend leans into the love of changing leaves, cozy outfits, and all things pumpkin. This audio comes courtesy of Gilmore Girls, where Richard Gilmore jokes about falling into the ‘autumn’ colour season. Now, the audio is used among those who thrive in the Fall and want to celebrate their fall wardrobe, design choices, recipes, making it a perfect trend for nearly any brand. 

I Love Stuff 

This trend is perfect to show off your trinkets, your accessories, your collection of kitchenware, or any item you collect or accumulate. Just add the original audio to your Reels and celebrate a collection of products from your brand, or even your favorite little items around the office. 

August's Reels trends are full of fun — here are the audio and trends your brand should try on this month. 

I’m a Mommy 

If you’re like the internet (or the Dash team), you’re obsessed with Love Island. This month, Huda’s “I’m a mommy” audio continues to trend — do this trend with your office ‘mom’ or try other ways to lipsynch to this trending sound. 

Audio: Original audio

I Love a Trinket 

This audio, courtesy of Brittany Broski, is perfect for retail or home industry brands or creators who want to showcase a selection of trinkets, crafts or any other DIY that adds to your physical space. No need to lipsynch, either — simply show off your trinkets, use the audio and post.  

Audio: Original audio

Check out what’s trending on Instagram Reels this July. 

Rock Your Body

This trend uses a high-energy remix of Justin Timberlake’s ‘Rock Your Body,’ typically featuring quick outfit changes or product reveals timed to the beat. It's a popular choice for fashion, beauty and lifestyle brands looking to showcase variety in a punchy, engaging way.

Audio: Original Audio

Taking Them Pics 

Built around a soundbite that mimics a behind-the-scenes photoshoot moment, this trend is used to spotlight final images vs. candid or chaotic BTS clips. It’s especially strong for creators or brands wanting to humanize their content while still showing off polished results.

Audio: Imma be - Black Eyed Peas

Pretty Little Baby

This trend leans into a soft, affectionate vibe, often pairing aesthetic clips of outfits, pets or travel moments with the audio’s nostalgic tone. It works well for brands aiming to build emotional connection or highlight a more intimate, lifestyle-oriented side of their products.

Audio: Pretty Little Baby

Curious which trends users are trying out on Instagram Reels this month? Explore the latest trends from creators and brands.

Butterfly Effect 

This trend is a fun way to reflect on your brand’s story. To participate in this trend, take a video or photo of anything related to your brand and use the text overlay feature with the following prompt: “The butterfly effect is crazy because…” describing something that led you to start your business or kicked off another major event in your life. 

Jaws Theme

This trend is another easy breezy one to make your own. Simply use the associated audio, the famous theme from ‘Jaws’, and use the text overlay to write about something that normally grabs your attention — this could range from a particular snack or drink, an activity or even a cat at the function, like in the example below. 

One of the challenges of staying on top of trends is the 24/7 nature of social media — and even social marketers and managers need a break. 

Dash Social's Multi-Channel Social Media Scheduler feature makes it easy to stay on top of trends, and avoid any rush. When your boss inevitably reaches out about that new audio trend they read about or scrolled by, you have the pleasure of telling them it’s already in the pipeline. 

In addition to the Scheduler feature, Dash Social’s AI powered tools for automation and insights help with repetitive tasks and decision making, allowing you more time for making creative Reels that your audience will love.

Trending Instagram Reel FAQs

How do I find trending audio on Instagram?

You can find trending audio on Instagram by navigating to the Audio tool in Reels, and searching through the Instagram audio library — look for arrows that indicate an audio is trending. 

What is the most used audio on Reels?

One of the most used audio on Reels is ‘As it Was’ by Harry Styles with 3.4 million uses, and ‘Wait a Minute’ (Remix) by DJ Exe is the second-most used Instagram Reels song at 1.3 million uses.