They say the Insta algorithm doesn’t discriminate, but when it comes to jumping on the hottest trends, it could be playing favorites 👀. That’s why you can’t ignore the latest Instagram Reels trends when you’re trying to keep your reach and engagement at an all-time high.
And if you really want to nail it, knowing how to schedule Instagram Reels at the right time is the way to go.
Everyone’s favorite social media app loves it when you jump on Instagram Reel trends, as it keeps users engaged on the platform. So let’s take a look at 20 amazing ideas to keep your Insta game ahead of the curve.
What are Instagram Reels trends?
Instagram Reels trends are similar to TikTok trends, showcasing the latest popular styles, challenges, or themes that take off on the platform. A Reel trend involves a few key elements like:
- Fun effects
- Catchy music
- Specific hashtags
Everyone’s jumping on these trends to boost their visibility and engagement. Following them helps you stay relevant, connect with a bigger audience, and keep your content engaging and more shareable.
Why following Instagram Reels trends is beneficial for your social media strategy
First of all, just look at this data from Semrush. Reels get higher average metrics on Instagram than any other type of post. And it’s almost a clean sweep. (Images get slightly more comments).
Simply put, following Instagram Reels trends is cool and makes your profile more discoverable. But that’s not why it’s a game-changer for your social media strategy. Instead, here’s why:
- Trends offer a constant source of content inspiration, and by jumping on trending formats, you increase your chances of boosting engagement. That’s because Instagram’s algorithm favors content that aligns with current trends.
- Staying on top of Reels trends also helps you reach new audiences, as this type of content makes up more than 50% of all content reshared in DMs. When your content taps into what’s popular, it’s more likely to appear on the Explore page.
Take brands like @girlsthatinvest, which have extensively used trending Reels to boost their visibility — and it worked! In fact, this brand is one of the most appreciated accounts in this niche, empowering half a million women to make smarter financial decisions. #girlpower
Top current Instagram Reels trends in 2024
A variety of trends are taking center stage right now. Some old, some new, and some evergreen (hello, cat-themed video clips) — they all offer ways to engage, entertain, and inspire.
Here’s a detailed look at the top Instagram Reels trends you need to know about this year, along with tips on how to make the most of them:
1. The Glow-Up
This trend involves showcasing a before-and-after transformation. Whether it’s a room makeover, a personal style change, or even a business growth journey, the dramatic reveal will make it pop.
To make the most of this type of content, try to use a trending song or upbeat music to capture the audience’s attention and drive engagement.
2. The Mini Vlog
This Reel trend is pretty straightforward. It consists of short, day-in-the-life snippets that you can do to showcase your routine, travels, or experiences in 30-60 seconds. Note that these videos are usually set to calming music with a voiceover or even the original audio and some subtitles to provide context.
With a mini vlog, you could showcase your morning routine, go-to makeup, a day in the life, or anything relatable or special about your life.
These vlogs aim to offer a quick, intimate look into the lives of Instagram users, whether they’re influencers or first-time creators, to connect them with viewers on a personal level.
3. The Reaction Reel
Reaction Reels involve Instagram creators responding to viral videos, new trends, or other Reels. To spark engagement, these reactions may include:
- Humorous takes
- Relatable reactions
- Exaggerated expressions
- Insightful comments or “unpopular” opinions
For example, if you’re a social media marketer, you could react to a viral marketing campaign and provide professional insights with your own spin, like offering other Instagram tips for success.
4. The Self Introduction Reel
This type of reel is one of the top trending Reels on Instagram. It’s short, sweet, easy to create, and impactful. It started as a quick way to present oneself by simply setting up the camera roll, filming something random like sitting at a laptop, and writing a full-screen text about who you are and what you do.
For this Reels trend, the audio makes no difference. What matters is how you present yourself, so choose your words wisely. Many beginner creators use this to pop in the Explore page and present their craft.
So, if you’re a small business owner, this type of Reel might do wonders for your business account.
5. The New Dance Trend Challenge
While some think of this popular trend as something rather cringeworthy, the dance trend continues to dominate, with creators hopping onto the latest challenges and creating choreography that others can replicate to push a hashtag and grow an account.
Using a trending sound or song, you could engage your audience by creating a branded dance challenge and encouraging followers to participate.
6. The Pet Cameos
Pets, and especially cats, are taking over social media with their adorable antics. Whether they’re stealing the show or just being cute, these Reels are crowd-pleasers that can grow any brand’s visibility in a snap.
If you’re a pet owner, you might share a Reel of your cat reacting to different sounds, with the pet’s expressions providing the entertainment. Pair with the latest trending songs or find the right context to use it (AKA link it to a popular event, relatable occurrence, or funny social media slang), and your chances of going viral will be going through the roof.
7. The Interactive Poll
The entire Instagram mobile app is a gamified experience. That’s why people love to engage with interactive content, and that’s possible through Reels and Instagram Stories.
Think of a “this or that” option or a “would you rather” scenario, which gets viewers involved by voting and commenting. Use Instagram’s built-in poll stickers to make it easy and fun, then share the results in a follow-up Reel to keep your audience engaged.
My top tips? Use the latest trending audio to grow reach, and if your budget allows it, consider pairing this type of content with your influencer marketing tactics and including someone popular on social media in your video.
8. The Stop Motion or Aesthetic Planning Reels trends
This trend features visually satisfying transformations. Think of a messy desk turning into a minimalist workspace, piece by piece. This trend works because people love seeing order and beauty come together. Just keep your shots steady, and let the magic happen.
The key here is consistency in your shots and smooth transitions. The smoother it looks, the more likely it is to be shared. To film it, you can use the “stop motion” feature within the Instagram mobile app.
9. Point of View (POV) Reels
POV (Point of View) Reels let viewers see things from your perspective, whether it’s a day in your life or a special event. This trend is engaging because it’s immersive and relatable. It feels like a first-person experience, making your content more personal.
Whether it’s a day in the life of a social media manager or a quick peek into a special event, POV Reels should be part of anyone’s Instagram strategy. They are super engaging, immersive, and relatable.
People love seeing things from a different angle (literally), so keep the camera steady and let viewers experience your world as you do.
10. The Green Screen Trends
The green screen trend lets you place yourself in any setting, from a famous movie scene to a popular topic. This trend is popular because it’s fun and versatile — you can add commentary, make jokes, or explain something with a visual backdrop that ties everything together.
The trick is to choose backgrounds that enhance your message, not distract from it.
11. The How Our Team Looks or Works Reel
Every industry can now jump on this trend, showcasing the behind-the-scenes of their teams. Think of a Reel of your team working hard (or playing hard) as they prepare for a big project or campaign.
This trend works because it humanizes your brand. People love seeing the faces behind the content, so this one is the perfect Instagram Reels trend to jump on ASAP.
Plus, it’s relatable and builds a stronger connection with your audience. Keep it fun and light-hearted to really engage viewers and have them check your other Instagram content.
12. The One-Second Reel (Infinite Loop)
One-second Reels that loop infinitely are a simple yet mesmerizing trend. These clips are designed to transition from the end back to the beginning, making viewers watch repeatedly without realizing it.
The beauty here is in the perfect loop, like an outfit change that flows so smoothly you can’t tell where it starts or ends. These Reels boost watch time and engagement because they keep people hooked.
13. The X Tips to Do X Reel
Who doesn’t love quick, actionable tips? Reels that offer “3 Editing Tips to Boost Your Engagement” or “5 Ways to Improve Your Marketing Strategy” are gold. They deliver value in a short amount of time, and they’re easy to digest and share.
Plus, these kinds of Reels position you as an expert in your field, which builds trust with your audience. The key is to keep your tips concise and visually highlight the key points so viewers remember and save them.
14. The Why You Should STOP Doing X Reel
This type of Reel grabs attention by challenging common practices and offering a better alternative. It might be something like “Why You Should Stop Counting Calories If You Want to Lose Weight”, followed by healthier strategies.
This works so well because it addresses a pain point and immediately offers a solution, keeping everyone engaged from start to finish.
It’s a powerful way to hook your audience by promising them a new, improved perspective. For this type of Reel, use popular hashtags from the industry you’re representing to maximize reach.
15. The Get Ready with Me Trend
“Get Ready with Me” Reels are like a sneak peek into your routine, whether you’re prepping for work, an event, or something special. They’re chatty and personal and offer a great way to connect with your audience on a more intimate level.
People love these because they feel like they’re hanging out with you, getting tips, and seeing how you approach your latest projects.
Make it even more engaging by sharing your thoughts or stories as you go through your routine and adding text overlay to explain each step.
16. The “When Manager Asks X But I Already Did Y” Reel
This trend taps into workplace humor, playing on those funny yet awkward moments when you’ve already done the deed they wish you hadn’t. Maybe your manager asks if you can pick up an extra shift, but you’re already on a plane heading to your next holiday destination.
It’s relatable content that resonates with many. It’s the kind of humor that makes people smile, nod, and hit the share button.
17. The “How-To” Reel (Educational)
Educational Reels are all about teaching something new in a quick, engaging way. Whether it’s a step-by-step guide or a tutorial, these Reels work because they provide real value. People love learning new skills, especially when they’re presented in an easy-to-follow format.
The best part? You get to showcase your expertise while helping your audience. Keep it simple, clear, and visually appealing to gain momentum.
18. The Life Hack Reel
Life hack Reels, especially those using the “What Is an Unimaginable Practice Today That Once Was” audio, are just great. These Reels often highlight how something that seems obvious now wasn’t always so. It’s engaging because it offers super practical advice, leaving your target audience with a mix of surprise and appreciation for modern conveniences.
19. The “What Is Something That Feels Illegal to Know” Reel
This trend is all about sharing those little-known tips or hacks that seem almost too good to be true — things that feel “illegal” to know because they’re so valuable.
Whether it’s a finance trick or a time-saving hack, these Reels grab attention by offering something surprising and useful. People love sharing content that makes them feel like they’re in on a secret, which makes these Reels highly shareable.
20. The ASMR trend
ASMR (Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response) has become a sensation on social media, and Instagram Reels is no exception.
The trend involves creating videos that produce a soothing background sound or visuals designed to trigger a tingling sensation in people. ASMR Reels work because they tap into our natural desire for relaxation and stress relief.
Tips to create engaging Instagram Reels
After you choose which Reels trends to follow, the creation process starts. To make your videos stand out, try these tips:
- Align with current Instagram Reels trends.
- Reflect your brand’s unique voice.
- Fit the context. For instance, don’t post stuff that’s insensitive to unfortunate events happening in the world.
Here’s how to make it happen:
Use on-screen text and captions
With 92% of U.S. consumers watching videos on mobile with the sound off, adding on-screen text and captions to your Reels is an effective strategy. Text overlays help convey your message and make your content accessible to a wider audience.
Captions also highlight key points. This makes it easier for viewers to follow along and absorb your content, which they can remember later.
This approach is mostly used for educational content or step-by-step guides, but it works well for travel videos where you share top visiting spots or branded content to help people remember features.
Get inspired by trending Instagram Reels that work
Using trending audios is a smart way to increase the reach of your Reels. Instagram’s algorithm tends to favor Reels that use popular sounds and follow the latest trends, so this can boost your chances of landing on the Explore page or in the Reels tab.
Instagram makes it easy to discover what’s hot and apply it to your own Reels. Here’s how you can do it:
- Access the Reels trends destination
Go to your profile and select the Professional Dashboard. From there, click on Reels Trends to see what’s currently popular. You can also tap the three-line icon at the top of your profile and choose Reels Trends from the menu.
- Explore trending audio and hashtags
Once you’re in the Reels Trends destination, see what’s currently capturing attention on Instagram. Pay attention to the popular hashtags and include trending audio tracks for added traction.
- Include trends in your own Reels
When you spot a trend that aligns with your brand, it’s time to apply it to your own Reels. Whether you’re jumping on a popular challenge or using the “Million Dollar Baby” sound that’s trending, align your Reels with what’s hot, but stay true to your brand’s context.
Optimize video quality
To create a polished final product, make sure to:
- Use good lighting. Natural light works best, but if you’re indoors, make sure to use soft, even lighting to avoid harsh shadows.
- Stabilize your camera. A tripod or stabilizer will keep your shots steady, making your content look more polished and easy to watch.
- Shoot in high resolution. Always record in the highest resolution available on your device when creating Reels. This helps maintain video clarity, especially if people watch on larger screens.
Improve your Instagram Reels strategy with Planable
I get it — with so many aspects to consider, managing your Instagram Reels strategy is challenging. But hear me out… have you tried using Planable to make your Instagram content calendar more manageable?
Approvals, media library, publishing, and feedback features in Planable
Planable simplifies the whole process of planning, creating, and analyzing your Reels. You can plan out your content calendar and schedule posts beforehand so your content goes live exactly when it should (AKA during peak engagement times). Plus, if you’re managing multiple Instagram accounts, Planable helps you keep everything organized and consistent across different profiles.
Planable’s social media content calendar
The collaboration features are a real lifesaver, too. You can bring your team on board to review and approve Reels before publication, and with the Instagram grid feature, everyone can see exactly how feed posts will look before they’re live. This helps ensure all posts are aligned and ✨ aesthetically ✨ pleasant.
Instagram grid view in Planable
Planable gives you the tools to create Reels that really hit the mark. Try it out for free today.
Maria is a content marketer, SEO copywriter, and social media specialist with experience working for a wide range of B2B businesses. She loves to keep up with the evolution of digital marketing, particularly in areas such as social media management, content, SEO, and PR. She is passionate about her work and loves to add a unique spin to any topic.
