Last Updated on November 14, 2024 by Val Razo
Creating Instagram Reels with trending audio is a powerful way to boost your engagement and reach new audiences on social media. Whether you’re looking to go viral on Instagram or expand your brand’s visibility, using trending sounds strategically can help your content perform better on the platform. With Instagram’s algorithm prioritizing engaging videos, knowing how to add music and work with original audio is essential.
In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about finding and using trending audio, whether you’re an individual creator or handling social media management for a client. Learn how to edit effectively, add the right caption, and take advantage of the Reels tab to maximize visibility. We’ll also cover tips on finding trending audio and trending songs, managing audio tracks, and even leveraging other apps to add extra impact to your Reels. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, here’s everything you’ll need to create reels that capture attention and reach new audiences.
Finding and Using Trending Audio on Instagram
Using trending audio on Instagram Reels can significantly boost your engagement by aligning your content with what’s popular on the platform. Here’s how to locate and make the most of trending sounds.
How to Find Trending Audio for Your Instagram Reels
To find trending audio on Instagram, head over to the Reels tab. As you scroll through, you’ll notice a small arrow icon next to some audio tracks—this indicates they’re currently trending. Tap on the audio page to bookmark a track for later use. Another way to stay updated is to check what trending audios creators in your niche are using. Exploring hashtags relevant to your content can reveal popular audio as well. For those managing social media professionally, using apps that monitor trending sounds can offer a strategic advantage.
In 2023, the beauty brand Glossier leveraged Instagram Reels to promote a new product line. By aligning their Reels with trending audios and popular beauty-focused hashtags, they increased both their reach and engagement significantly. Glossier’s marketing team used a mix of behind-the-scenes clips, product close-ups, and quick tutorials set to trending music, leading to impressive results.
Tips to Use Trending Audio and Enhance Engagement
Once you’ve identified a trending audio you’d like to use, tap the audio to preview it and select “Use Audio” to start creating. Remember to strategically time your video clips to match the audio for a more engaging Reel. By aligning transitions in your reel with the beats or shifts in the music, you can make your content feel organic and seamless. When you add a caption, consider incorporating relevant hashtags and keywords to optimize your Reel’s reach on the Explore page.
Using trending audio on Instagram is more than just a trend; it’s a strategy. By regularly updating your Reels with popular tracks, you can better align with the Instagram algorithm. This method is used to create a stronger presence on the platform and potentially attract more followers.
When I started experimenting with trending audios on my Instagram Reels, I noticed a significant spike in engagement. Initially, I posted Reels with generic sounds, but after switching to tracks that were popular in my niche, my likes and comments doubled. By adding trending songs that aligned with my content, I quickly saw more reactions, shares, and even a couple of direct messages asking about my editing style.
Adding Music and Original Audio to Instagram Reels
Adding the right music or original audio to your Instagram Reels can make a significant difference in how your content resonates with viewers. Whether you want to add music to Instagram directly or use your own original audio, here’s a quick guide.
Steps to Add Music to Instagram Reels
- Open the Reels tab in your Instagram app.
- Tap on the audio track icon to access the audio library. From here, you can find trending audio by searching or browsing through popular tracks.
- Once you select a trending sound, you’ll be prompted to add music to your Reel. Adjust the timeline at the bottom to choose the exact part of the track you want.
- If you’re adding your own original audio, record directly in the app, and Instagram will automatically label it as such. This audio will be linked to your profile, allowing others to use it if they tap on the track from your Reel.
- Add a caption that includes relevant keywords and hashtags, as this will help the algorithm identify your content and potentially place it on the Explore page.
How to Use Original Audio for Reels
Creating Reels using your own original audio adds a unique element to your content. By adding a personal sound, like a voiceover or original music, your Reels can stand out and perform better by offering something viewers can’t find elsewhere. Just ensure any audio you use complies with copyright guidelines to avoid any restrictions on your video.
Using Apps to Add Music and Enhance Reels
Enhancing your Reels with additional apps can add polish and make your content more engaging. Here’s how to use third-party apps to add music and edit Instagram Reels to perfection.
Best Apps for Adding Music and Editing Reels
Several apps are available to add music to Instagram Reels or improve the look of your video. Apps like InShot, Splice, and CapCut are popular for adding music and syncing it with your footage. These tools offer advanced editing features that go beyond what Instagram’s built-in editor provides, such as custom transitions, filters, and precise timing adjustments.
Using these apps allows you to slide the timeline of your audio precisely, ensuring transitions line up with beats in the music. This small touch can elevate your Reel, making it feel more professional and engaging.
Top Tips for Using Apps to Customize Reel Duration and Transitions
When editing in an app, try to slide the timeline to match the duration of your clips to the music beats. Choose transitions that enhance your content without overwhelming it, and consider using fade effects to create a smooth flow. For those looking to engage a specific niche audience, using popular audio in your editing app lets you preview and refine the audio flow before uploading to Instagram.
These apps also allow you to add captions, making your Reels more accessible and increasing potential engagement. Captioning is essential as it ensures viewers understand your message, even when watching without sound, which many users do when scrolling.
A recent 2023 study by Sprout Social highlights that 30% of users discover new brands and products through Instagram Reels, showing a strong potential for reaching new audiences.
Creating Engaging Reels for Social Media
To make your Instagram Reels engaging, it’s crucial to consider both content quality and strategic choices around trending sounds and visuals. Here’s how to optimize your Reels for engagement on social media.
Content Strategies for Instagram Reels
When planning content for your Reels, consider using trending audio and aligning it with themes that resonate with your niche. For example, if you’re creating content for Black Friday deals, incorporating relevant hashtags and a caption that highlights savings can attract views and shares. Think of each Reel as a piece of content that should reflect your brand’s voice, while also appealing to your target audience’s interests.
To ensure your Reels have a higher chance of performing well, focus on high-quality video and use original audio when possible. Original audio allows you to add a personal touch, making your Reels stand out from the rest.
According to a 2023 report from Hootsuite, Instagram Reels have a 22% higher engagement rate than regular photo posts, making them one of the most effective content formats on the platform.
Key Factors to Keep Your Reels on Trend
Consistency in your posting and choice of trending audio is essential for maintaining visibility on the platform. Additionally, using the Reels tab strategically helps boost your Reels, as it increases the likelihood of your content showing up on the Explore page. By staying active on Instagram and continuously observing which trending sounds are popular, you can adjust your content quickly and keep it relevant.
Engagement-focused strategies like timely responses to comments, tagging collaborators, and even sharing your Reel to your stories can increase your visibility. The more you interact with your audience, the more likely your follower count will grow organically.
Common Mistakes to Avoid with Trending Audio and Reels
While using trending sounds and creating Reels can increase your reach, there are some common pitfalls to avoid that could affect the performance of your content.
Mistakes to Avoid When Adding Music
One common mistake is not verifying the copyright status of the audio you’re using. Instagram has strict rules on copyrighted music, and using restricted tracks can lead to muted audio or blocked content. To avoid this, use Instagram’s library of licensed trending audios, or record your original audio directly in the app.
Another common issue is failing to align your music with your video transitions. Misaligned audio can make your content feel disjointed, so remember to slide the timeline and adjust the duration of each clip to fit the beat.
Best Practices for Staying Relevant on Instagram
To keep your Reels relevant, focus on current trending sounds and themes that resonate with your target audience. Engage regularly with your audience by responding to comments and updating your content based on algorithm changes or social media trends. Staying informed on Reddit, TikTok, and Instagram trends can provide additional insights into what’s popular across platforms.
Lastly, using tools like the Reels tab or the audio page can help you track which trending songs and hashtags are gaining traction, allowing you to plan strategically. Avoid cluttering your caption with irrelevant hashtags, and keep it concise to ensure it effectively boosts your engagement.
I tried an experiment where I combined trending hashtags with trending sounds on a Reel aimed at showcasing a new product. Not only did the Reel gain more views than my previous posts, but it also led to organic discovery from users in related niches. This reach even translated into a few new followers, reinforcing how much of a difference the right combination of hashtags and audio can make.
Conclusion
Mastering the art of creating Instagram Reels with trending audio is an essential skill in today’s social media landscape. By incorporating trending sounds, leveraging apps to enhance your content, and carefully planning your video structure, you can boost engagement and potentially go viral. Remember, using the right strategy involves consistently exploring new trends, optimizing your caption with relevant hashtags, and aligning your Reels with the Instagram algorithm.
With these tips, you’re ready to create compelling Reels that not only capture attention but also help you reach a broader audience. Whether you’re promoting a brand, managing social media for a client, or simply sharing your creativity, these insights will allow you to connect with your followers and enhance your presence on Instagram.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I check my inbox on Instagram for notifications related to Reels?
To check your inbox on Instagram, go to the home screen and tap on the paper airplane icon in the top right. This will bring up all messages and notifications, including any responses or collaborations related to your Reels.
Can I change the email address associated with my Instagram account?
Yes, to update the email address associated with your Instagram, go to your profile, tap on “Edit Profile,” and enter the new email under contact information. Instagram will send a confirmation link to verify the update.
What are some strategies for discovery and marketing using Instagram Reels?
To enhance discovery and marketing on Instagram, utilize trending audio, incorporate popular hashtags, and focus on high-quality visuals. Engaging captions and using Reels regularly can also improve visibility and bring your content to a broader audience.
Can I create Reels on Instagram without adding music or audio?
Yes, you can create a Reel without music by simply recording your video and choosing to log it without any audio. This approach may suit specific types of content, like tutorials or instruction videos, where audio isn’t required.
Is there a way to learn how to add captions or text overlays to my Reels?
Absolutely! Instagram has a tutorial on adding text overlays and captions directly on the screen while creating your Reel. For text overlays, tap the “Aa” icon at the top of the editing screen, enter your text, and position it where you’d like it to appear in the bottom right or other locations on your Reel.
Author Bio
Val Razo
Val Razo is a skilled professional in the field of Instagram Marketing. With over five years of experience as a freelance Social Media Marketing consultant, Val has assisted numerous small and medium-sized businesses in achieving their goals.
