Choosing the right trending audio to accompany your latest Instagram post is an art, not a science. Still, opting for a trending sound or music clip could provide the boost you need to get your video on the Instagram Explore page or Instagram Reels feed.
While it used to be just for Instagram Reels, you can now also add trending audio to your carousels and single photo posts. This gives your posts a better chance of landing on the Explore page, and it makes carousels and photos eligible to appear on the reels feed, too. That opens up a new way to expand your reach.
But where can you find trending audio on Instagram? If you feel like you’re always chasing the tail end of trending songs on the app, you’ve come to the right place.
Here are some of the most viral, versatile, trending songs and sounds on Instagram right now.
13 trending songs and audio on Instagram
Here's a quick summary of what is trending in October 2026.
Trending songs on Instagram in 2026
1. What You Waiting For?
What You Waiting For? by Gwen Stefani is the soundtrack to an Instagram trend about taking chances and seeing how far you can go. Creators use quick cuts to tell their personal, career, or business stories, with the lyrics “take that chance ’cause you might grow” and “what you’re waiting for?” appearing word by word in time with the beat. Color me inspired!
2. Last Train to London
Last Train to London by Electric Light Orchestra is soundtracking a simple but aesthetically satisfying fall outfit trend on Instagram. Creators are showing off a week of looks through a collection of quick cuts, making me admire those who show up chic five days a week.
3. Upside Down
Diana Ross's catchy classic is giving before-and-after transitions a disco makeover 🪩. Creators are mouthing the lyrics, flipping the camera, and hitting the hand gestures to reveal everything from new hairstyles to outfit changes and makeup looks.
4. Windows in Brazil (Sped Up)
If you remember the iconic Windows startup sound, this trend will take you right back to your family's first PC. Set to Windows in Brazil (Sped Up), creators are turning their GRWMs into a loading screen, starting at 0% in PJs and eye patches before revealing the finished look at 100%.
5. Autumn Journey
No prizes for guessing why this one is trending. Andrea Vanzo's song is bringing a mellow, seasonal feel to your October reels. Creators are pairing the calming instrumental with all things autumn.
6. My October
Again, no surprises here. Celebrate the season of the pumpkin using this song by The Folks as your autumn backdrop.
7. Original audio by traavloo
The “Getting robbed, but first…” trend pokes fun at being so absorbed in your phone that you miss what's happening around you. Creators film themselves glued to their phones while a bag gets stolen from their arm.
8. My Own Universe
My Own Universe by PattiJ North is the sound for slowing down and embracing autumn’s softer side. Creators are pairing the song with cozy seasonal moments, adding a dash of on-trend whimsy.
9. we fell in love in october
This song by girl in red is for the hopeful romantics this month. The indie track works well for lip syncs, couple montages, photo carousels, and nostalgic clips.
10. Goo Goo Muck
It wouldn't be spooky season without Goo Goo Muck by The Cramps. The 1971 song featured in the Netflix series Wednesday, and has been a Halloween staple ever since.
11. STORM II
STORM II by Gener8ion and Yung Lean is one of those epic-sounding tracks that sets up dramatic visuals like sweeping landscapes and cityscapes. It works well for cinematic travel footage that deserves the big-screen treatment.
12. Patient Zero
Released at the end of September, Patient Zero by Taylor Swift has Swifties celebrating the new song and using the lyrics to capture feelings and experiences they relate to.
13. Nicole Kidman
The lyrics to ADÉLA's new song have set the scene for a cheeky dance trend. Creators are lip-syncing along and serving looks with a little extra support up top 😉.
⚠️ Caution: NSFW
How to find trending audio on Instagram
Not loving any of the above options? No sweat: here’s a crash course on how to find trending sounds on Instagram Reels.
- Use Instagram’s trending audio list: Check Instagram’s built-in leaderboard for the top 50 trending songs updated every few days. Find it when creating a post, story, or reel on the Instagram mobile app by tapping the music icon, then selecting ‘Trending.’ Save tracks for later with the bookmark icon.
- Check the professional dashboard: If you have a professional account in the US, visit the Professional Dashboard on your profile, scroll to Tips and resources, and tap Trending audio for curated suggestions on Instagram Reels.
- Look for the arrow icon: As you scroll reels, watch for an upward arrow next to audio tracks—that’s Instagram’s indicator that a sound is trending.
- Follow Instagram’s Creators account: The @creators account shares regular updates on trending songs, editing tips for Instagram Reels, and feature announcements. Check out their IG Anthems highlight for more trending songs and trending sounds.
- Check TikTok or YouTube Shorts for early trends: Many trending Instagram Reels sounds originate on TikTok or YouTube Shorts. Browse trending sounds there, then search for those tracks on Instagram to get ahead of the curve.
Don't forget about original audio
As you can see from some of the audio we've mentioned on the list, many creators are making waves with their own clips, and jumping on a trending original track can give your content an extra boost and help it stand out in feeds.
💡 Pro tip: You can find trending original audio on your professional dashboard under the Original audio tab.
Happy posting with these trending Instagram songs!
You're well-equipped to find the next great trending audio on Instagram for your reels, carousels, or single-photo posts — and you've got several great tracks to put in your back pocket if you get stuck!
If you’ve created an Instagram Reel with one of these trending songs, we’d love to see it. Tag @buffer on Instagram so we can find you!
https://buffer.com/resources/trending-audio-instagram/
