Content Manager at SocialBee
| The article was last updated on November 13, 2025. Bookmark this post and check back weekly for new updates. |
Keeping up with Instagram trends can feel overwhelming, especially when new formats, filters, and sounds rise and fade so quickly.
This article makes it simple. Each week, we’ll update it with the most relevant Instagram trends, explain how they work, give insight into pop culture references, and show you creative ways to hop on trends.
The challenge for businesses is not just spotting what’s new, but knowing which trends are worth their effort and match their brand values. That’s where staying tuned here helps.
And if tracking social media platforms and their updates feels like too much work, subscribe to Shareable TL;DR, SocialBee’s newsletter that delivers the latest updates on social media features directly to your inbox every other week.
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(November 13, 2025) Instagram trends
Starbucks bear cup
The Starbucks bear cup has become a huge sensation, with people lining up the night before at their local Starbucks to get one. Creators are filming their journey to buy the cup and showing it off online.
On Instagram, the trend has expanded with brands creating or generating images of the bear and personalizing it with their own logos, products, or designs.
Trap trend
This trend plays on the idea of setting a “trap” for something people can’t resist. Creators are drawing a simple box trap and adding a cutout or image of something everyone’s addicted to: snacks, skincare products, new clothes, or even their favorite comfort food.
Brands are joining in too. For example, Hellmann’s created their own version using their product and joked that most people would fall for the trap.
Fixing my problems as a child vs as an adult
Compare how you solved problems as a kid versus now.
The “as a child” side usually shows a simple fix, like putting on a bandaid. The “as an adult” side might include a coffee, an online order, or another small and relatable habit that reflects how you cope with everyday problems.
Trust fall
There’s a popular Instagram trend where people pretend to do a trust fall, but the person behind them steps away on purpose. Even churches have gotten in on it. In the clip below, a priest lets a woman fall and tells her not to trust anyone, only to trust in the Lord.
Viewers expect a rescue, but get a betrayal instead, which makes the clip both funny and highly shareable.
(November 5, 2025) Instagram trends
The emoji we deserve
Heinz nailed this trend by showing the tomato emoji we have versus the tomato emoji we deserve, using their ketchup bottle for the latter.
But the trend works for everyone. Think about an emoji you wish existed or one that represents you, your brand, or your product perfectly. Make a post showing the emoji we have versus the one we deserve and join the fun.
Try it for your brand. Pick an emoji that almost fits, then design the version you wish existed. It is quick content creation that fits easily into weekly roundups of top trends.
When the boss starts following you on social media
What would you post if your boss started following you on social media? Play with this idea and make a funny Reel imagining what your posts would look like. You could exaggerate how much you “love” your work, your coworkers, or how hard you’re working to show what a good employee you are.
Add your own twist by coming up with creative or silly ways you might try to impress your boss in this scenario.
“Booked” calendar
Think of an obsession or habit that takes up a lot of your time. Now go to your calendar and block off an exaggerated amount of time for it, and then screenshot it. For example, this tiramisu shop made a whole-day event in their calendar just for thinking about tiramisu.
You can do the same with something that applies to you, your brand, or your products and services for a funny, relatable twist. This format works especially well if you are a small business, showing personality while keeping content creation simple.
When life gives you signs
Sometimes life gives you signs, and sometimes you make your own. Edit a photo or use AI to create a shape in the clouds that’s a “sign.”
To make it funny, it could be about your dessert cravings, a favorite drink, or a sign to finally buy something on your wishlist. You can also use this idea for your brand to make promotional posts more playful and fun.
You have to control your addiction
Do you have a sweet tooth or maybe drink a little too much coffee? Make a funny Instagram Reel showing it by balancing a chocolate on your hand or a coffee cup on your foot, like in the example below.
It’s a playful way to interpret “control.” You can also adapt it for your brand. For example, if you run a clothing brand, you could balance a folded sweater on your head for a funny twist. Add an upbeat remix or Taylor Swift’s latest songs to keep the energy high.
(October 27, 2025) Instagram trends
Awards trend
Post a photo of an award ribbon or trophy and add a text overlay for something small but relatable you accomplished during the week. For example, “Almost sent that email but took a deep breath instead.”
The key is to be funny, like recognizing something tiny that somehow took a lot of “strength,” such as getting out of bed on a Monday or resisting a snack you weren’t supposed to eat.
Ghost trend
Post an image of a ghost holding a sign that starts with “Ghost your ex, not…” and filling in the blank. People get creative with it, referencing everyday things like chores, appointments, or anything they don’t want to neglect.
Brands and creators are also using it to highlight services or products, like “Ghost your ex, not your nail appointment,” making it relatable and playful while staying on-brand.
It is a perfect spooky season post. Swap in appointments, classes, or product refills to make it on-brand.
(October 17, 2025) Instagram trends
Reveal carousel
Create a multi-image Instagram post and slowly reveal something in each slide. The first image should include instructions for viewers to scroll to see the full reveal, like Ferrari did in one of their posts.
This trend captures anticipation well and works for anything from a product drop to a behind-the-scenes house tour. It’s a great way to get people to stop scrolling and interact with your posts.
Betrayal list
Open your notes app and make a list of all the things that betray you. It could be anything from parallel parking, getting your food order cold, Outlook’s search function, your iPhone storage, or your immune system, anything that frustrates you.
You can also tailor it to your profession or industry to make it more relatable to people in the same field. The trend works because it’s funny, relatable, and shows the little everyday annoyances everyone experiences.
(October 9, 2025) Instagram trends
The circle of life
Put two to three things in a circle using emojis to show a repeating cycle in your life, like 💻 → 🍵 → 💸 for working so I can buy matcha, drinking matcha so I can work.
The trend is versatile and can be adapted to your personality, daily habits, or even your products.
“You look happier”
This trend is simple. Pretend someone says, “You look happier,” and respond with a funny or relatable reason, like “Thanks, everyone laughed at my joke on Slack,” “Thanks, I just ordered new clothes,” or “Thanks, I bought tickets to see Beyoncé.”
It’s a fun way to share what’s making you feel good.
Our graphic designer is on vacation
Pretend your graphic designer is on vacation (or give them a few days off) and make a very simple, intentionally rookie-looking design. Draw shapes like a child scribbling, add some badly cut-out elements, and add the caption, “Our graphic designer is on vacation.”
You can also use this style in promotions or sales campaigns to make your Instagram content stand out among polished designs.
(October 2, 2025) Instagram trends
Unfortunately, I do love…
Take a short video of yourself and add a text overlay listing the things you love that are a little unconventional, rebellious, or just guilty pleasures. It could be anything from eating too many sweets, ditching my friends for cozy vibes at home, drinking too much coffee, or oversharing with new people you meet.
This emerging trend is all about keeping it fun and relatable, so don’t be afraid to show your quirks.
🎶 Save and use this Instagram audio 🎶
Today would have been my birthday if I were born today
Film yourself indulging in something you want, like buying new clothes, going to the spa, or booking a trip.
Use a dreamy audio and add a caption that gives it a personal touch, for example, “Getting a new dress because today would have been my birthday if I were born today.” Makes sense to me.
🎶 Save and use this Instagram audio 🎶
The therapy
You’ve probably seen your favorite creators participating in this trend.
Film yourself with the overlay text “I can’t today, I have therapy.” In the next shot, show yourself doing your version of “therapy,” but it doesn’t have to be literal. It could be something indulgent like shopping or rewatching an entire Gilmore Girls season…again.
You could also show something heartwarming, like cuddling with your pets, or a hobby you enjoy, such as reading or playing tennis.
🎶 Save and use this Instagram audio 🎶
When we’re having a serious conversation, but..
Film yourself acting like you’re having a serious conversation, but clearly getting distracted by something you want to do. For instance, in the example below, the creator reenacts having a serious conversation while out having matcha with a friend, but still sneaks a selfie and takes a picture of the drink.
Speeding up the video to 2x makes it funnier and adds a playful, exaggerated effect.
🎶 Save and use this Instagram audio 🎶
He/she/they don’t know it yet, but
Take a video or upload an older clip from before something happened. In the example below, the creator films the cook before reaching out to him to do a TikTok for the restaurant page, playfully suggesting that he really doesn’t want to do it. Behind-the-scenes moments like this can make your brand feel more relatable.
You can have fun with this trend by making relatable content about minor annoyances or everyday inconveniences and exaggerating them for comedic effect.
🎶 Save and use this Instagram audio 🎶
Who are you trying to impress?
Film yourself working, studying, or practicing and add a text overlay that says, “You’re working so hard, who are you trying to impress?” Then transition to a photo of yourself as a kid, your parents, or someone special in your life. The key is to make it heartwarming.
You can also make it funny by adding a picture of your pet and joking that your hard work is all to buy them treats.
🎶 Save and use this Instagram audio 🎶
More Instagram resources you’ll love:
- Having trouble finding trending hashtags? Let our AI generator suggest the best Instagram hashtags for your content.
- Want to understand how the Instagram algorithm works? Read our article to learn how you can gain more visibility in the Reels tab, feed, and Explore page.
- Find trending audio fast and use it in your Instagram content to improve visibility. Stay tuned for weekly updates on our roundup of trending sounds.
Frequently asked questions
How do I find trending Reels on Instagram?
You can find trending Reels by exploring the Reels tab and looking for videos with high engagement and frequently used original audio tracks. Check what competitors and influencers in your niche are posting, and follow creators who share updates on new Instagram trends and sounds.
How many hashtags should I use on Instagram posts?
On Instagram, using three to five relevant hashtags is usually most effective. Choose a mix of trending tags, niche-specific ones, and location-based hashtags that connect directly to your content and audience. Avoid using too many broad or generic hashtags, as they can make your post appear less targeted and reduce engagement.
What role does user-generated content play in Instagram trends?
Reposting UGC content that already follows trending Reels is one of the most authentic ways to stay relevant. When other people create posts inspired by current trends that feature your brand or service, share them on your feed with proper credit.
This helps you take part in conversations your audience already cares about while highlighting genuine social proof from your community.
How do I align Instagram trends with my target audience?
Trends only work if they fit your brand and audience. Before joining one, ask yourself whether it reflects your values, tone, and audience interests. Focus on trends that let you show your brand’s personality naturally rather than chasing what is simply popular.
Track which content types your followers engage with most, such as tutorials, humor, or behind-the-scenes Reels, and adapt trending formats to match those styles.
Ready to participate in Instagram’s hottest trends?
And there you have it, the Instagram Reels trends shaping everybody’s feed this week. From quick transitions to memes and beyond, we’ve got you covered.
Want to make things even easier? With SocialBee, you can plan and schedule your Instagram Stories, Reels, carousels, feed content, and collaborative posts in advance so you are always ready to jump on trends at the right moment. You also get performance insights that show which trends are paying off, helping you refine your content strategy.
Why manage your Instagram posts manually when you can stay consistent and boost engagement from one place? Start your 14-day free SocialBee trial today and start managing your Instagram account with ease!
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