Content Manager at SocialBee
| The article was last updated on October 17, 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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(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.
You can use this format to share anything you want, from a product launch to a personal highlight. 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, 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.
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
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.
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 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.
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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