7 Ways to Find Instagram Reel Trends
Virlo Team
Dec 31, 2024
Instagram Reels are all the rage. They are fun, creative, and, most importantly, get you noticed on social media. But jumping on the latest Instagram Reels trends can sometimes feel overwhelming. After all, there are so many to choose from, and standing out from the crowd is no easy feat. This is especially true when you're just getting started tackling Instagram Reels.
As you explore Instagram Reels trends, you'll likely face a familiar challenge: how to find social media trends? The answer lies in social media trends. Using the latest social media trends, you can quickly discover the Instagram Reels trends that will resonate with your audience and help you achieve your goals. In this guide, we'll explore the latest Instagram Reels trends and provide tips on how to find social media trends to help you get discovered on Instagram. Watch for our special highlight on Virlo AI's virality analysis tool as you read this guide. This fantastic tool will help you find the right social media trends quickly and easily.
Table of Contents
Benefits of Instagram Reels for Marketing
Boost Your Brand’s Visibility and Reach on Instagram with Reels
Thanks to Reels' algorithmic exposure, Instagram Reels can help increase your brand’s visibility and reach within the Instagram platform. Utilizing Reels for marketing can give your content the potential to reach a wider audience beyond your followers. First, when you post a Reel, it appears in your Instagram profile’s dedicated Reels tab and on your followers’ homepages.
Then, the more engaging your Reels are, the more likely they are to be featured on the platform’s Explore page, which can expose your brand to an entirely new audience. Instagram also has a dedicated section for Reels on the Explore page, which further increases your chances of getting discovered by users who aren’t following you.
Build Your Brand Awareness With Reels
Reels provide a fun way to showcase your products and services to your target audience creatively. The short, engaging video format allows you to create immersive and visually dynamic content that gives viewers a closer look at your offerings. Reels also have an organic feel that helps humanize your brand by providing behind-the-scenes glimpses at your company. This fosters personal connections between your team and your audience, which helps build brand awareness and improve your reputation.
Improve Your Engagement Rates with Interactive Features
Instagram Reels boast various interactive features that allow you to engage your followers and encourage them to participate actively in your content. For example, you can add polls, questions, and challenges to your Reels to get your audience involved in the fun. You can also create user-generated content campaigns using Reels to foster community and encourage your followers to get involved. Not only do these campaigns improve engagement rates, but they also help boost brand awareness.
Create Short and Engaging Content to Cater to Decreasing Attention Spans
Studies show that the average attention span is decreasing, and it’s now estimated that human beings have a shorter attention span than goldfish. To combat diminishing attention spans, marketers must adapt their strategies to cater to shorter ones. With Instagram Reels, you can create short, engaging content that delivers informative, entertaining messages to your audience in seconds. Reels can be up to 90 seconds long, allowing ample time to cover various dynamic educational, promotional, and cultural topics that resonate with your target audience.
Measure Your Performance with Instagram Analytics
Instagram Reels offers analytics features to help you track key metrics related to your Reels and improve your social media marketing strategy. You can learn valuable insights about your audience and how they interact with your content, including engagement rates, reach, views, and plays. This information can help you identify what types of content your audience enjoys most so you can create more Reels that align with their preferences.
Produce reel content Quickly and Efficiently.
Because Instagram rewards authentic, real-time content, you don’t have to worry about creating polished Reels. Instead, focus on producing fun, engaging content that captures your audience’s attention. The more authentic your Reels are, the better they’ll perform. You can create Instagram Reels quickly and efficiently without extensive production timelines.
Market Your Business on a Budget
Like many social media platforms, Instagram has an algorithm determining how content is distributed. With Instagram Reels, the algorithm favors organic, authentic, and entertaining content. This means your business can achieve impactful wins for your marketing efforts without a significant advertising budget.
Share Your Reel Content Across Platforms
One of the significant benefits of Instagram Reels is that they allow you to create content that can easily be shared across platforms. Short-form video content is trending across social media, so your audience will likely engage with your Reel posts on Instagram or other platforms like TikTok and YouTube.
Connect with Your Audience in Real Time
The social nature of Instagram Reels provides businesses with the unique opportunity to engage with their audience beyond the traditional consumer-provider relationship by responding to comments, engaging with UGC, and reposting audience members’ content.
Show Off Your Brand’s Creative Side
Instagram Reels is a unique social media platform that rewards creativity, experimentation, and unique content. More than other platforms, the short-form video format of Reels allows businesses to truly experiment with the kind of dynamic, fun content that can engage audiences and show off the unique qualities of their brand.
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• How to Keep Up with TikTok Trends
• How to Find Trending Topics on YouTube
• How to Find Trending Topics on Instagram
• How to Find Trending Topics on TikTok
• How to Use Google Trends for YouTube
6 Useful Tips for Instagram Reels
1. Use Virlo to Your Advantage
Virlo helps short-form content creators crack the code of virality through AI-powered trend analysis. Our platform combines creator insights with advanced analytics to identify winning content patterns, optimal posting times, and successful audio/video combinations that help your content stand out in today’s fast-moving social landscape.
Perfect for independent creators looking to build a sustainable side business, Virlo takes the guesswork out of content strategy. We analyze the latest viral trends and help you understand when to post and what combinations of elements drive engagement. Whether you’re just starting or looking to optimize your existing content, Virlo helps you navigate the ever-changing algorithms to increase your chances of going viral. Go viral with Virlo’s virality analysis tool.
2. Use On-screen Text and Captions
We know 69% of video is watched without sound, so adding on-screen text and subtitles to your videos is a no-brainer when reaching more users. Not only are subtitles excellent for people who watch without sound, but they also keep your content accessible to those with hearing difficulties: You can use Instagram's closed caption sticker to add video subtitles. Tap on the sticker icon and select "Captions." It may take a few seconds for the audio to transcribe. Once they've pulled through, you can review and edit the text to ensure it's correct.
Tip
Make sure your closed captions are visible in every part of the Instagram app by positioning them in the center of your screen.
3. Use Trends as Inspiration
Similar to TikTok, Reel trends come and go quickly. To hop on a trend before it becomes old news, take a few minutes each morning to scroll through the Instagram Reels tab and other creators’ profiles to see what they’re sharing. Is there anything consistently popping up — a particular song? An audio clip? If so, click on the music to see how many other brands or creators have used the audio and save it for later. Or, bookmark this Reels trends resource for the trends you need to hop on.
4. Drive Traffic by Encouraging Viewers to Head to Your Link in Bio
The best way to drive traffic from Reels is by including a clear call-to-action (CTA) that encourages people to head to your link in the bio. This could be with on-screen text placement, a verbal call-out, in your video caption, or all of the above:
5. Find Your Niche and Post Consistently
One of the best ways to go viral on Instagram Reels is by finding your niche and posting consistently. So many Instagram users have a wide range of interests and hobbies. No matter what your brand or business does, there’s a niche for you! If you’re a bakery, you could go behind the scenes in the kitchen like @jennaraecakes.
Or, if you’re a skincare brand, you could provide product tips like @glowrecipe: Even if your first few Reels don’t garner a ton of traction or engagement, keep going. Like anything else on social media, it’s all about trial and error. Another great way for brands to connect with a niche audience? Working with influencers and creators, of course.
6. Include 3-5 Hashtags
Including 3 to 5 hashtags can be a great way to help the Instagram algorithm understand your content and serve it to relevant audiences. For example, using hashtags like #VeganRecipes, #PlantBased, and #WhatVegansEat will indicate to the Instagram Reels algorithm that your content is about vegan cooking — which may increase the likelihood of it being served to users who are actively engaging with similar content: Every little bit helps!
7 Ways to Find Instagram Reel Trends
1. Use Virlo to Uncover Instagram Reel Trends
Virlo helps short-form content creators crack the code of virality through AI-powered trend analysis. Our platform combines creator insights with advanced analytics to identify winning content patterns, optimal posting times, and successful audio/video combinations that help your content stand out in today’s fast-moving social landscape.
Perfect for independent creators looking to build a sustainable side business, Virlo takes the guesswork out of content strategy. We analyze the latest viral trends and help you understand when to post and what combinations of elements drive engagement. Whether you’re just starting or looking to optimize your existing content, Virlo helps you navigate the ever-changing algorithms to increase your chances of going viral. Go viral with Virlo’s virality analysis tool.
2. YouTube Trends: A Goldmine for Inspiration
YouTube is a breeding ground for viral content. Keep tabs on YouTube trends for a sneak peek into upcoming Instagram hits. Translate popular video concepts into bite-sized reels for instant inspiration. Dive deeper into the YouTube community and discover another gem: YouTube shorts. This dynamic feature on YouTube is a treasure trove of short, engaging videos. Identify emerging trends on YouTube shorts and smoothly incorporate them into your Instagram reels. Let these platforms become your dynamic duo for trend-spotting and content creation.
3. Trend Reports From Industry Leaders
Dive into reports from industry leaders, gaining exclusive insights from reputable sources. Gain VIP access to what’s buzzing, curating content aligned with the next big thing in social media. Explore platforms like Facebook, a thriving hub for video content, for trend insights. Leverage the popularity of Facebook videos to enhance your Reels content strategy.
4. Expanding Horizons to Discover the Latest Trends
Diversify your trend radar beyond the usual suspects. Explore active communities on platforms like Reddit, Tumblr, and Twitter, each with its unique pulse of trends and conversations. Gain insights and curate content that speaks directly to these engaged audiences, creating a diverse and inclusive Reels strategy.
5. Google Trends: Your Digital Crystal Ball
Use Google Trends to reveal search patterns in the digital world, offering a glimpse into the future. Analyze niche-related searches, identifying trending topics for engaging Reels content.
6. TikTok’s Trend Wave
Scouting TikTok for the freshest trends is like foreseeing what’s on the brink of hitting Instagram. In social media marketing, possessing this foresight becomes your game-changing advantage. By staying one step ahead on TikTok, you’re tapping into the pulse of what’s about to go viral. This proactive approach lets you be among the first to discover trending content. It positions you as an early adopter and trendsetter. Seize the opportunity to ride the TikTok trend wave and propel your content strategy to new heights!
7. Google Analytics for Website Trends
Leverage the power of Google Analytics if your website is linked to your Instagram account. Analyze traffic patterns strategically to curate reels that smoothly align with your website’s story. Tailor your content strategy based on these insights to resonate with your audience. Doing so helps create compelling reel content and ensures a synchronized and impactful online presence.
Related Reading
• How to Find Trending Hashtags on Instagram
• What Hashtags Are Trending on YouTube
• TikTok Trend Discovery
• Google Trends Alternative
• Brandwatch Alternatives
• Social Media Trend Tracker
6 Tips for High Instagram Engagement
1. Find the Right Trends for Your Niche
Not every trend is created equal. You must choose those that align with your goals and target audience. Here's how:
Use Trend Tracking Tools
Not every trend is created equal. You must choose those that align with your goals and target audience. You may also utilize Reddit or specialized forums to locate conversations about your profession.
Focus on Your Audience’s Interests
Consider what is essential to your audience. Look for trends in diets, exercise routines, or health issues, for instance, if you're a fitness blogger.
2. Understand the Trend
Spend some time learning about the trend before you get in. Think about it: Where did this trend start? Why is it popular now? Is it positive, funny, or controversial? Knowing the answers to these questions can help you approach the subject. For instance, your material may examine the features of a new app, explain how it works, or offer sage advice if it's becoming popular.
3. Add Your Twist
The key to becoming noticed is to add your twist to a trend. Strike a new angle rather than restating what has already been said. Here are a few concepts:
Tell a Personal Story
Connect the trend and your personal life. People adore relevant information.
Share Expert Insights
Explain why the trend is significant or how it affects your audience if you are an expert.
Be Creative
Make the content more interesting by using narrative, comedy, or images.
4. Choose the Right Format and Platform
Choose the ideal format for sharing your content when you clearly understand your viewpoint. You will produce trend-appropriate, influential blogs, videos, or reels as a Certified Social Media & Content Marketing Professional.
Short-Form Content
Use social media sites like Instagram or TikTok to create brief, palatable films on the trend.
Long-Form Content
Write in-depth blog posts or make in-depth YouTube videos if the trend has to be explained.
5. Act Fast Without Sacrificing Quality
When it comes to trends, timing is important. Waiting too long might make folks disinterested. However, publishing information too quickly might result in errors. Here's how to strike a balance between quality and speed:
Set Up a Workflow
Establish a straightforward procedure for developing ideas, producing content, and posting it fast.
Use Templates
Create content templates ahead of time so you can quickly complete them when a trend emerges.
Stick to Your Standards
Ensure your writing appears clean and professional even if you're working quickly.
6. Track Results and Learn
Once your content has been published, monitor its success by counting views, likes, and shares. While setbacks teach you important lessons and help you hone your strategy for future trends and audience engagement, success shows you what works.
What is Virlo and How Can It Help You Go Viral on Social Media?
Virlo helps short-form content creators crack the code of virality through AI-powered trend analysis. Our platform combines creator insights with advanced analytics to identify winning content patterns, optimal posting times, and successful audio/video combinations that help your content stand out in today’s fast-moving social landscape.
Perfect for independent creators looking to build a sustainable side business, Virlo takes the guesswork out of content strategy. We analyze the latest viral trends and help you understand when to post and what combinations of elements drive engagement. Whether you’re just starting or looking to optimize your existing content, Virlo helps you navigate the ever-changing algorithms to increase your chances of going viral. Go viral with Virlo’s virality analysis tool.
Go Viral with Virlo's Virality Analysis Tool
Virlo helps short-form content creators crack the code of virality through AI-powered trend analysis. Our platform combines creator insights with advanced analytics to identify winning content patterns, optimal posting times, and successful audio/video combinations that help your content stand out in today’s fast-moving social landscape.
Perfect for independent creators looking to build a sustainable side business, Virlo takes the guesswork out of content strategy. We analyze the latest viral trends and help you understand when to post and what combinations of elements drive engagement. Whether you’re just starting or looking to optimize your existing content, Virlo helps you navigate the ever-changing algorithms to increase your chances of going viral. Go viral with Virlo’s virality analysis tool.
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