How to Know What’s Trending on Instagram for Your Business
As a business owner, keeping up with Instagram’s fast-changing trends can feel overwhelming. Every week, there’s a new Reel format, a viral audio clip, or a fresh feature. But here’s the truth: not every trend is right for your business. The key is learning how to identify which Instagram trends actually matter for your brand and how to use them strategically.
As a digital marketing agency, here’s how we guide businesses to stay ahead:
- Follow Instagram’s Official Updates
Instagram constantly rolls out new features—from AI stickers to Broadcast Channels. The best way to stay in the loop is to follow:
- Instagram’s Creators account (they often highlight trending formats and tools)
- Meta’s official blog for product updates
- Industry sites like Social Media Examiner, Later, or Hootsuite
By watching these sources, you can spot trends as they emerge, not after they’ve gone mainstream.
- Track Your Explore Page and Reels Feed
Instagram’s algorithm personalizes the Explore page and Reels feed based on what’s trending in your niche. If you’re a fashion brand, you’ll see trending outfit transitions; if you’re in F&B, you’ll see recipe reels.
👉 Pro tip: Spend 10 minutes a day scrolling with your business hat on. Note the common audio, editing styles, or themes that are repeating. Those are your trend signals.
- Monitor Competitors and Industry Leaders
Your competitors and industry influencers are your trend test-drivers. If they’re using a specific Reel format, hashtag, or meme, chances are it’s working in your niche.
- Keep a swipe file (saved folder) of posts that are gaining traction.
- Analyze engagement levels (likes, comments, shares).
- Repurpose the trend in your own style rather than copying directly.
- Use Trend-Tracking Tools
Several tools make it easier to identify Instagram trends in real time:
- TrendTok or TrendTalk – Track viral sounds and hashtags.
- Later’s Trend Report – Monthly breakdown of what’s hot.
- Instagram’s Professional Dashboard – Built-in analytics to see what’s working for you.
Data-backed insights mean you’re not guessing—you’re making informed decisions.
- Listen to Your Audience
Sometimes the best trends come directly from your community. Pay attention to:
- Questions customers ask in DMs or comments.
- User-generated content (UGC) from your followers.
- Polls and Q&As in Stories that highlight what they want to see.
When your content reflects what your audience already cares about, you’re creating micro-trends within your own community.
- Test and Measure Quickly
Trends move fast—what’s viral today may be irrelevant in a week. That’s why testing is critical.
- Post a Reel with trending audio and track reach vs. your average.
- Try a trending meme format with your brand voice.
- Experiment with interactive stickers (polls, quizzes) in Stories.
If it resonates, double down. If not, pivot quickly.
- Align Trends with Your Brand Strategy
Not every trend is worth chasing. A financial services firm dancing to the latest audio may look forced. Instead, adapt trends in a way that supports your message.
For example:
- A restaurant can use trending transitions to show a “before and after plating.”
- A fitness brand can remix a viral meme to highlight workout myths.
- A digital marketing agency (like us) can use trends to share quick tips in bite-sized Reels.
Final Thoughts
Staying updated with Instagram trends isn’t about jumping on every bandwagon. It’s about filtering what’s relevant to your industry, adapting it to your brand voice, and moving fast enough to stay visible.
With the right system—tracking official updates, analyzing competitors, listening to your audience, and using trend tools—you’ll never feel lost in the noise.
At the end of the day, the brands that win on Instagram aren’t the ones chasing every trend; they’re the ones who spot the right trends early and make them their own.