How to Spot Instagram Trending Reels Before Anyone Else

Instagram Reels have become a powerful tool for creators, brands, and businesses to engage millions of users quickly. But spotting Instagram trending reels early can be a game-changer—it helps you ride the wave of viral content, boost your reach, and grow your profile or business faster.

Why Instagram Trending Reels Matter

• Instagram Reels get 22% more engagement than regular posts, according to social media studies.
  
• Businesses using Reels can see up to a 67% increase in profile visits.
  
• Riding early trends can put you on the Explore page, multiplying your reach exponentially.

How to Spot Instagram Trending Reels Before Anyone Else: Step-by-Step

1. Follow Popular & Emerging Creators Regularly

• Keep an eye on content from top creators and influencers in your niche.
  
• New trends often start with influencers before going mainstream.
  
• Example: Indian creator Kusha Kapila often pioneers trends that go viral on Instagram India.

2. Use Instagram’s Explore Page & Reels Tab Daily

• The Explore page adapts to your behaviour but shows emerging popular content.
  
• Scroll through the Reels tab daily to catch fresh, trending content.
  
• Instagram’s algorithm tends to push new trending reels in these sections early.

3. Track Trending Sounds & Music

• Trending Reels often use specific trending audio clips or songs.
  
• Use Instagram’s music search to identify songs marked “Trending” or “Popular.”
  
• Creating content with these audio early increases the chances of virality.

4. Use Third-Party Trend Tracking Tools

• Tools like TrendTok, Tokboard, and ReelsTrend can help track viral audio and hashtags.
  
• These tools analyse large datasets and highlight emerging trends faster than manual tracking.

5. Monitor Relevant Hashtags

• Follow and monitor hashtags like #trendingreels, #reelsindia, or niche-specific tags.
  
• Check which reels are gaining traction under these hashtags.
  
• Use Instagram’s “Recent” tab in hashtags to see fresh content before it blows up.

ALSO READ – 10 Best Hashtags for Instagram for Likes and Followers in 2025

6. Engage in Instagram Creator Communities

• Join Instagram-related forums, Facebook groups, or WhatsApp groups focused on Reels trends.
  
• Creators often share early viral trends in such communities.
  
• For example, groups like “Indian Instagram Creators Network” share updates on trending reels and sounds.

7. Analyse Reels Metrics Early

• If you post reels, monitor your own metrics like reach, shares, and saves.
  
• If a reel starts performing better than usual, it may be aligned with a new trend.
  
• Recreate or iterate on that trend quickly.

8. Watch Competitors Closely

• Follow competitors and brands in your niche to see what kind of reels they are posting.
  
• Spot new styles, audio, or formats they are trying.

9. Stay Updated on Pop Culture & Viral Challenges

• Viral challenges, memes, or events often lead to trending reels.
  
• Follow Indian pop culture news, Bollywood, cricket, or social movements for potential trends.

10. Use Instagram Insights & Creator Studio

• For professional accounts, Instagram Insights shows emerging patterns.
  
• Creator Studio can help schedule and analyse reel performance, allowing early identification of viral potential.

Leveraging Instagram Trending Reels for Business Growth

Once you’ve mastered the art of spotting Instagram trending reels, the next step is to use them strategically for your business or personal brand growth. Here’s how:

• Boost Brand Visibility: Creating reels around trending audio or challenges instantly increases your chances of appearing on the Explore page, leading to more eyes on your brand.
  
• Drive Engagement: Trend-driven reels encourage likes, comments, and shares. For example, many small Indian businesses have seen up to a 40% increase in customer inquiries after using trending reels.
  
• Connect with Youth Audiences: India’s Instagram user base is predominantly young (18-34 years), who are highly responsive to trending content. Leveraging trending reels helps you tap into this valuable demographic.
  
• Enhance Product Awareness: Showcase your products creatively within trending reel formats, making your brand memorable and relevant.
  
• Example: Brands like Mamaearth and Boat India frequently use trending reels to launch new campaigns, tapping into viral sounds and challenges to boost product visibility.
  
• Encourage User-Generated Content: Encourage your customers to create reels using your products and trending sounds, further amplifying your reach organically.

By integrating trending reels into your marketing strategy early, you stay ahead of competitors and keep your audience engaged in an ever-evolving digital landscape.

ALSO READ – How to Get 500 Likes for Instagram Free – Instantly & Safely

Key Takeaways

• Early identification of trending reels requires consistent monitoring of Instagram’s Explore page, popular creators, and trending sounds.
  
• Use third-party tools and creator communities to gain an advantage.
  
• Stay connected to culture and current events to spot viral challenges and memes early.
  
• Analysing your own and competitors’ reels regularly can reveal new trends before they explode.
  
• The right use of trending audio and hashtags can boost your content’s reach exponentially.

Learn more about social media skills here to unlock new growth opportunities

Need Expert Guidance?

Starting a business can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone! At Boss Wallah, our 2,000+ business experts are ready to provide valuable insights and guidance. Whether you need help with marketing, finance, sourcing, or any other area of your business, our business experts are here to help you succeed

Confused about Which Business to Start?
Want to start your own business but unsure which one to choose? Explore Boss Wallah, where you’ll find 500+ courses by successful business owners, featuring practical, step-by-step guides on starting and growing various businesses. Find your perfect business idea today

Conclusion

Mastering how to spot Instagram trending reels before anyone else is crucial in today’s fast-paced digital world. It gives creators and businesses the power to capitalise on viral waves, increase engagement, and grow their audience organically. By following the simple strategies shared here — from monitoring influencers and hashtags to using data-driven tools — you can consistently be ahead of the curve and make your Instagram presence much stronger.

Explore more blogs to learn more about Digital skills

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are Instagram trending reels?

• Trending reels are videos that quickly gain popularity and engagement on Instagram due to viral content, sounds, or challenges.

2. How often does Instagram update trending reels?

• Trending reels can change daily or even hourly, depending on viral content momentum.

3. Can businesses benefit from using trending reels?

• Yes, businesses can increase brand awareness and sales by leveraging trending reels to reach more users.

4. How do I find trending sounds on Instagram?

• Use the Reels tab, music search feature, or third-party apps to identify trending sounds.

5. Are hashtags important for trending reels?

• Absolutely, hashtags help categorise reels and increase discoverability in relevant searches.

6. Can I create my own trend on Instagram reels?

• Yes, original content that resonates can start new trends if it goes viral.

7. Should I follow only big influencers to spot trends?

• No, also watch emerging creators who often start new trends early.

8. Is it better to copy trending reels exactly or add my twist?

• Add your own creative twist to stand out and avoid being seen as a copycat.

9. How important is timing in posting trending reels?

• Posting as soon as you spot a trend increases the chances of going viral.

10. Can I use Instagram insights to spot trends?

• Yes, Instagram Insights provides data to help you track what’s working on your reels.