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Want Your Instagram Reels to Go Viral in 2025?
If you’ve been wondering why some creators blow up overnight while others struggle for views, the secret often comes down to music choice. Instagram’s 2025 algorithm heavily prioritizes trending audio—when you use a viral song, your Reel is more likely to appear on Explore and in recommended feeds, instantly boosting visibility beyond your followers.
Trending songs don’t just increase reach; they spark engagement. Viewers are already familiar with the audio, so they’re more likely to watch to the end, tap like, or even recreate the trend. Creators who consistently use Instagram Reels trending music see faster follower growth and a better chance of landing on Instagram-curated trending playlists.
Here’s what tapping into viral audio can do for your content:
Benefit |
Impact on Growth |
| More Reach | Boosts visibility in Reels & Explore |
| Higher Follower Growth | Attracts new audiences organically |
| Better Explore Chances | Algorithm favors viral audio trends |
Up next, we’ll explore the top 10 trending Instagram Reels songs of 2025—with usage stats, chart performance, and why they’re going viral—so you can pick the perfect audio for your next Reel and start growing today.
Top 10 Trending Instagram Reels Songs in 2025
1. Die With a Smile — Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars
- Instagram Reels Usage: 1.7M+ Reels
- Chart Performance: #1 on Billboard Global 200 for 10 weeks
- Release Date / Label: August 2024 | Atlantic & Interscope
This emotional cinematic ballad has become the soundtrack of heartfelt and storytelling Reels in 2025. Creators use it for travel montages, emotional transformations, and slow-motion edits because its piano-driven intro grabs attention instantly. Instagram’s algorithm favors content that keeps users watching longer, and this song’s dramatic chorus encourages full plays, fueling higher reach.
Proof & Metrics: 1.7M+ Reels, 10-week Billboard dominance, and consistent presence in top Instagram Reels music playlists make it a high-performing viral audio for emotional storytelling content.
2. Apt. — Rosé & Bruno Mars
- Instagram Reels Usage: Millions of Reels globally
- Chart Performance: #1 for 13 weeks on Billboard Global 200
- Release Date / Label: Early 2025 | YG Entertainment & Atlantic
Apt. exploded in 2025 as a global collab anthem, mixing Rosé’s soft vocals with Bruno Mars’ soulful delivery. On Instagram, it’s trending for romantic edits, K-pop inspired choreography, and cinematic couple videos. Its versatile tempo makes it ideal for both slow-motion storytelling and upbeat creative transitions.
Proof & Metrics: With 13 weeks at #1, viral Instagram adoption, and placement on Spotify global top playlists, this song dominates cross-platform trends. Creators leveraging this sound see higher Explore reach and organic follower growth.
3. Espresso — Sabrina Carpenter
- Instagram Reels Usage: 2.7M+ Reels
- Chart Performance: Top 10 on Billboard & Spotify viral charts
- Release Date / Label: 2024 | Island Records
Energetic, cheeky, and perfect for playful edits, Espresso is Sabrina Carpenter’s breakout Reels anthem. Instagram users pair it with fashion transitions, dance challenges, and lifestyle clips, capitalizing on its upbeat, meme-friendly hook.
Proof & Metrics: Its 2.7M+ Reels usage makes it one of the most recognizable audios of 2025. Coupled with top-charting Spotify performance, it signals the algorithm’s preference for lighthearted, high-retention clips.
4. Birds of a Feather — Billie Eilish
- Instagram Reels Usage: 2.3M+ Reels
- Chart Performance: Top 10 on Billboard & Apple Music
- Release Date / Label: 2024 | Darkroom & Interscope
Billie Eilish’s aesthetic ballad dominates Reels built around cinematic POVs, nature shots, and emotional micro-stories. Its soft, echoing vocals create an intimate vibe, making audiences watch longer—an algorithmic win for retention.
Proof & Metrics: 2.3M+ Reels usage and consistent charting reflect strong global engagement, perfect for creators targeting aesthetic and lifestyle niches.
5. Golden — Huntr/x
- Instagram Reels Usage: Rising trend (hundreds of thousands & growing)
- Chart Performance: #1 on Billboard Global 200 in July & August 2025
- Release Date / Label: June 2025 | TBA
Huntr/x is 2025’s breakout newcomer, and Golden is fueling motivational edits, summer travel vlogs, and sunrise-to-sunset transitions. Its uplifting synths and cinematic drop make it a favorite for viral montage Reels.
Proof & Metrics: Despite being new, Golden hit #1 on Billboard, signaling cross-platform viral potential. Early adopters are leveraging this rising sound for quick organic reach before saturation.
6. Ordinary — Alex Warren
- Instagram Reels Usage: Rising trend, rapidly gaining traction
- Chart Performance: #1 for 8 weeks on Billboard Global 200
- Release Date / Label: May 2025 | TBA
Ordinary became a viral underdog anthem as audiences resonated with its relatable lyrics and emotional arc. Reels using this song often showcase personal milestones, life reflections, and storytelling edits.
Proof & Metrics: 8 weeks at #1, strong Reels adoption, and predictive algorithm preference for emotional narratives make it an ideal growth track for creators.
7. Dame Un Grr — Fantomel & Kate Linn
- Instagram Reels Usage: 1.8M+ Reels
- Chart Performance: Viral dance track on Instagram
- Release Date / Label: Late 2024 | TBA
This bilingual dance track fuels 2025’s transformation and choreo trends, particularly in Latin and European creator circles. Its catchy beat and multilingual chorus make it algorithm-friendly for international reach.
Proof & Metrics: With 1.8M+ Reels, consistent use in dance challenge templates, and TikTok-to-Instagram crossover trends, it’s a must-use for engagement spikes.
8. Please Please Please — Sabrina Carpenter
- Instagram Reels Usage: 1M+ Reels
- Chart Performance: Billboard Top 20
- Release Date / Label: 2024 | Island Record
This romantic viral audio thrives on relationship, wedding, and dreamy couple edits. Its soft hook and easy loop structure encourage viewers to watch full Reels, boosting retention and reach.
Proof & Metrics: 1M+ Reels, Billboard Top 20 performance, and strong placement in Instagram trending music playlists prove its sustained viral power.
9. Not Like Us — Kendrick Lamar
- Instagram Reels Usage: 308K+ Reels
- Chart Performance: #1 in February & March 2025
- Release Date / Label: 2025 | Top Dawg/Aftermath/Interscope
Not Like Us is 2025’s hype track and meme soundtrack, dominating comedy, fitness, and reaction Reels. Its aggressive beat and cultural moment make it ideal for viral meme formats and short, impactful edits.
Proof & Metrics: 308K+ Reels usage, Billboard #1 status, and high shareability in meme content fuel its predictive growth trajectory.
10. Messy — Lola Young
- Instagram Reels Usage: 195K+
- Chart Performance: Top 40
- Release Date / Label: 2024 / TBA
Raw, stripped-down, and deeply emotional, “Messy” is often paired with journal-style vlogs, crying cam edits, and authentic self-reflection Reels. It taps into the “real over perfect” wave.
Proof & Metrics: Though usage is lower, it trends heavily in the mental health and authentic storytelling niches, which often go viral in slower, deeper content cycles.
Before you pick your next viral audio, here’s a quick stats snapshot to compare usage and chart performance at a glance.
Quick Stats: Top Instagram Reels Songs 2025
This snapshot helps you pick songs that are not only trending but also proven to boost Reels performance, combining high usage with strong chart dominance.
| Song Name | Artist | Reels Usage | Peak Chart Rank |
| Die With a Smile | Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars | 1.7M+ | #1 (10 wks) |
| Apt. | Rosé & Bruno Mars | Millions | #1 (13 wks) |
| Espresso | Sabrina Carpenter | 2.7M+ | Top 10 |
| Birds of a Feather | Billie Eilish | 2.3M+ | Top 10 |
| Golden | Huntr/x | Rising | #1 (Jul–Aug 2025) |
| Ordinary | Alex Warren | Rising | #1 (8 wks) |
| Dame Un Grr | Fantomel & Kate Linn | 1.8M+ | Viral Regional |
| Please Please Please | Sabrina Carpenter | 1M+ | Top 20 |
| Not Like Us | Kendrick Lamar | 308K+ | #1 (2 wks) |
| Messy | Lola Young | 195K+ | Top 40 |
With the numbers clear, let’s talk about how to use these songs strategically to actually go viral.
Tips to Use These Songs to Go Viral
Knowing the top Instagram Reels songs in 2025 is only half the battle—using them strategically is what drives real results. Here’s how to maximize your reach and engagement:
- Post During Trend Peaks: Songs have a viral lifecycle. Post while the audio is actively climbing on Reels and Explore, not after it fades. Checking the Trending Audio tab daily helps you catch the peak.
- Pair Audio With High-Quality Visuals: Instagram’s algorithm rewards engaging, HD visuals. Match your trending song with fast cuts, transitions, or clear storytelling to stop the scroll.
- Engage With the Trend Format: Whether it’s a dance challenge, meme trend, or transition template, participating in the existing trend increases your chances of being featured on the Explore page.
- Use Relevant Hashtags: Combine viral audio with niche and trending hashtags like #Reels2025, #ViralAudio, #InstagramGrowth to improve discoverability.
- Leverage AI for Content Strategy: AI tools can help you track trends, automate captions, and analyze engagement patterns. Check out our guide: How to Boost Your Instagram Presence Using AI to streamline your growth strategy.
Pro Tip: Early adoption is key—creators who use trending audio within 48 hours of its rise often see the highest virality. Pair that timing with quality visuals and trend participation to supercharge your Reels performance.
Once you apply these tips with trending audio, you’re ready to transform your Reels into powerful growth engines.
Conclusion: Turn Trending Songs into Viral Reels
Using trending Instagram Reels songs in 2025 is one of the fastest ways to boost reach, engagement, and follower growth. The right audio acts like a magnet for the algorithm—pushing your content to the Reels feed and Explore page while connecting with viewers through familiar, viral sounds.
If you’re serious about growing on Instagram, don’t just watch trends—join them. Pick 2–3 songs from this list, create engaging visuals, and post while these tracks are at their peak. You’ll quickly see how viral audio can transform your reach overnight.
To stay ahead, bookmark this list—we update it monthly with the latest Instagram Reels music trends for 2025. Staying current ensures your content is always algorithm-friendly and trend-ready.
Start experimenting today, and your next Reel could be the one that takes your account viral.
