11 Trending Reels on Instagram to Boost Your Reach Right Now

Here are some easy Instagram Reels trends to add to your content calendar (and yes, they’re actually fun to make).

As a creator, marketer, or small business owner juggling 47 other to-dos, trying to keep up with Instagram Reels trends can feel like running after a moving train in flip-flops.

Just when you think you’ve found the perfect format, it’s already peaked, everyone’s moved on to something new… and you’ve lost a flip-flop.

That’s why we’ve put together this guide to make it easier to hop on the trending reels train. Every month, we’ll update this resource with the top Instagram Reels trends heating up on the feed, what they are, and how you can incorporate them into your content creation. 

Bonus: The trends we’ve included on this list are easy to create, with no pro-level editing required.

11 trending reels on Instagram

While single images still get posted most often, reels now make up more than 50% of the time users spend on Instagram.

And, in our analysis of over 4 million Instagram posts, we confirmed that reels consistently outperform all other formats for reach, with 36% more reach than carousels, and 125% more reach than single-image posts. 

Carousels ranked tops for engagement, but as the stats suggest, creating video content can be super helpful when it comes to reaching new audiences.

And it doesn’t have to be complicated. Short, snappy reels (even low-effort ones) can drive serious reach, especially when they’re paired with trending audio or relatable formats. And if you’re not sure where to start, don’t worry; you don’t need fancy gear or a full production crew.

Here’s a quick roundup of 12 trending (and easy to replicate) reels you can add to your content calendar.

1. Accessory essentials on a coffee tray 

What really counts as “essential”? A croissant, a candle, your tiny vintage camera, and of course, coffee. Creators are using this trend to highlight just how much personality and favorite products you can pile onto a single coffee tray.

Effective for: Lifestyle, product flatlays, minimalist fashion

Difficulty level: 4/10 – a great excuse to grab a coffee