Hey there, eCommerce champion.

If you’re here, chances are you’re hungry for real growth. 

And I don’t mean more likes or vague impressions — I’m talking about more actual, paying customers who love your store so much they keep coming back for more.

Now, let me ask you something super simple: Do you really know what your visitors do when they land on your site?

If you’re nodding “Sort of…” — I’ve got news for you: you might be flying blind. 

But don’t worry, you’re about to fix that.

Today, I’m revealing one of my favorite secret weapons for growing an online store: Hotjar. 

And if you’ve never heard of it, buckle up — because by the end of this, you’ll wonder how you ever ran your store without it.

Oh, and before I forget — We’ve also put together a free eCommerce toolkit with our absolute must-use tools (Hotjar included, of course). 

If you want to fast-track your growth, grab it here — it’s free, and it’s got some gems you’ll wish you had yesterday.

What is Hotjar, and Why Should You Care?

Let’s start with the basics — because I promise, this is NOT “just another tool.”
Hotjar is like your online store’s security camera, customer whisperer, and growth detective — all rolled into one.

In my experience, most store owners think they know why visitors don’t buy… until they see what actually happens on their site. Hotjar makes that possible.

At its core, Hotjar shows you how real people use your site:

• Where they click

• How far they scroll

• Which pages they rage-quit

• And exactly where you lose them

In other words: instead of guessing what’s broken, you’ll see it with your own eyes. 

And when you see it — you can fix it.

How Hotjar Works

If you’ve never touched Hotjar before, here’s the quick and simple version:

• Heatmaps: Visual maps showing where users click, tap, and scroll the most.

• Session Recordings: Actual replays of what individual visitors did on your site — mouse movements, clicks, hesitations, you name it.

• Surveys & Feedback: Let your visitors tell you — directly — what they love or hate.

Sound basic? It’s not. I promise you, watching someone get frustrated on your checkout page is a whole different reality than imagining it.

This great video shows how to use Hotjar:

Why Hotjar is an E-commerce Store’s Best Friend

Okay, let me tell you why I recommend Hotjar to literally every online store owner I meet (and why it’s in our free toolkit):

1) It Shows You Exactly Why People Don’t Buy

I know — you probably already look at your analytics. You might even check Shopify or Google Analytics every day. That’s awesome! But here’s the catch:

Analytics tell you what is happening. Hotjar shows you why.

You might know your product page has a 70% bounce rate. 

But why? Maybe:

• The “Add to Cart” button is buried too far down.

• Your images are too small on mobile.

• Visitors can’t find sizing info.

Hotjar shows you these hidden conversion killers in minutes.

2) It Helps You Test (and Fix) Pages Faster

Ever wonder which hero image works better? Which CTA text gets more clicks? With Hotjar, you don’t need to guess or wait weeks to A/B test.

You can literally watch how people interact with both versions. From my experience, this saves time and money. You’ll make confident tweaks that boost conversions instead of blindly hoping your changes work.

3) It Boosts Trust — Because You Listen

Here’s one thing I wish more store owners knew: people love when you listen. Hotjar’s feedback polls let you ask your visitors questions like:

• “What stopped you from checking out today?”

• “Was anything confusing on this page?”

• “How likely are you to recommend us?”

Simple questions. But the answers? Pure gold. Sometimes you’ll discover game-changing tweaks in 24 hours.

How to Use Hotjar to Actually Grow — Step by Step

Alright, enough theory — let’s get into the fun stuff: How to use Hotjar to grow your store. Here’s how I do it (and what I tell every store owner who asks me for advice):

Step 1: Install Hotjar on Your Store

First things first — install Hotjar. It takes five minutes, tops. Most eCommerce platforms (Shopify, WooCommerce, BigCommerce) have plugins or super-simple installation instructions.

Step 2: Set Up Heatmaps for Key Pages

Next, create heatmaps for your:

• Homepage

• Top product pages

• Cart page

• Checkout flow

These pages make or break your sales. The heatmaps will show you:

• What people click that isn’t clickable

• If important CTAs are being ignored

• Where people scroll and drop off

From my experience, you’ll get “aha!” moments immediately.

Step 3: Watch Real User Recordings

This is where the magic happens — seriously.

Set Hotjar to record sessions. Watch a few recordings each day. (Yes, this takes time — but trust me, it’s worth every second.)

Pay attention to:

• Where users hesitate

• Where they get stuck

• Where they abandon their carts

One store I worked with found out that 40% of users were trying to click an image thinking it would zoom — but it didn’t. Adding an image zoom increased their conversions overnight.

Step 4: Run a Quick Feedback Poll

Put a tiny feedback widget on your checkout page. Ask a simple question:

• “Is anything stopping you from completing your purchase today?”

From my experience, this one tip alone can uncover hidden bugs, trust issues, or last-minute buyer doubts that cost you real money.

Step 5: Take Action — Fix, Test, Repeat

Finally — use what you learn! Don’t just watch visitors rage-click a broken link. 

Fix it. Test tweaks. Repeat.

Hotjar is powerful, but only if you act on what it shows you.

A Real-Life Hotjar Win (Because Everyone Loves Stories)

Want to know how powerful Hotjar can be? Let me share a quick story from my own circle.

A friend ran a small jewelry store online. Sales were decent but stuck. 

We added Hotjar, watched a few recordings, and found that mobile users were missing the “Add to Cart” button because it was hidden below a huge Instagram feed widget.

One quick fix — moving the CTA higher — and sales jumped 25% in a week.

No new ads. No fancy funnel. Just seeing the problem and fixing it.
That’s the Hotjar magic.

Pro Tip: Combine Hotjar with Other Winning Tools

Before you run off to install Hotjar (you should!), let me remind you — it’s just one piece of the puzzle. Growing a store needs more than heatmaps and recordings. You need the right stack of tools, working together.

That’s why we created The Free eCommerce Toolkit — it’s got Hotjar plus other powerful tools that help you:

• Track traffic

• Optimize your store’s speed

• Manage your email list

• Boost repeat purchases

And yep — it’s 100% free. If you’re serious about growing your store, you’ll love it.

Final Thoughts — Is Hotjar Worth It for Your Store?

If you’ve read this far, I’ll be blunt: If you’re not using Hotjar, you’re guessing. And in eCommerce, guessing costs money.

Hotjar shows you what’s really happening — no crystal ball required.

You’ll see what works, what’s broken, and what makes people say “no thanks.”
Once you see it, you can fix it. And that’s how real growth happens.

Your Next Move (Don’t Miss This)

So here’s what I think you should do:

1⃣ Install Hotjar on your store this week.
2⃣ Grab The Free eCommerce Toolkit — because you’ll want the other tools too.
3⃣ Start watching your visitors today.

Trust me — future you will thank you.
More clarity, more conversions, and less money left on the table.

Now go make it happen.
Your store is ready for its next big growth leap — and you’ve got the tools to get there.

Read next: 29 SEO Tips to Grow Your Organic Traffic

The post How E-commerce Stores Use Hotjar to Grow appeared first on Ultraise.

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Be honest: when was the last time you really opened Google Analytics — like, really — and understood what’s going on?

If your answer is “Umm… once when I installed it?” — don’t worry, you’re not alone.

Most store owners peek at their dashboard once in a while, see a few line charts, bounce rate, maybe traffic sources… and that’s it.

But here’s the truth bomb: if you know where to look, Google Analytics can unlock secrets about your customers that can boost your sales, fix leaks in your funnel, and make you wonder how you ever did business without it.

So today, I’m going to spill the tea. I’m giving you the same Google Analytics secrets I share with serious store owners who want to turn raw data into real dollars.

Ready? Grab your favorite drink, because you’re about to become the Sherlock Holmes of your own online store.

Because we want you to succeed, we are giving you, for free, the best e-commerce toolkit, which contains the top 24 free tools for online stores.

Download the toolkit for FREE here

Why Google Analytics is Still Your Best Friend

Before we dive into the juicy secrets, let’s get something straight: Google Analytics is still the king of eCommerce data.

I know — there’s Shopify Analytics, fancy heatmaps (like Hotjar — you know I love that one!), or shiny all-in-one dashboards.

But Google Analytics digs deeper. 

It doesn’t just count your visitors — it shows you how they behave, why they convert (or don’t), and where your money’s slipping through the cracks.

It’s free, crazy powerful, and when you use it right… well, you’re about to find out.

This post may also interest you: Why a Good Customer Journey Is the Best Marketing Strategy?

Secret #1: Set Up E-commerce Tracking Properly

This sounds obvious, but you’d be shocked how many store owners skip this step — or assume their platform does it for them. Spoiler: It often doesn’t.

Enhanced E-commerce Tracking is the secret sauce that turns Google Analytics from “traffic tracker” to “conversion detective.”

What it does:
Tracks product views, adds to cart, checkouts, abandoned carts, purchases — all the juicy stuff.
Shows your full funnel, step-by-step.
Reveals which products and pages are your money-makers.

Pro Tip: If you’re using Shopify, WooCommerce, or BigCommerce, most have plugins or easy integrations to enable Enhanced E-commerce.

Please — do yourself a favor and check this today. You can’t fix what you can’t see.

Secret #2: Use UTM Parameters Like a Pro

Want to know which Instagram post, email, or influencer actually makes you money?
UTM parameters are the answer.

I know, UTM sounds geeky — but it’s simple:

They’re just tiny tags you add to your URLs so Google Analytics knows exactly where traffic came from.

Example: https://yourstore.com/product?utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=spring_sale

Result?

When you check Google Analytics, you’ll see exactly which post or link brought that sale.

From my experience, most store owners don’t do this — they just see “Direct” or “Social” traffic and shrug. 

Meanwhile, the smart brands know exactly which posts convert best and double down.

Secret #3: The Pages Report is Your Hidden Treasure

Alright, lean in — here’s one secret I love telling store owners.

Most people stare at traffic sources but ignore the Pages Report (Behavior > Site Content > All Pages).

This report is gold:

• See which product pages people spend the most time on.

• Find pages with high exit rates (these are leaks in your funnel).

• Spot opportunities for upsells or better CTAs.

Example:

If your “About Us” page has big traffic but nobody clicks to your shop, add a big juicy button: “Shop Bestsellers Now.”

Boom — instant boost.

Secret #4: Create Custom Segments (Because Averages Lie)

Here’s something I wish someone told me sooner: averages are lies.

Example:
If your store’s average conversion rate is 2%, that’s nice… but it doesn’t tell you who’s buying and who’s bouncing.

So, what do you do?
Create Custom Segments — mini-audiences within your Analytics.

Some game-changing segments:

• First-time vs returning visitors

• Mobile vs desktop shoppers

• High-value spenders vs window shoppers

With segments, you’ll see how each group behaves. 

Maybe returning customers convert at 8% (gold!), but new visitors bounce like crazy. 

That’s your sign to fix your landing pages or build better welcome offers.

This great video shows how to create custom segments within Google Analytics 4

Secret #5: Track Key Events — Stop Measuring Fluff, Start Tracking Cash

Alright, quick truth bomb: pageviews are cute, but they don’t pay the bills. If you’re only looking at visitors and bounce rates, you’re basically guessing who’s serious and who’s just window-shopping.

That’s why in GA4, you need to set up Key Events — these are the real actions that move your business forward. Think:

• Adding an item to the cart

• Starting checkout

• Completing a purchase

• Signing up for your newsletter

In GA4, you mark these actions as Conversions. Once you do that, you’ll finally see which traffic sources, pages, or campaigns lead to real money — not just empty clicks.

From my experience, this is where store owners get their biggest “aha!” moment. Suddenly you know:
Where your best customers really come from
Which products actually drive sales
Where people drop off before they give you money

How to Do It:

In GA4, go to Admin → Events → Create Event to track an action, then flip the toggle to mark it as a Conversion. Boom — you’re done!

Secret #6: Find Abandoned Cart Leaks

I bet you already know abandoned carts are a problem, but do you know where they’re happening?

Enhanced E-commerce’s Checkout Journey report shows you exactly where people drop off:

• Do they bail at shipping costs?

• Is your checkout too complicated?

• Are you asking for too much info?

When you see where the drop happens, you can fix it:

• Add trust badges.

• Offer guest checkout.

• Simplify your form.

• Add progress bars.

Every tiny fix can bring lost sales back.

Secret #7: Automate Alerts (So You Don’t Miss a Thing)

Here’s a trick busy store owners love: Custom Alerts.

Set up automatic alerts to get an email when something big happens — like:

• Sudden traffic spike (did your TikTok go viral?)

• Big drop in traffic (oops, broken link?)

• Revenue drop (bug in checkout?)

This way, you don’t have to log in daily to babysit your data — Google Analytics taps you on the shoulder when something needs your attention.

Bonus: Combine Google Analytics with our free toolkit for online stores

Before we wrap up, here’s something I really want you to have.

We put together The Free eCommerce Toolkit, which includes my favorite tools (yes, Google Analytics is front and center) and other hidden gems to help you:

• Understand your visitors better (Heatmaps, anyone?)

• Speed up your site

• Improve your SEO

• Boost conversions

It’s totally free — and if you’re serious about growing your store, you’ll love every single tool in there.
Grab it here — your future self will thank you.

Putting It All Together: How to Act on These Secrets

Here’s the deal: reading this won’t change your business — doing it will.

So here’s what I recommend:

1⃣ Make sure Enhanced E-commerce is turned on.
2⃣ Start tagging your links with UTMs.
3⃣ Check your Pages Report weekly — find leaks, fix them.
4⃣ Create at least 2 custom segments today.
5⃣ Run a Site Speed report — fix your slowest pages first.
6⃣ Set up abandoned cart tracking — fix what’s broken.
7⃣ Automate at least one custom alert.

Will you be a Google Analytics wizard overnight? Nope.

But each step you take unlocks more insight, more sales, and more control over your store’s future.

Read next: How E-commerce Stores Use Hotjar to Grow

The post Google Analytics Secrets for Online Stores appeared first on Ultraise.

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Ever scrolled through Instagram Reels and thought, “Wait, everyone’s using that same sound… and I can’t get enough of it!”

That’s actually how I discovered Makeba by Jain back in 2023. Even though the song was originally released in 2015, it exploded years later on Instagram Reels thanks to a now-iconic combo: that beat paired with Bill Hader’s perfectly timed dance moves. 

I couldn’t stop watching. Every time that audio popped up, I had to see what someone had done with it. The track has lived rent-free in my head ever since — which speaks to the power of trending audio on Instagram.

So, whether you’re a creator trying to grow your following, a social media manager aiming to boost engagement, or a small business owner looking to connect with more people, finding trending audio on Instagram can be a simple (and surprisingly fun) way to get your content in front of new eyes.

Wondering how to find trending audio on Instagram? 

In this post, I’ll walk you through 10 easy ways to find trending audio on Instagram, plus some tips to help you take the trend and make it your own.

[call out] Looking for the top 15 trending sounds on Instagram right now? Stay top of the pops and on top of the trends with the latest list. 

How to find trending audio on Instagram

Social media moves, so don’t sleep on these 10 ways to find the perfect sound for your next Insta post.

1. Use Instagram’s trending audio list 

Instagram’s trending audio list shows you the top trending sounds that are gaining popularity fast on Instagram, updated every few days. Think of it like a live leaderboard of sounds everyone’s loving right now.

Here’s how to find it:

1. Start creating a post, story, or reel and choose your media.
2. Tap the music icon (at the bottom for posts and reels, at the top for stories).
3. Tap Trending to browse the top 50 tracks currently topping the charts.
4. You’ll even see whether a sound is on the rise or starting to cool off based on the little green or red trending arrows.

(As you can see, I posted this reel around Father’s Day.)

Pro tip: Not ready to use a song just yet? Tap the bookmark icon to save it for later. When you’re ready to post, head to the Saved tab to find all your faves in one place.

How to access saved songs on Instagram 

1. Open the Instagram app and go to your profile.
2. Tap the ☰ menu in the top-right corner and select Saved.
3. Inside the Saved section, switch to the Audio tab, where all your bookmarked tracks are neatly stored.

If a sound disappears from your Saved list, it’s probably due to licensing changes, or it’s been removed from Instagram. In that case, check the creator’s original reel to either save it again or use an alternative.

2. Check the professional dashboard

If you’re not ready to create your post yet, another way to get the list of trending audio on Instagram is through the professional dashboard.

Note: For now, this feature is only available for professional Instagram accounts on the Instagram mobile app in the US.

Here’s how to find trending audio on Instagram with a professional account:

1. Tap the Professional dashboard button on your profile.
2. Scroll down to the Tips and resources section.
3. Tap Trending audio.

3. Look for the arrow icon

Just scrolling for now? Here’s another great way to identify the latest trending sounds on Instagram if you’re not in posting mode: If you see an upward arrow (↗️) instead of the usual music notes next to an audio track, that means it’s trending.

Tap the track to explore. 

4. Tap on the audio title to learn more

When you’re watching a reel, tap the audio name to view how many people are using it and get the option to use or save it.

You have no idea how happy it made my millennial heart to discover that Alice DJ’s Better Off Alone is trending.*stops writing blog post for spontaneous dance break.*

Pro tip: You can also add the song on Spotify using the little Add button. (Of course, this one is already in my Liked Songs.)

5. Use Instagram search to find trending sounds

While this method of finding trending sounds on Instagram isn’t a perfect science, it’s a good way to find trending audio that’s popular outside your usual feed, and maybe even discover something a little unexpected.

Here’s how:

1. Tap the magnifying glass to open the Explore page.
2. Use the search bar at the top to type in something like “trending audio.”

3. Want to get more specific? Try keywords that match the vibe of your video, like “summer cocktails,” to see what other creators have used for similar videos. 

But, as mentioned earlier, this method isn’t foolproof. 

6. Follow Instagram’s Creators account

Instagram’s @creators account is a wealth of great info and ideas for Instagram growth. They regularly publish a reels trends carousel that shares not only the latest and greatest top trending sounds creators are using, but editing tips and tricks, too. 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Instagram’s @Creators (@creators)

Check out the IG Anthems story highlight. 

Pro tip: Join the Creators broadcast channel to get news of Instagram’s latest features and trends sent straight to your Instagram inbox. Sign up here. 

7. Browse the Instagram Reels feed for repeat sounds

Looking for a guilt-free reason to scroll?. As you swipe through Instagram Reels, keep an ear out for audio you hear more than once. If a sound keeps popping up (especially in totally different types of content), it’s a good sign it’s trending. 

Bonus points if creators are putting their own spin on the sounds — that usually means the sound has some staying power and flexibility.

So go ahead, call it research. 😉

[call out] Take your reels game to the next level. Here are some Instagram tips, strategies, and hacks to create, edit, and distribute your Instagram Reels in 2025. 

8. Try third-party apps like ReelTrends or TrendTok

Want a shortcut to what’s hot across social platforms? Tools like ReelTrends and TrendTok Analytics track trending audio across Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, showing you:

• Which sounds on Instagram and other platforms are picking up steam
• How they’re performing over time.
• What type of content they’re being used in
• Predictions for what’s about to trend

Many of these tools also let you filter by region, category, or niche, so you can tailor what’s trending to your audience.

Note: Both apps are only available on the App Store for iPhone.

9. Check TikTok or YouTube Shorts for early trends

A lot of trending audio starts on TikTok or YouTube Shorts before landing on Instagram, so keep an eye out there to give you a head start.

To find trending reels audio on YouTube Shorts:

1. Click the + button in the YouTube app to start creating a post.
2. Tap Add sound at the top of the screen.
3. Browse recommended songs and genres, or scroll down to find the Top sounds on shorts.
4. Take note of the trending track’s title and artist, and head back to Instagram to see if you can find the same sound.

10. Bookmark Buffer’s trending Instagram audio list

Let us do the trend-hunting for you. We keep a running list of the hottest Instagram sounds so you don’t have to chase trends from scratch every time you post.

Whether you’re batch-creating content, stuck in a scroll spiral, or just want to stay inspired, our list is here to help.

Pro tip: Bookmark the page so you can pop back in anytime you need a little trending audio inspo.

Why hop on the latest audio trends? 

Finding trending audio on Instagram is one of the best ways to boost your content’s reach and stay current with what’s capturing people’s attention. 

Trending audio can help your content reach more people

When you use a sound that’s gaining traction, your Instagram content has a better chance of being shown to more users, especially if the algorithm sees others interacting with that same viral audio. 

People love watching different takes on the same sound

One of the joys of Instagram Reels is seeing how different Instagram creators interpret the same audio in their own way. Whether it’s funny, heartfelt, or clever, your version adds to the conversation, and viewers love the variety.

It gives you an easy creative starting point

Staring at a blank screen? Finding trending audio on Instagram can be the perfect spark to get your creativity flowing, offering some structure without boxing you in.

Pro tip: You can also save time (and prevent the blank screen effect) by using Buffer’s customizable templates. They’re a great starting point for posts, stories, and more.

I’ve been using templates in the latest Creator Camp challenge. Even if I end up tweaking the template, it still gets me out of writer’s block and into creator mode.  

Joining a trend makes your brand feel more relatable and in the moment

Using current sounds on Instagram shows that you’re paying attention, participating, and present. 

It opens the door to a trending remix or being part of a wider challenge or meme

When you use trending music, you’re potentially joining a larger conversation, challenge, or even a viral moment. It’s a chance to collaborate, connect, and be seen by new audiences.

It shows Instagram you’re active and using the platform’s latest features

Instagram rewards users who engage with its newest tools. It’s a subtle signal to the algorithm that you’re here, you’re creating, and you’re playing by their rules (in the best way).

You get to have some fun

Let’s be honest, sometimes it’s just fun to jump in on a trend, try something silly, or flex your creativity. Not everything has to be strategic. Enjoying the process makes your content more engaging, too.

Top tips for using trending audio on Instagram

Want to make the most of trending audio on Instagram? These top tips will help you use it in a way that feels authentic, creative, and gets your content seen.

Make it your own

Instagram loves originality, even when you’re jumping on a trend. Use trending audio, but add your own spin, story, or style to make it feel uniquely you. 

Try a remix

Use the remix feature to create a side-by-side video with existing content. It’s a fun way to react, add context, or show your take with humour, insight, or personality.

Stick to the specs

Make sure your content follows Instagram’s recommended dimensions (9:16 for Instagram Reels) and specs. It keeps your videos looking crisp and professional across devices.

Stay true to your niche

Not every trend is the right fit, and that’s OK. Focus on audio that aligns with your brand, message, or audience, so your content still feels on-brand and relevant.

Add text for context

On-screen text helps grab attention, explain your angle, and keep people watching. It’s especially helpful if your audio doesn’t immediately explain what the video is about. Use it alongside a snappy caption. 

Credit where it’s due

If you’re inspired by another creator, show some love with a tag or mention. It builds community and keeps your creative karma in good standing.

Jump in early

Trends move fast. Using audio early in its rise to the top gives you the best chance to reach a wider audience before it becomes overplayed. 

Pro tip: For added reach, don’t forget to share your Instagram posts to your stories. 

Post at the optimal time

Post your content on Instagram when your audience is most active to give your content the best chance of being seen and engaged with. We analyzed over 2 million posts to help you do just that. 

Keep it fun

At the end of the day, Instagram Reels and Stories are meant to be playful and creative. Don’t stress about perfection; rather, enjoy the process and let your personality shine through. If you’re feeling a little apprehensive, try a trial reel and see how it lands. 

Pro tip: Use Buffer’s Create Space to store trending sounds or Instagram Reels ideas for later, and when you’re ready to post, our notification publishing makes it easy to schedule everything ahead of time and add the audio natively in Instagram with just a few taps.

[call out] Posting stories on the fly? There’s a better way. Schedule them like a pro in 2025 — we’ll show you how (it’s easier than you think). Here’s how to schedule Instagram Stories in 2025.

4 common mistakes to avoid with trending sounds on Instagram

Not every trend is the right fit. To make the most of what’s trending (and avoid any cringey missteps), watch out for these common mistakes.

Using off-brand or controversial audio

Just because a sound is trending doesn’t mean it aligns with your brand. Some trending audio might contain lyrics, memes, or associations that don’t sit well with your audience, or that could come off as insensitive, offensive, or wildly out of step with your usual tone.

Before you hit post, do a quick vibe check:

• Does the sound trend reflect your brand’s values and voice?
• Will your audience understand or relate to the reference?
• Could the lyrics or context be misunderstood?

Jumping on a trend too late

Timing matters. If a sound is already overused or has started to feel stale, using it might make your content feel behind the curve, not ahead of it.

Instead:

• Look for emerging trends on the rise (not already peaking).
• Save sounds early so you’re ready to post quickly when inspiration hits.

Not checking licensing (especially for business Instagram accounts)

Business accounts on Instagram face different rules around audio. Some popular or trending songs may be restricted due to licensing, meaning you either won’t be able to use them, or your video could be muted or taken down after posting.

To stay safe:

• Use audio from Instagram’s royalty-free music library for businesses.
• Look for the music note icon; if it’s greyed out or missing, that sound may not be usable on your account.
• Double-check any music used for sponsored posts or ads, where the rules are stricter.

Not putting your own spin on it

One of the biggest missed opportunities is using a trending sound exactly the same way as everyone else.

Instead of copy-pasting what you’ve seen:

• Add your own perspective, story, or humour.
• Flip the trend on its head.
• Pair it with visuals that reflect your audience’s world.

And, get this, sometimes not using trending audio is the trend! Check out this reel from @reelstips, which advocates stripping things back to the basics with your content’s original audio and background sound.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Trendspotter: Content Tips, Trends, and Tutorials (@reelstips)

Stay organized, stay on trend with popular audio tracks

Whether you’re aiming for more reach, building community, or just having fun with your content, trending audio can give your Instagram strategy a fresh boost. And you don’t have to do it all on your own (or all at once).

A third-party social media scheduling tool like Buffer helps you take care of the admin side—like planning, scheduling, organizing your ideas, and analyzing your results—so you can stay focused on the creative stuff. 

You bring the personality, let Buffer handle the planning. 

More Instagram resources 

• How to Schedule Instagram Stories in 2025 (2 Easy Methods + Tips)
• Instagram Image Size Guide 2025: Post, Story, and Reels Dimensions
• 13 Ways to Get More Followers on Instagram in 2025
• How to Use Instagram Close Friends (and Pair With Broadcast Channels and Unlockable Reels
• Unlockable Reels Are Coming to Instagram: Here’s How They Work
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FAQ

Can business Instagram accounts use trending sounds?

Yes, business accounts can use some trending sounds, but other trending music tracks may have restrictions due to licensing. However, Instagram offers a wide library of audio for businesses, including trending sounds cleared for commercial use.

How do I save trending sounds to use later?

When you find a sound you like, just tap the audio title and hit the bookmark icon to save it. You can access all your saved sounds in the Saved tab when creating a new post.

Why can’t I use certain trending songs on my account?

Some sounds are restricted based on your account type, location, or copyright rules. If a sound isn’t available, try switching to a personal account or looking for royalty-free alternatives using the Meta Sound Collection. 

How often does Instagram update trending audio?

Instagram’s trending audio list updates daily or every few days, so keep checking to find trending sounds before they peak.

Is using trending audio on Instagram really helpful for growth?

Absolutely! Using trending sounds can boost your content’s reach by tapping into popular audio with the algorithm and audience. Just remember to keep it authentic and relevant to your brand.

Can I use trending sounds for ads or sponsored content?

For ads, it’s safest to use music licensed for commercial use. Some trending audio may not be cleared for ads, so check Instagram’s guidelines or use royalty-free tracks to avoid issues.

How many reels should use trending sounds?

There’s no magic number, and it’s best not to use trending audio just for the sake of it. Browse the top songs and trending sounds, and see what inspires and resonates with you. 

Pro tip: Leave room for original audio or voice-overs that showcase your unique brand voice.

How do I know if a sound is trending or not?

You can check the Trending tab in Instagram’s music picker when creating Instagram Reels or posts, or use third-party tools like ReelTrends and TrendTok to track trending sounds.

Will using trending songs on Instagram make my reel go viral?

Using a trending song can definitely boost your reel’s visibility, but it’s not a guaranteed ticket to going viral. Even if you know the Instagram algorithm inside and out, there are just no guarantees!  

How do I discover trending audio on Instagram?

You’re in luck; we have a quick cheat sheet for you with current trending audio and viral sounds. Head over to our regularly updated list to find trending songs for your content. 

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