The hottest Instagram Reels trends — and how to find them

Hey there 👋🏾

This week saw two different but fascinating creator monetization approaches from top influencers, Alix Earle and Mr. Beast.

Alix Earle’s was an investment deal with the probiotic drinks brand Poppi, which followers already associate with her. Mr Beast’s was a new analytics tool for video creators taking on platforms like Social Blade.

These two approaches are further signals of the shift of creators from “human billboards,” as some people have described them, to empires in their chosen fields.

Of course, many things must be considered, including the legal boundaries of these deals and companies. Questions like, “What’s the protocol for disclosing that you’re an investor in a company you’re also sharing on your platform?” are cropping up, amongst others.

Still, it’s interesting and reassuring to see that creators are solidifying their existence with more sustainable approaches to monetization.

That's it from me — have a lovely weekend, and see you next Friday.

Warmly, 

Tami & the Buffer team

P.S. Look out for Threads in Buffer — coming soon!

🖊️ Deep dive: The 9 hottest Instagram Reels trends of 2024 (and how to find more)

Meta’s said it clearly: The most effective way to grow on Instagram is to consistently create engaging reels.

So, Kirsti hunted down the top 9 Instagram Reels trends of 2024 to give you an idea of how the platform leans and perhaps spurn some ideas for your content. Everybody say, thank you Kirsti!

First, here are some of the trends of 2024 (so far):

🎶 “Looking for a man in finance”

🎶 “All that work”

📈 Me and my friends when…

📈 Millennial vs. Gen Z

📈 Cillian Murphy moments

🎶 “There would be signs”

📈 Squeak around

📈 The stacked horizontal collage

🎶 “The asylum where they raised me”

If you're looking for more, here’s how to find trends before they even take off:

1. Use Reels Trends Insights: If you’re in the U.S., you can find trending reels directly in the Instagram app. In your Settings and activity menu, tap the three horizontal lines on the top right and select Reels Trends to view trending sounds and hashtags.
2. Use a Template: Instagram offers template recommendations directly within the reel creation screen. Tap the + create button at the bottom middle of the app and choose Reel. At the top of the screen, tap Templates. Explore the Recommended for you and Trending categories for a variety of options.
3. Peek at Instagram’s @Creators account: The account shares Instagram tips, current trends, and tutorials on filming, editing, and transitions. Join the Creators broadcast channel for updates on new features and trends delivered to your Instagram inbox.
4. Check TikTok’s Creative Center: Many Instagram Reel trends originate on TikTok. Use TikTok’s Creative Center to find trending sounds, songs, hashtags, and videos. The Trending TikTok Videos tab helps identify viral moments early.

🏎️ Marian speeds up her growth with Buffer

We pride ourselves on being an excellent tool for creators and business owners to grow on social media — and our users are more than happy to back us up. 

Marian says, "I've saved weeks of time and have increased my engagement at 50%”

Want to skyrocket your growth? Get started with Buffer today!

👇🏽 The latest from the blog

• Here are the top editing apps for making your Instagram content look the best it ever has.
• Learn this entrepreneur’s playbook for rapid growth on a budget.
• Get the step-by-step guide to adding captions in your next TikTok.

📱Social tip of the week from Mitra, Buffer’s Social Media Manager 

“I’m looking for a man in finance…” (TikTok ver.) (Instagram ver.)

This audio is taking over Reels and TikTok after @girl_on_couch went viral saying she just wrote the song of the summer (and I think she did!).

Although the lyrics mention finding a man in finance with a trust fund, you can use this audio to add text saying what you’re looking for or what your audience may be looking for (and you can provide for them!).

Check out this example on Instagram from @thedallasaesthetician using the audio to list out the benefits of a sunscreen.

🤳 What's happening in social?

• TikTok launched a new app for creators called TikTok Studio
• Instagram’s working on a new “Memes” option within Reels
• LinkedIn’s reducing the appearance of links on organic content from brands — unless they pay

Thanks for reading! 💟

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