If there’s one thing Instagram loves, it’s change. The app that started as a simple photo-sharing platform has now transformed into a full-on entertainment and shopping hub. And if you’ve noticed lately, Instagram feels less like a gallery of pretty pictures and more like TikTok’s cousin who got serious about marketing.
Every year, new Instagram trends shake up how we create, consume, and engage with content. In 2025, that’s truer than ever. From AI-powered creativity to longer Reels and smarter SEO, Instagram is rolling out features faster than you can say “link in bio.”
So if you want your brand (or personal account) to thrive this year, you’ll need to keep up. Let’s dive into the top Instagram trends in 2025 you need to know — and yes, I’ll show you where Instagram Reel trends, hashtags, and even those addictive audios fit in.
The photo grid may have been Instagram’s roots, but in 2025, video is the main character. Open your feed or Explore tab — what do you see first? Exactly: Reels.
Why? Because short-form video keeps people scrolling (and scrolling), which means more ad dollars for Instagram. But don’t just think of this as Instagram playing favorites. Consumers are voting with their thumbs: studies show over 80% of people want more short-form videos from brands.
So if you’re still relying on still images alone, you’re basically showing up to a Formula 1 race on a bicycle. Add Reels into your strategy, and you’ll be in the fast lane.
Pro tip: Repurpose your content. A TikTok can become an Instagram Reel, which can also be a YouTube Short. One shoot, three platforms. Work smarter, not harder.
Reels are no longer “that TikTok copycat.” They’re the lifeblood of Instagram engagement. And in 2025, certain Instagram Reel trends are shaping the culture:
These trending Reels are not just fun — they’re growth machines. Want to ride the wave? Keep a close eye on what’s going viral and adapt it to your brand’s voice.
And don’t forget the power of hashtags for Instagram Reels. Combine broad ones (#Reels, #Inspo) with niche ones (#PlantParentTips, #FitnessAtHome). It makes your content easier to find when people search or scroll trending tabs.
Instagram (and Meta as a whole) is leaning heavily into AI-powered creativity. Some of the new toys in 2025 include:
But it’s not just Instagram. Third-party AI tools now help social media managers brainstorm captions, suggest hashtags, and even predict the best time to post.
Does that mean AI is taking over? Nope. AI isn’t here to replace marketers — it’s here to make life easier. Think of it as your intern who never sleeps, never complains, and always has content ideas. (If only real interns were like that, right?). For a deeper dive into how AI is reshaping social media strategies, explore our guide on AI in social media.
Carousels are still one of Instagram’s top-performing post types. And now that the limit has expanded to 20 slides, they’re even more powerful.
Here’s why it matters:
Pro example: A beauty brand can show an entire product launch event, from backstage to final product shots, all in one swipeable post.
Short is sweet, but sometimes 90 seconds isn’t enough. Instagram now allows Reels up to 3 minutes long in the U.S.
This shift is gold for:
The trick? Don’t just drag out your content. Start with a hook, keep pacing tight, and maybe layer in trending audio to keep viewers engaged. (More on how to find trending audio on Instagram later.)
Experimentation is a huge part of growth, but nobody wants to flop in front of their audience. Enter Trial Reels.
This feature lets pro accounts test content with non-followers first. After 24 hours, you can see how it performs and decide if it’s worth sharing widely. It’s like a dress rehearsal for your content — test the vibe before the premiere.
Here’s a universal truth: people trust other people more than they trust brands. That’s why user-generated content (UGC) remains one of the strongest Instagram trends in 2025.
Big brands encourage it with hashtags:
Why it works: Customers love being featured. Brands get authentic content. And audiences see real people using products.
Tip: Run UGC contests or encourage customers to share Reels using branded hashtags. It’s free promotion with a trust factor baked in.
Instagram’s algorithm rewards real engagement — not just likes. So community-driven features are taking center stage:
Think of it as building a club instead of just broadcasting. When people feel like part of your brand’s journey, they stick around longer.
Finally! Instagram now lets you add up to five external links in your bio.
This is a big deal for brands:
To add links:
Simple, but a huge opportunity to drive more traffic.
This is one of the most underrated Instagram trends in 2025: social search. More Gen Z users now search Instagram for answers than Google.
That means you need an Instagram SEO strategy:
Using the right keywords in captions and alt text is crucial for discoverability — our post on keywords in social media shows exactly how to find and use them effectively. And yes, don’t forget the power of trending audio. Which brings us to...
If you want your Reels to pop, trending audio is your cheat code. Instagram literally shows you which sounds are hot:
When you jump on a trending audio before it peaks, you increase your chances of going viral. Combine it with the right hashtags for Instagram Reels, and you’re giving your content double fuel.If you want a step‑by‑step guide on discovering the hottest sounds, check out our detailed tutorial on how to find trending audio on Instagram in 2025.
Instagram is making influencer marketing smoother with:
This isn’t just convenient — it also signals authenticity. Audiences can clearly see who’s partnering with who, which boosts trust.
Hate to break it to you: organic reach is shrinking. Paid promotions are here to stay.
The good news? Instagram ads are getting smarter. With better targeting, you can reach the exact people who matter most. Data shows ad reach has grown 12% YoY in 2025.
If growth is your goal, the winning formula is a mix of:
Optimizing your posts with trending hashtags and Reels is one thing, but you also need to know what’s actually working. To measure engagement, reach, and growth effectively, check out Turrboo’s guide on the only Instagram metrics you need.
Story links aren’t new, but in 2025, brands are getting creative with custom sticker text.
Instead of boring “Click here,” you’ll see:
The lesson: fun, descriptive CTAs = more clicks.
From longer carousels to AI-powered Reels, planning creative content is key. Need inspiration for your next post? Check out our 25 types of social media posts blog to get ideas for creating scroll-stopping Reels and carousels.
Instagram in 2025 is not just about pretty posts anymore. It’s about dynamic video, AI tools, community-driven features, and smart SEO. From riding Instagram Reel trends to nailing the right hashtags for Instagram Reels, the opportunities are endless — if you stay ahead.
Here’s your challenge: pick 2–3 of these Instagram trends and test them this month. Maybe try a POV Reel with trending audio. Or run a UGC contest with a branded hashtag. Or finally add multiple links to your bio.
The point is: don’t just scroll past the trends — use them. Because on Instagram, the brands that experiment are the ones that thrive.
Stay ahead of the latest Instagram trends in 2025! Use Turrboo’s Instagram management tool to schedule trending Reels, optimize hashtags, track engagement, and grow your audience—all from one dashboard.
In 2025, Instagram trends focus on video-first content, AI-powered creation tools, longer Reels and carousels, user-generated content, and Instagram SEO. Brands are also experimenting with Trial Reels, community experiences, and creative link sticker texts to boost engagement.
Trending audio can be discovered directly in the Reels tab, through Instagram’s “For You” page, or by exploring the music library when creating a Reel. Following top creators and paying attention to viral Reels also helps you spot audio that’s gaining traction.
Use a mix of broad, niche, and branded hashtags that relate to your content and target audience. Research trending hashtags in your niche, combine 3–5 highly relevant tags per Reel, and monitor engagement to optimize performance over time.
Instagram Reel trends can help your brand increase visibility, reach, and engagement. Leveraging trends like POV videos, video memes, or “send this to…” prompts makes your content more relatable, shareable, and discoverable on the platform.
Absolutely! AI tools can generate caption ideas, suggest optimal post times, create Reels, and even design graphics. While AI won’t replace human creativity, it speeds up content creation and helps you stay consistent, relevant, and ahead of the competition.
Social media marketing (SMM) is how brands connect, engage, and grow using platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn. This guide breaks down what it is, why it works, and how to do it right in 2025 — without burning out.
