How to Find Trending Audio for Reels and TikTok (2025 Guide)

Why Audio Matters for Viral Content

You've probably scrolled past the same sound 50 times in a week. That's not an accident—it's the algorithm.

Audio is one of the strongest signals for virality on both TikTok and Instagram Reels. Here's why:

• Algorithm boost: Using trending audio tells the platform "this content is relevant to current trends"
• User behavior: People recognize sounds and stop scrolling to see your take on it
• Discovery: Videos get grouped under the same audio, exposing you to new audiences
• Timing advantage: Using audio early in its trend cycle gives massive reach

The creators who consistently go viral aren't just making good content—they're using the right sounds at the right time.

Related: Learn more about Finding Viral Content Trends before they peak.

How to Find Trending Audio on TikTok

Method 1: The For You Page (FYP) Scroll

The most basic but effective method.

How to do it:

1. Spend 10-15 minutes scrolling your FYP
2. Keep a note of audio you hear multiple times
3. If you hear a sound 3+ times in one session, it's trending

Tip: Tap on the audio and check "Videos using this sound." If it's growing rapidly, jump on it.

Method 2: TikTok's Audio Discovery

TikTok has a built-in trending audio section.

Where to find it:

1. Open TikTok → Go to Search
2. Tap "Sounds" at the top
3. Browse by category or check "Trending"

Limitation: By the time audio appears here, it's often past peak. Use this for confirmation, not discovery.

Method 3: Creator Search

Find creators in your niche and see what audio they're using.

Strategy:

1. Identify 5-10 creators who post similar content
2. Check their recent videos (last 7 days)
3. Note which sounds appear multiple times across different creators
4. Use the TikTok Video Ideas Generator to find trending content in your niche

Method 4: The "Save for Later" System

Build your own trending audio library.

How:

1. When you hear a sound you like, save the video
2. Create a collection called "Audio Ideas"
3. Review weekly and pick sounds that appear multiple times
4. Create content before the sound peaks

How to Find Trending Audio on Instagram Reels

Method 1: The Arrow Indicator

Instagram marks trending audio with an arrow icon.

Where to look:

• When browsing Reels, look for the small upward arrow next to audio names
• This indicates the sound is currently growing in popularity

Method 2: Reels Audio Library

Instagram's native audio browser.

How to access:

1. Create a new Reel
2. Tap "Audio" at the top
3. Browse "For You" recommendations
4. Check "Trending" section

Method 3: Cross-Platform Tracking

Sounds often trend on TikTok first, then migrate to Reels.

Strategy:

1. Find trending audio on TikTok (using methods above)
2. Search for it on Instagram
3. If it's on Reels but not yet huge, you're early
4. Create your Reels version

Timing: TikTok trends typically hit Instagram 1-2 weeks later.

Method 4: Competitor Watch

Monitor what audio your competitors are using.

Process:

1. Check the Reels of 5-10 accounts in your niche
2. Note recurring sounds
3. Use the Instagram Reels Ideas Generator to track what's working

Timing: When to Use Trending Audio

Not all stages of a trend are equal:

Early Stage (Best)

• Few videos using the sound
• High engagement rate on those videos
• Growing but not ubiquitous

Your opportunity: Maximum visibility, algorithm boost

Peak Stage (Still Good)

• Everyone's using the sound
• High volume of content
• The sound is recognizable

Your opportunity: Join the conversation, but competition is fierce

Decline Stage (Skip)

• Sound feels "old"
• Engagement dropping on new videos
• Users scrolling past

Your risk: Your content gets buried

How to Evaluate If Audio Is Right for Your Content

Not every trending sound fits your brand. Ask:

1. Can You Add Value?

Does this sound let you share something useful, entertaining, or insightful? If you're forcing it, skip.

2. Does It Match Your Niche?

A business coach using a Gen Z dance sound might seem out of touch. Match the vibe.

3. Can You Create It Quickly?

Trends move fast. If you need 3 days to plan and shoot, you'll miss the window.

4. Is It Aligned With Your Brand?

Some sounds are controversial, NSFW, or off-brand. Protect your reputation.

Audio Strategy for Different Content Types

Educational/Value Content

• Use subtle, non-distracting audio
• Trending sounds at low volume
• Original audio (your voice) often works best

Entertainment/Trend Content

• Match trending audio exactly
• Participate in the trend as intended
• Add your unique spin via text or visuals

Promotional Content

• Use trending audio to boost reach
• Keep the focus on your message
• Audio enhances, doesn't distract

Building Your Audio Library

Create a system to never run out of trending sounds:

Daily (5 minutes)

• Browse FYP/Explore
• Save 2-3 interesting sounds
• Note the sound name and context

Weekly (15 minutes)

• Review your saved sounds
• Identify which have grown in usage
• Plan content around 2-3 sounds

Monthly (30 minutes)

• Clear out old/peaked sounds
• Analyze which sounds worked for you
• Refine your trend-spotting criteria

Tools for Audio Discovery

Native Platform Tools

• TikTok Sound Library
• Instagram Audio Browser
• Both show "Trending" indicators

Third-Party Resources

• TokChart (tracks TikTok sound trends)
• SocialWatch (track what audio your competitors use)

Manual Research

• Create private accounts to browse without algorithm influence
• Follow trend-spotting accounts in your niche
• Join creator communities on Discord/Twitter

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Using Peaked Sounds

If everyone used it last week, it's too late. Always check when a sound started trending.

2. Forcing Unnatural Fits

Don't use a trending sound just because it's trending. Authenticity beats algorithm hacks.

3. Ignoring Audio Volume

If your content requires speaking, keep the trending audio low. Don't drown out your message.

4. Missing Cross-Platform Opportunities

A sound might be new to Reels but peaked on TikTok. Check both platforms.

5. Not Tracking Results

Which sounds worked for YOU? Your niche might respond differently than general trends.

Put It Into Practice

Here's your action plan for this week:

Today:

1. Spend 10 minutes on TikTok FYP, noting repeated sounds
2. Check Instagram's trending audio section
3. Save 5 potential sounds to use

This Week:

1. Create one piece of content using a trending sound (early stage)
2. Track its performance vs. your normal content
3. Note what worked for next time

Ongoing:

1. Build daily audio discovery into your routine
2. Review what's working weekly
3. Adapt your strategy based on data

The Audio Advantage

Most creators pick random audio or use what they like personally. You now know how to:

• Find trending sounds before they peak
• Evaluate which sounds fit your content
• Build a system for continuous discovery

That's your competitive edge.

Track your content performance with SocialWatch