What’s Trending on Instagram Reels (and What to Ignore)

Here’s the truth: You’re probably sitting on more content than you realize.

As an entrepreneur running a service-based brand, you know how powerful Instagram Reels can be for reaching new audiences. The platform is constantly buzzing with new sounds, clever edits, and creative challenges. However, not every trend will move the needle for your brand. Sure, jumping on the hottest Reels trends can boost your visibility (the Insta algorithm loves when you join in). However, staying trend-aware doesn’t mean blindly copying every viral video. The key is knowing which trends add value to your business and which to scroll right past.

Let's break down what’s actually trending on Reels in a way that can benefit your brand, and call out a few overhyped habits to skip.

Reels Trends to Embrace for Your Brand

✨Behind-the-Scenes Storytelling: Invite your followers behind the curtain of your business. Whether it’s a day-in-the-life at your office or a sneak peek of your creative process, behind-the-scenes Reels are gold for building trust. This trend humanizes your brand. People love seeing the real faces and hard work behind your polished content. Show your audience how the magic happens (prepping for a client call, the design process, etc.) and narrate the journey. It’s authentic, engaging, and perfectly suited for service-based entrepreneurs who want to highlight their expertise and personality.

✨ Voiceover "How-To" Tutorials: Educational content is thriving on Reels, especially when you add a personal touch with voiceover. Think quick tutorials, tips, or step-by-step demos related to your services. For example, a business coach might share “3 Steps to Handle Client Objections” over footage of them on a call, with a friendly voiceover that explains each tip. These “talking tip” Reels provide real value. Viewers love learning new skills or insights in a bite-sized format. By teaching something useful, you position yourself as an expert and keep your audience coming back for more.

✨“Quick Wins” Tip Series: One of the most reliable Instagram Reels trends for service businesses is sharing a rapid-fire tips series. For instance, a marketing consultant might do a weekly “Tuesday Tip” Reel or a financial advisor could share “5 Quick Budget Hacks” in one video. Snackable, actionable tips deliver value fast. They’re easy to digest, easy to save and share, and they show off your knowledge. By packaging your expertise into quick-win lessons, you not only educate your audience but also subtly remind them that you’re the pro who has plenty more insights to offer.

✨Visual Transformations (Before & After): Nothing grabs viewers' attention like a dramatic before-and-after Reel. This trend – also known as the “Glow-Up” – can be adapted to any service business. Are you a an interior designer? Show a client’s old living room space, then immediately cut to the stunning redesign. A fitness coach? Show a quick client journey from Day 1 to Day 90. The reveal is the hook. Audiences love a good transformation story, and showcasing results is both inspiring and social proof of your work. Pair your visual transformations with trending audio to double the impact, and watch the comments fill with “Wow!” and “How did you do that?”

✨ Text-on-Screen “Hook Then Drop” Format: Short-form Reels with a strong hook in the first 3 seconds are dominating the feed. Think bold text overlays like “Nobody talks about THIS…” or “3 things I’d never do as a [your profession].” Follow it up with quick cuts, music, and direct delivery. This style grabs attention and works great for hot takes, myths to bust, or unpopular opinions.

✨ “Talking While Doing” Reels: A newer twist on voiceover tutorials is talking directly to camera while doing something on-screen—packing client orders, designing on Canva, or prepping for an event. It feels natural, unpolished, and relatable. These Reels feel like FaceTime convos with your audience and help build real connection.

✨ Soft Vlog-Style Reels with Captions or Notes App Edits: Mini vlogs with subtle background music and casual text captions (think Notes app look or lowercase storytelling) are blowing up right now. Show your day as a business owner, a launch week recap, or the messy middle of creating something new. It’s the anti-polished vibe—but still super intentional.

✨ “POV” Reels With a Twist: Point-of-view Reels that narrate your client experience or internal thoughts are trending—especially when paired with humoUr or relatability. Try “POV: You're my dream client and here’s how I’m rolling out the red carpet” or “POV: Me spiralling after sending a proposal.” It’s a clever way to show your process while keeping things playful and trend-aligned.

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Overhyped Reels Trends to Skip

❌“Faceless” Reels with No Human Presence: There’s a rising trend of creating Reels without ever showing your face – using only text, voiceovers, or stock footage. While it may feel easier, this faceless content can backfire for personal brands. Audiences crave real human connection. Hiding the person behind the business makes it harder to build trust! If viewers can’t put a face to your brand, they may see the content as less genuine, leading to skepticism. Especially when marketing high-ticket services, your voice and presence are key.

❌ Endless Reels with No Captions or Context:

Silent Reels with no captions or text overlays are losing steam, especially as many users scroll with the sound off. If you’re relying solely on audio or visuals, you may be missing a chunk of your audience.

❌Irrelevant Trending Audios: Just because a sound is viral on Reels doesn’t mean it’s right for your content. Using a popular audio clip that has zero relevance to your message or audience can come off as forced (or even confusing). Remember, trending audio can give you a little algorithm boost, but don’t use it just for the sake of it. If a goofy dance track or meme audio doesn’t speak to your ideal client, feel free to skip it.

❌Copycat Content That Doesn’t Fit: It’s easy to see a big brand or influencer doing a crazy new trend and feel like you have to copy it. But if a trend doesn’t mesh with your brand values or makes you cringe, trust your gut – give it a pass. Your Reels should reflect your unique voice and vibe, not someone else’s. Stay authentic, and only participate in trends that you can put your own genuine spin on.

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Strategy Over Trends: Show Up With Purpose

At the end of the day, remember that strategy beats trends. A clever trend might win you a moment of attention, but a consistent, intentional content plan will win you loyal clients. Use trends as tools in your toolbox – not as a crutch. The real magic happens when you pair a trend’s creative spark with your own strategic twist (and of course, sprinkle in your brand’s personality).

If content still has you stuck, let’s build a plan that gives you freedom and consistency. Reach out here to explore content support or strategy.

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xo

Alessya Baggetta