As social media marketers continue to explore alternatives in the wake of TikTok’s uncertain future, many brands are pivoting to Instagram Reels for posting short-form, trendy video content in 2025. While Instagram Reels does share many similarities with TikTok and other social video platforms, there are a few key differences to keep in mind as you build out your brand’s strategy.
Here are three Instagram Reels trends to take advantage of in your social media marketing efforts throughout 2025:
#1: Be Intentional with Audio
One of the cornerstones of short-form social video content is utilizing trending audio, sounds, and music — and Instagram Reels offers plenty of opportunities for using it.
When you add audio to the Reel you’re creating, you can see which audio is trending and whether it’s on the rise (and maybe a trend you want to hop on) or on the decline (and maybe one to skip for now). You can take a trending audio and layer it with your video, use a trending sound as your primary audio, or even add a trending sound to your Instagram feed posts to help boost engagement and reach more users.
Instagram Reels is also a great place to experiment with creating your own original audio/sound. There are many ways to do this, including:
- filming a video live in the app using your own voice and environment;
- uploading a video with built-in or edited audio (without adding a trending audio clip); and
- recording a voiceover within the Instagram app.
Adding your own voice and original sounds helps viewers feel more connected to you, your business, and your brand. In an age where authenticity on social media is key, it’s a strategy worth trying. Indeed, no matter which kind of audio you choose to use for your Instagram Reels, be sure to use it with intention, strategy, and purpose.
#2 Have Fun with In-App Features
Did you know there are many fun filters and effects you can use to enhance your Instagram Reels?
Tapping into Instagram’s in-app features like templates, visual effects, green screen, stickers, and more is a great way to make your content stand out and add visual appeal to your Reels. (Just be sure not to overdo it!)
Furthermore, because social media platforms generally like to keep you on the app and using their features as much as possible, taking advantage of Instagram’s in-app features may also lead to increased visibility for your Reels and a better placement in the algorithm for your content.
#3 Take Advantage of Fun Trends
Especially in light of the potential TikTok ban, more and more brands are utilizing Instagram Reels to post content with a similar, TikTok-esque feel. For example, while Scooter Media previously leaned into Instagram Reels as an opportunity for utilizing original audio, highlighting our team, and sharing our work from client events, in 2025 we’ve returned to tapping into trends on Reels.
Fortunately, many of the popular trends from TikTok are often also seen on Instagram, so if your brand already has a presence on TikTok you may not have to make a noticeable strategy shift for Instagram Reels. However, it’s still important to understand your audience and goals for the platform; just as you wouldn’t necessarily share a fun video on LinkedIn, Instagram Reels may not be the place to post your team’s take on the “Defying Gravity battle cry challenge” if most of your audience is looking for thought leadership content.
Take a look at who is interacting with your Instagram profile, how you want to engage with them, and how you can entice more audiences to your page. It’s also important to keep in mind that while TikTok does share many similarities to Instagram Reels, Instagram is still its own platform with its own voice. Find what’s working best for other brands and create new ways you can be a part of the conversation while also establishing yourself as a worthy competitor.
Ultimately, Instagram Reels is just one more tool to help you tell your story’s brand and communicate key messages in a quick, easy, and engaging way. Take advantage of these three trends and you’ll be seeing “reel” results in no time!
Improving your social media strategy in 2025? Also be sure to check out these other posts on the Scooter Media blog:
