Trending audio can help Instagram posts reach more viewers, and it is no longer limited to Reels: users can add music to carousels and single-photo posts, too. The November 2026 list includes holiday songs, older hits and original audio, with creators using each in different formats.
Mariah Carey’s “All I Want For Christmas Is You” and Kelly Clarkson’s “Underneath the Tree” are bringing an early festive feel to posts. Guns N’ Roses’ “November Rain” is being paired with cinematic Reels and travel videos, while Diana Ross’s “Upside Down” features in before-and-after transitions, including outfit, hair and makeup reveals.
Other tracks are tied to specific formats. “Windows in Brazil (Sped Up)” turns get-ready-with-me videos into loading screens, while an Altego Music mashup of “Drop It Like It’s Hot” and “Stayin’ Alive” accompanies encouraging messages. “Mix” by sviola_handmade, which uses a snippet of Kanye West’s “Touch the Sky,” is used with an animated on/off switch to reveal a look, announcement or update.
The list also includes “Pump It” by The Black Eyed Peas, used in mini-vlogs that label the elements of a day; “My Own Universe” by PattiJ North, paired with cozy autumn scenes; and the instrumental “Luminary,” used for dramatic or emotional content. Taylor Swift’s “Patient Zero” is being used by fans to express relatable feelings, while ADÉLA’s “Nicole Kidman” has inspired a lip-sync and dance trend. An original audio clip by traavloo, meanwhile, is behind a joke about being distracted by a phone while a bag is stolen.
To find more trending sounds, Instagram users can check the Trending section after tapping the music icon while creating a post, Story or Reel. The app’s list of popular tracks is updated every few days, and users can bookmark audio to save it. Professional accounts in the US can also find suggestions in the Professional Dashboard under Tips and resources, while an upward arrow beside an audio track in Reels indicates that it is trending.
Instagram’s @creators account shares audio and Reels updates, and the source suggests checking TikTok and YouTube Shorts for sounds that may later catch on Instagram. Creators can also look for trending original audio in the Original audio tab of the Professional Dashboard.
Sources: Buffer Blog.