How to Make Money on Instagram in 2026: 12 Ideas for Creators and Small Businesses

From subscriptions to UGC to merch — discover 12 ways to monetize your Instagram following, even if you don’t have a massive following.13 Trending Sounds on Instagram in March 2026 (+ How to Use Them)

Choosing the right trending audio to accompany your latest Instagram post is an art, not a science. Still, opting for a trending sound or music clip could provide the boost you need to get your video on the Instagram Explore page or Instagram Reels feed.

While it used to be just for Instagram Reels, you can now also add trending audio to your carousels and single photo posts. This gives your posts a better chance of landing on the Explore page, and it makes carousels and photos eligible to appear on the reels feed, too. That opens up a new way to expand your reach.

But where can you find trending audio on Instagram? If you feel like you’re always chasing the tail-end of trending songs on the app, you’ve come to the right place.

Here are some of the most viral, versatile, trending songs and sounds on Instagram right now.

Here's a quick summary of what is trending in March 2026.

1. 360

This elegant string arrangement is trending on Instagram thanks to Hyacinth Bridgerton’s delightfully dramatic recital dance in Bridgerton. The orchestral cover of Charli XCX’s 360 has sparked a wave of reels recreating Hyacinth’s moves — often in the most unexpected places. If your content could use a touch of theatrical flair (or a little Regency-inspired humor), this sound is a fun one to jump on. Even composer Peter Gregson got in on the groove.

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2. Cha Cha Cha

Bruno Mars just dropped a new album, and one of the most talked-about tracks is Cha Cha Cha. The song cleverly interpolates Juvenile and Soulja Slim’s 2003 hit Slow Motion, giving it a smooth, nostalgic groove that’s perfect for reels. Creators are using the sound for everything from recipe videos and interior design reveals to — naturally — people actually doing the cha-cha.

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3. True

The 1983 classic True by Spandau Ballet is having a surprising comeback on Instagram, thanks to a trend built around negative hooks. Creators pair the song’s smooth intro with text that calls out a frustration their audience already feels — lines like “You’re not bad at ___ — you’re just doing this” or “If your ___ feels stuck lately, this might be why.” The format works because it leads with tension instead of the solution, making viewers pause, recognize themselves in the message, and keep watching.

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4. Spring is Coming

If your feed is starting to look a little brighter, this sound might be why. Spring Is Coming by Morunas is a soft, piano-led track that creators are using to celebrate — you guessed it — all things spring.

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5. CHOOSIN' TEXAS X DREAMS

ALTÉGO, the UK-based twin DJ duo known for their viral mashups, have another hit on their hands with Choosin' Texas x Dreams. The remix blends Ella Langley’s country swagger with Fleetwood Mac’s dreamy classic, creating a track that's super versatile — creators are using it for outfit transitions, travel recaps, lifestyle montages, and just about anything, really.

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6. Built Different

This song by Tiffany Nacol is showing up across Instagram as a confident, empowering soundtrack for creators embracing their individuality. With lyrics like “They tried to put me in a box, I don’t fit,” the song carries strong “take me as I am” energy.

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7. I Speak Blessings

This uplifting new song by Delana Hope is trending as a “new month declaration” sound on Instagram. Creators are using the audio to set intentions for March, often lip-syncing the affirming lyrics — “I speak blessings, I speak life into my house.” It’s a powerful, reflective track that works beautifully for reels centered on mindset, gratitude, and fresh starts.

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8. The Nutcracker, Op. 71, Act 2

This classic from The Nutcracker is popping up on Instagram in a surprisingly funny trend. Creators pair the elegant swell of Waltz of the Flowers with the hook: “The face I make when someone says…” followed by an outdated myth or calling out bad advice. Sass meets symphony.

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9. FEVER DREAM

Alex Warren’s new song is quickly picking up momentum on Instagram thanks to its upbeat, vibey sound. The track has a relaxed but energetic feel that makes it incredibly versatile — creators are using it for everything from pet videos and parenting moments to fashion transitions, and food content. If you’re looking for a sound that works across just about any niche, this one’s an easy pick.

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10. Resiliencia

The calming instrumental track by Rantseni is perfect for peaceful, reflective reels. The title — Resiliencia, meaning “resilience” in Spanish and Portuguese — adds to the reflective mood, making it a natural fit for posts about mindfulness and small moments of calm.

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11. Dracula (JENNIE Remix)

This song by Tame Impala features BLACKPINK’s Jennie Kim, and it's fueling a dramatic new transformation trend on Instagram. Creators are revealing vampire makeup looks while lip-syncing to the line, “Shut up JENNIE, just get in the car. I just want to be where you are."

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12. Endhayya Saami (Special Surprise)

The newly released track Endhayya Saami (Special Surprise) from the historical drama Ranabaali is gaining traction on Instagram as fans celebrate the film and its stars, Vijay Deverakonda and Rashmika Mandanna.

Set during British-ruled India in the mid-1800s, the film has sparked plenty of conversation online. The energetic song is showing up in reels where creators lip-sync, dance, and share hype edits.

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13. Original audio by shay.aka.dooterduckie

This trending original audio remixes Push It by Salt-N-Pepa with a motivating “let’s do it” lyric. The high-energy sound is popping up across reels as a hype track for any “OK, let’s go” moment.

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Not loving any of the above options? No sweat: here’s a crash course on how to find trending sounds on Instagram Reels.

If you’re looking for more options, definitely check out our guide, 10 Simple Ways to Find Trending Instagram Audio (+ Get More Views)
  1. Use Instagram’s trending audio list: Check Instagram’s built-in leaderboard for the top 50 trending songs updated every few days. Find it when creating a post, story, or reel on the Instagram mobile app by tapping the music icon, then selecting ‘Trending.’ Save tracks for later with the bookmark icon.
  2. Check the professional dashboard: If you have a professional account in the US, visit the Professional Dashboard on your profile, scroll to Tips and resources, and tap Trending audio for curated suggestions on Instagram Reels.
  3. Look for the arrow icon: As you scroll reels, watch for an upward arrow next to audio tracks—that’s Instagram’s indicator that a sound is trending.
  4. Follow Instagram’s Creators account: The @creators account shares regular updates on trending songs, editing tips for Instagram Reels, and feature announcements. Check out their IG Anthems highlight for more trending songs and trending sounds.
  5. Check TikTok or YouTube Shorts for early trends: Many trending Instagram Reels sounds originate on TikTok or YouTube Shorts. Browse trending sounds there, then search for those tracks on Instagram to get ahead of the curve.
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Better yet, check out our list of the latest trending songs on TikTok to save you the effort.

Don't forget about original audio

As you can see from some of the audio we've mentioned on the list, many creators are making waves with their own clips, and jumping on a trending original track can give your content an extra boost and help it stand out in feeds.

💡Pro tip: You can find trending original audio on your professional dashboard under the Original audio tab.

You're well-equipped to find the next great trending audio on Instagram for your reels, carousels, or single-photo posts — and you've got several great tracks to put in your back pocket if you get stuck!

If you’ve created an Instagram Reel with one of these trending songs, we’d love to see it. Tag @buffer on Instagram so we can find you!

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