So we still don’t know what kind of deal the Instagram algorithm has with chaos, but at least the trends this year are serving.
Whether you’re here to stay relevant, boost engagement, or just doomscroll with purpose, here’s what’s dominating IG right now.
Also see our Top Social Media Trends Right Now and Top Social Media Apps guides.
 Check back for updates.
Reels Are Getting Longer—Because We Clearly Needed That
Instagram just extended Reels to three minutes, which means you can now watch a full recipe tutorial and the creator’s entire life story in one go. More storytelling, more deep dives, and unfortunately, more influencers trauma-dumping for engagement.
Profile Grid Glow-Up
Say goodbye to the perfect little square grid; IG’s switching things up with a 4:5 aspect ratio. More room for vertical visuals, more aesthetic chaos if you’ve been curating your feed for years.
Meet ‘Edits,’ Your New AI Video Bestie
Instagram’s dropping Edits, a standalone app with AI-powered video tools, animation effects, and generative captions. It’s like CapCut and Canva had a Gen Z-coded love child, meaning TikTokers might actually stay on Instagram for more than five minutes.
Save It, Share It, Make It Go Viral
Likes are cool, but Instagram's all about shares and saves now. Carousels, meme dumps, and “if you know, you know” posts are thriving. Basically, if it makes someone send it to their group chat, it’s working.
Edutainment: Learning, But Make It Fun
Boring explainer posts are out, chaotic but informative content is in. People want edutainment—snappy, funny, and actually useful content that makes them feel smart and entertained at the same time.
Grunge, But Make It Instagrammable
The ‘90s grunge revival is here: messy flannels, distressed denim, and boots that look like they survived the apocalypse. Perfect for looking effortlessly cool while still making sure your outfit is perfectly color-coordinated.
Indie Sleaze Is Back—And It’s A Vibe
Polaroid flash photos, smudged eyeliner, and messy-but-calculated outfits? Yep, indie sleaze is officially cool again. The 2010s Tumblr kids are shaking, and honestly, we’re here for it.
Minimal Nails, Maximum Vibes
Intricate nail designs are trending, but in a chill way—think tiny polka dots, subtle chrome, and classic red manicures. It’s giving “low effort, high impact,” which is the dream.
The Beauty Industry Is Doing The Most
New product drops are popping off, with everything from AI-personalized skincare to Olay’s Super Serum Body Wash (because your body apparently needs a skincare routine now too). Also, TRESemmé just dropped a dry texturizing spray, so the cool-messy hair aesthetic is about to hit a new level.
Viral Reels Trends
Some sounds are everywhere right now:
- “Be Your Girl” – Chill background track that fits literally anything.
- “Traffic Was Crazy” – For those “I was so productive today” montages that are mostly just you getting coffee.
- “How Are You Going to Spend Your Life?” – Existential crisis, but make it aesthetic.
Basically, if you’re not using trending sounds, are you even trying?
Authenticity Over Aesthetic
The overly polished influencer vibe is fading, and people want real interactions. More unfiltered stories, more behind-the-scenes chaos, less perfectly curated “soft” energy.
User-Generated Content = Instant Clout
Brands (and creators) are leaning into UGC because, let’s be real, people trust other people way more than a perfectly photoshopped ad. If you can get your followers to post about you, you’re golden.
Instagram is still a battlefield of trends, aesthetics, and occasional existential crises, but at least it’s staying interesting. Adapt, experiment, and don’t overthink it—because if there’s one thing 2025 has taught us, it’s that perfection is overrated.
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