January Reels Trends: Hot Off the Press Weekly Instagram Reels Ideas
Looking to shake up your Reels game? You're in the right spot.
Each week, we'll showcase some of the top the Reels trends for small business owners, influencers, service providers, and coaches including weekly trending sounds plus how to use them in your business.
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January 2024 Reels Ideas
January 29:
Audio:
🔗 “Reasons to…”
This audio is back – but it’s a little different this time around!
How to use it:
Everyone remembers the early days of Reels when just about every third Reel was a video of someone pointing at onscreen lists and this audio was one of the most popular. It’s popped back up again but this time there’s a twist: people are using it both seriously and satirically, based on their brands. You might “point to” nothing with a hook like “All the reasons you should [something they probably shouldn’t do]” and the joke is…there are no good reasons. But also feel free to use it to simply share tips, steps, stats, etc.
Hook Ideas:
Product-based: You’re seeing this Reel because you like… (3 adjectives to describe your product) (your product type)
Service-based: All the reasons [option 1] is better than [option 2 – service you offer] (point to nothing)
Example:
This service-based example gets straight to the point – without even pointing 🤪
January 22:
Audio:
🔗 “Tandem”
The urgency in this audio is a great lead-in for sharing something your audience needs to know!
How to use it:
This trend is all about getting your audience to stop and pay attention. Use it to share a “stop doing this and start doing this”-type Reel, a list of reasons why they’re not getting results, an unpopular opinion or a quick win.
✨ Bonus tip: need help brainstorming your “unpopular opinion”? Try putting this prompt into ChatGPT to get your creative juices flowing:
“What are some "unpopular opinions" I could have as a (your title– get specific here, and include who your primary audience is)”
Hook Ideas:
Product-based: The real reason you’re not [getting results they want that your product can provide]
Service-based: Instead of [something that doesn’t work/is expensive/takes too long] try [quick win]
Example:
This product-based example is a funny “hot take.”
January 15:
Audio:
Just the sound of shaking an ice-filled cup 🤷
How to use it:
This is a super easy trend to make your own. People are using it to highlight what their account is about, who it’s for and what they can expect to see when they follow. You could create your own version following the “Just waiting on the [your ideal audience] to find my page and learn about [your content].” You could also use it to share something you’re “just thinking about”, a slightly controversial hot take or to spill the tea on something your audience needs to know. You don’t need to do anything elaborate and the only prop you need is a cup!
Hook Ideas:
Product-based: POV: Waiting for the [ideal audience] who want [benefits of your product] to find my account
Service-based: When you say you want [something they could learn from your account] but you haven’t [signed up for my emails/followed my account, etc.]
Example:
This knowledge-based example uses product video that will stop the scroll for the audience she wants to engage.
January 8:
Audio:
🔗 Requiem
This TikTok trend is making its way over to IG!
How to use it:
This sound is as versatile as it is dramatic, with a few ways to use this trend! The “original” format includes the 1866 painting titled “The Reluctant Bride” (as seen in example one), but you can use your own videos to put a unique twist on this trend.
If you want to follow the original format closely, download this image to get started.The concept is to share a relatable situation that makes you roll your eyes in frustration. Your goal is to make it as relatable as possible to your audience. Start with a specific phrase that your ideal audience members are used to hearing, followed up with the reality behind the phrase.
If you want to put your own spin on this trend, you can use the music to highlight a contrast (like a “before and after” or “expectations vs reality”), or showcase the drama and theatrics of your life as a business owner and entrepreneur.
If you need help brainstorming your messaging, be sure to hop into the Facebook group. We’re happy to help!
Hook Ideas:
Product-based: How it started / How it’s going
Service-based: “Wow, you make [your niche or success] look so easy!” Me: [give behind the scenes context of your success]
Timing
Scene one (zoomed out): 4.85 seconds
Scene two (zoomed in): 2.15 seconds
Example:
This service-based example has a strong hook that will resonate with her audience.
January 1:
Audio:
Anyone remember this one from “Beetlejuice”?
How to use it:
This audio – without lyrics – is super versatile and you could use it in a variety of different ways. One way we’re seeing people use it effectively is to make a strong statement about what they’re saying no to/leaving behind in the new year. It could also work well with a “me on my way to” hook to share something you’re doing (or not doing!) this year.
Hook Ideas:
Product-based: Things I’m saying no to in 2024
Service-based: Me on my way to [something new you’re trying]
Example:
This service-based example has a strong hook that will resonate with her audience.