10 Instagram Reel Trends Every Small Business Should Try This September

What works on Instagram changes fast — so if you want to stay relevant in September 2025, it’s time to try the Reel formats that actually performed well in July and August.

Whether it’s a sound, a transition, or a style of storytelling, these 10 trends hit high reach and engagement last month. Each includes a description, why it works, and an easy idea you can adapt to your brand.

PS: Stuck on what hook to use? Try our Hooks That Work in 100+ Ways — it’s a fast shortcut to scroll-stopping headlines.

1. “Choose One” Comparison Reels (late July)

What it is: Show two items or options side by side and ask your audience to choose. Plays off humor or intrigue.

Why it works: Interactive and playful — inviting your audience to engage by voting or commenting.

Idea for your brand: Show two of your products (e.g. two flavors or styles) and ask “Swipe left: Which one would you try?” This builds engagement and helps you see preferences.

2. “Outfit Check” Style Showcases (late July)

What it is: A 360° reveal of someone’s clothing or style, often in one smooth shot.

Why it works: Humanizes your brand and showcases product in a lifestyle context.

Idea for your brand: If you sell apparel, do an “Outfit of the Week” reel — or adapt it to show staff wearing merch. If you don’t sell fashion, you can repurpose the same style to highlight your service tools or workspace.

3. ASMR Packing & Unboxing (July–August)

What it is: Quiet, satisfying sound-focused clips of orders being packed or products being unboxed (crinkles, tumbles, bubble wrap pop).

Why it works: Sensory content is deeply satisfying and taps into viewers’ need for calm and perfection.

Idea for your brand: Record your packing process in soft close-ups. Emphasize care: “Each order includes a free thank-you sticker — hear the seal snap.” These ASMR moments show craftsmanship and intention. Instagram+1

4. “That’s My Baby, She’s Iconic” Audio Format (July)

What it is: Using Justin Bieber’s sound “That’s my baby… she’s iconic” to highlight something you’re proud of.

Why it works: It's upbeat, instantly recognizable, and roots your brand in positivity.

Idea for your brand: Feature your best-selling product with a slow zoom or reveal. Let the audio carry the pride — perfect for celebrating what your audience already loves.

5. “Girl, So Confusing” Walk-in Showcases (July)

What it is: Use a quirky Charli XCX beat and walk in/out of frame, often with a humorous or confident stance.

Why it works: Confident, relatable, and simple. Memes made into Reels.

Idea for your brand: Walk into your studio or storefront, glance at today’s main product, and walk out with the caption: “Just checking inventory… yup, still fabulous.”

6. “I Grieve Different” Expectation vs. Reality (July)

What it is: Begin with an optimistic declaration, then reveal the mess, frustration, or real side of it with the “I grieve different” audio.

Why it works: Sets up emotional contrast for relatability and empathy.

Idea for your brand: Show “Living the entrepreneur dream… ” over a clean desk, then switch to stacks of orders and “When suppliers ghost you.” It’s real, relatable, and engaging.

7. “Drummer Boy” Transition Reel (July)

What it is: Use a swinging camera motion between clips while syncing with audio beats or lip-sync lines.

Why it works: It’s dynamic, fun, and keeps viewers glued during transitions.

Idea for your brand: Film yourself transitioning through steps: sketch a product, cut to packaging, then to shipping — all synced to a beat. Show your process in 3 quick motions.

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8. “You’re Recommended to Me” Duo Reveals (July)

What it is: Starts with a handshake or greeting followed by a surprise reveal — often an unlikely pairing.

Why it works: Builds anticipation and offers a reveal payoff. Helps feel organic and low-pressure.

Idea for your brand: Shake hands with your first product or your logo, then cut to a customer enjoying your product, or to a package getting shipped.

9. “Something to Take the Edge Off” Reel (July)

What it is: People show a go-to item or self-care product with light humor — “something to take the edge off.”

Why it works: Humor + relatability + product showcase in one.

Idea for your brand: Show a hectic day, then hold up your product (e.g., candle or snack) with a sigh and “This is my go-to.” It feels real and instantly calming.

10. “Are We an Item?” Lyric Transitions (July)

What it is: Uses lyrics from Justin Bieber’s “Baby” to introduce products or brand elements, transitioning with each line.

Why it works: Energetic, playful, and visually engaging.

Idea for your brand: Transition between your top products with each lyric: “Are we an item?” → Product A, “Girl, quit playing” → Product B; “What are you saying?” → Teaser for next launch.

Why These Trends Matter & Wrap-Up

These trends are proven winners from July–August 2025, and if you tailor them for September, they can help you ride fresh Reels algorithms.

Tip for planning: Batch record a few Reels using different trends and schedule them ahead. Our SMM STARTER TOOLBOX includes templates, calendars, and checklists to help you plan and schedule efficiently.

If any trend isn’t working, revisit your hook or the visuals — or check out our blog “The Real Reason Your Instagram Reels Aren’t Getting Views (And How to Fix It)” to troubleshoot.

Still unsure which trend fits your brand best?

“Want help picking which trend is best for your brand? Book a free call — we’ll help you plan a month of Reels that actually convert.”

Clients across India, the UAE, the UK, and Australia are seeing viral results — not by chasing every trend, but by choosing trends that fit their brand and audience.

Stay creative, stay consistent — September’s Reels content is going to pop.