5 Instagram Reel Trends for May 2025 Every Small Business Should Try
- Noah Uy
- 3 days ago
- 5 min read
Updated: 1 day ago
Want to grow your Instagram reach without constantly chasing the algorithm? Trends can do the heavy lifting — if you know how to use them. In May 2025, five Reel trends are dominating feeds, offering small businesses a golden opportunity to show personality, spark engagement, and subtly sell — all while riding the algorithm’s momentum.
From cinematic audio clips to comedic formats and nostalgic storytelling, this month’s trending Reels aren’t just viral—they’re versatile. And we’re breaking them down to help you create scroll-stopping content.
Key Takeaways
May’s most popular Reel trends focus on relatability, storytelling, and product showcases.
Small businesses can adapt each trend to fit any niche—from beauty and wellness to food, retail, and professional services.
You’ll find format explanations and business-specific ideas for each trend.
Let’s break down the trends, one by one.
1. The Jaws Theme Walk-by Trend
Audio: Original audio - kjhoyt
Trend Format: A person walks back and forth repeatedly on screen, “circling” a topic they clearly have a reaction to.
Why It Works
This trend thrives on dramatic irony and humor. The caption usually contrasts someone’s statement with the creator’s visible (and exaggerated) response. It’s a format that feels both comedic and relatable.
How Small Businesses Can Use It
This trend is perfect for addressing common misconceptions or objections in your industry. Use it to subtly highlight the value of your work without directly selling.
Examples:
A social media manager reacting to: “I don’t have time for social media.”
A nutritionist pacing after hearing: “Carbs are bad for you.”
A marketing consultant reacting to: “I’ll just do it myself.”
The simplicity of the format makes it easy to execute, even without fancy equipment. All you need is a well-timed walk and a clever caption overlay.
2. Mystical Magical Moment
Trend Format: A peaceful or satisfying moment captured in the middle of a busy workday, often shown in slow motion or with soft transitions.
Why It Works
This trend creates an emotional pause in the feed. It’s ideal for showing the quiet, often overlooked moments that make running a business rewarding. Think ambiance, aesthetics, and peace.
How Small Businesses Can Use It
Great for lifestyle and service-based businesses, this trend lets you romanticize your day-to-day or spotlight beautiful behind-the-scenes glimpses.
Examples:
A candle maker pouring wax into molds in a quiet workshop.
A coffee shop before opening, with light streaming through the windows.
A yoga studio during a calm moment between sessions.
Even chaotic industries can participate by capturing those rare “breathe in, breathe out” intervals that feel especially satisfying when contrasted with a hectic work life.
3. Most Unhinged Experience
Trend Format: A story told through text overlay or narration describing an over-the-top customer experience.
Why It Works
This trend is a blend of storytelling and venting—and audiences love both. It provides a behind-the-scenes look at what small businesses deal with and invites viewers to react or share their own experiences.
How Small Businesses Can Use It
It’s ideal for service providers, retail staff, and online sellers who have collected bizarre stories over the years. The goal isn’t to shame anyone, but to create a connection through shared absurdity.
Examples:
A baker detailing how a customer requested a 3-tier cake with 1-hour’s notice.
A dog groomer recalling when a client tried to drop off a cat instead.
A shop owner describing a return request six months after purchase—with the tag still off.
The more specific and visual the story, the better. Simple shots with clear text overlays are often more than enough to deliver the punch.
4. WOW
Audio: Original audio - memfycases
Trend Format: A product is shown from multiple angles as a voice repeatedly says “Wow.”
Why It Works
This trend pairs simplicity with dramatic effect. The repetitive “wow” instantly communicates amazement, even before the product is fully revealed. It taps into visual ASMR and aesthetic satisfaction.
How Small Businesses Can Use It
Perfect for product-based businesses, especially when showcasing features, textures, or transformation. Think slow pans, macro shots, or simple before-and-after edits.
Examples:
A skincare brand showcasing the shimmer of a new serum or mask.
A handmade leather shop zooming in on stitching, embossing, and final polish.
A bakery rotating a freshly decorated cake in natural light.
Since the audio is already playful and expressive, your visuals do the talking. No need for captions or context—just show off the goods.
5. She Doesn’t Know It Yet
Audio: DIM - Yves
Trend Format: A clip or photo montage showing the early beginnings of a journey, with text explaining the path forward—even if the subject doesn’t know it yet.
Why It Works
This trend is sentimental, reflective, and incredibly versatile. It leverages the emotional weight of hindsight and transformation, which naturally resonates with audiences.
How Small Businesses Can Use It
It’s perfect for solopreneurs, creatives, or founders who want to share their “how it started vs. how it’s going” story without using that exact format.
Examples:
A crafter with a clip of their first handmade product followed by current-day shots of orders shipping out.
A small business owner showing an old apartment corner office that became the headquarters.
A digital artist or designer sharing clips of their first doodles before launching a freelance career.
You don’t need professional footage—old photos, phone clips, or screenshots work perfectly to tell the story. The magic is in the transformation, not the polish.
How to Get the Most Out of These Trends
Match the Trend to the Moment
You don’t have to use every trend. Choose the one that matches your tone, audience, or weekly marketing goals. Planning a product launch? Use the “Wow” trend. Want to open up? Try “Most Unhinged Experience” or “She Doesn’t Know It Yet.”
Focus on Emotion, Not Perfection
All five of these trends work because they feel real. They evoke curiosity, nostalgia, awe, or humor. Don’t overthink your visuals or try to shoot like a film studio. Aim for honesty and good lighting.
Move Quickly
Instagram trends shift fast. Most of these will peak in May, so aim to post your versions sooner rather than later. Even if you repurpose the trend format a few weeks later, the audio might lose traction.
Post Natively on Instagram
If you’re repurposing content from TikTok, remove watermarks before uploading. Instagram favors original, native content—and tends to downrank reposted material with logos.
Summary
Instagram Reels continue to be one of the most discoverable forms of content on the platform, and these five trends are among the most versatile and brand-friendly options for small businesses in May 2025.
Whether you’re reacting to customer myths, sharing a serene moment, revealing a product, or telling your origin story, there’s a trend this month that aligns with your voice.
To recap, the top five Instagram Reel trends for May 2025 that small businesses should try are:
The Jaws Walk-by – A dramatic and funny take on objections or common myths.
Mystical Magical – A calming, aesthetic moment from your day.
Most Unhinged Experience – A true story that’s equal parts relatable and wild.
Wow – A visual delight focused on product appeal.
She Doesn’t Know It Yet – A moving, reflective story of how your business began.
Try them while they’re fresh—and remember, trends are just tools. It’s your story, your product, and your passion that bring them to life.
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