January 2026 had its own distinct vibe on Instagram Reels, and it wasn’t just subtle. There were moments from calm, slow living to bursts of energy through rapid-fire edits. One moment it was serene morning routines and personal vlogs, and the next, it was transitions and fashion edits. Music was the driving force behind both, dictating the tempo at which the stories were told.
Here are the 10 songs that artists found themselves coming back to again and again:
Lover Girl – Laufey
A favourite for lifestyle and romantic content, this track worked well for morning routines, café clips, and slow, personal moments.
The Fate of Ophelia – Taylor Swift
Often used in moody montages and behind-the-scenes Reels, the song added emotional depth without overpowering visuals.
NOT CUTE ANYMORE (Sped-Up Version) – ILLIT
A go-to for quick cuts, outfit transitions, and fashion edits where timing and energy mattered most.
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Love Me Not – Ravyn Lenae
Common in mirror selfies and soft aesthetic videos, especially clips that relied on minimal movement and natural lighting.
Show Me Love – WizTheMc, bees & honey ft. Tyla
This remix found wide use across lifestyle and travel Reels, thanks to its smooth rhythm and flexible tempo.
Bad Bih 4 Ya – GloRilla ft. Boston Richey
Used heavily in bold transition videos and high-fashion content focused on confidence and attitude.
Shake It To The Max (FLY) - Remix – MOLIY
Popular in dance and movement-based Reels, especially group videos and upbeat choreography.
Anxiety – Doechii
Creators leaned on this track for expressive, emotion-led storytelling and candid moments.
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APT. – ROSE & Bruno Mars
Carrying over its late-2025 run, the song remained a steady choice for polished lifestyle edits.
Good Luck, Babe! – Chappell Roan
High-energy and playful, it closed out January as a favourite for colourful, fast-moving lifestyle Reels.
These tracks captured the pace and mood of Instagram in January, personal, expressive, and built for short, visual storytelling.
