Introducing Trial Reels: A New Way to Test Instagram Content

Instagram has launched an innovative feature called Trial Reels, giving creators a powerful tool to experiment with their content strategy. This new feature allows creators to test their reels with a non-follower audience before sharing them with their established following.

What Are Trial Reels?

Trial reels on Instagram allows creators to experiment with new ideas and get early feedback on whether their content resonates by allowing them to share reels with accounts that don't follow them. You can later choose to share a trial reel with your followers at any time.

To use trial reels, you must have a professional account, though some select creators without professional accounts may have access as part of ongoing testing.

How to Share Trial Reels

1. Create a reel following Instagram's standard creation process

2. Before sharing, activate the "Trial" toggle

3. Tap "Share" to publish your trial reel

Once shared, your trial reel remains invisible to your followers in their Feed or Instagram's Reels tab. It won't appear in your profile's reels tab or main grid unless you choose to "Share to everyone" later.

Understanding Performance and Insights

Within 24 hours of sharing, you'll receive insights about your trial reel's performance. While your followers won't typically see these trials, note that your reel might still appear in direct messages or on pages featuring reels with similar audio, location, or filters.

Sharing Trial Reels with Everyone

If your trial reel performs well, you can expand its reach by sharing it with everyone. Here's how:

1. Access the "View trial insights" button in the reels viewer

2. Select "Share to everyone"

Your reel will then become visible on your profile and may appear in your followers' feeds. For maximum exposure, consider sharing successful trials with everyone as soon as possible.

Automatic Sharing Feature

Instagram offers an automatic sharing option for high-performing trial reels. When enabled, reels that receive significant views within 72 hours will automatically be shared with your followers.

To enable automatic sharing:

1. Start creating a reel

2. On the publish screen, tap "How it works" under the Trials toggle

3. Enable "Share to everyone automatically"

4. Confirm by tapping "Got it"

Remember that trial reels may take longer to gain views as Instagram carefully matches your content with interested non-followers. They operate independently from your regular reels in the ranking systems, ensuring they won't affect your standard content performance.

So what?

This feature is aimed at taking the stress out of posting. Worried you made something your followers might not like? Post it as a trial first! It is also an incredible way to get your content out to new eyes!

Whenever Instagram implements a new feature - always hop on it early and try it! Easy added boost is likely whenever a new feature is added.

If you have any questions about socials or websites; I am your gal! Click here to book a FREE 1:1 call with me:

Chat soon; Brittany!