Instagram has introduced a new feature called ‘Trial Reels’ where creators can test video content without posting it to their followers. According to the Instagram Creators blog, Trial Reels allow creators to share with people who don’t follow them so they can try out new ideas without worrying about their usual audience’s reaction. The feature starts to roll out today and will be available globally to all eligible creators in the coming weeks.
Earlier this month Instagram also added replies to broadcast channels. Now creators can get direct replies from their followers that enable real-time social conversations on shared content.
Trial Reels help creators reach new audiences
With Trial Reels, creators can test content in a low-pressure environment. When you post a video as a Trial Reel, it will only be shown to non-followers. They won’t show up on your Profile’s main grid or Reels tab unless you make them public.
This will help you to determine how the content performs with a wider audience. The social media giant says the idea is to give creators the chance to try out new topics, formats, or storytelling styles without losing their regular followers.
Instagram will also provide analytics for Trial Reels 24 hours after posting. These will include views, likes, and shares so you can see how it performs. If it does well you can choose to share it with your followers or make it public.
Trial Reels let creators try new ideas safely
Trial Reels are for creators to grow their audience and try out new content. Instagram says creators often don’t post new types of content since they are scared of losing followers or getting fewer likes. It solves that with Trial Reels, giving them a ‘creative playground’ to experiment with new things.
Another benefit is you can use the feature to participate in trends or test niche content without worrying about your regular audience’s reaction.
Sharing and managing Trial Reels
To share a reel as a trial, just create a reel as you normally would. Before you share, toggle the trial switch on. After you share your trial reel, you can find it on your profile where it will be alongside any drafts you have.
If your trial reel is performing well, you can select ‘share with everyone’ so your followers can see it and increase its reach. There is another option as well, when you create the trial reel you can choose to have Instagram share it with your followers automatically. If the system thinks it’s performing well based on the views it receives within the first 72 hours, it will share the reel with everyone.