Instagram has announced the introduction of a new feature called trial reels, aimed at assisting creators in testing new content formats. This feature was initially revealed in May and has now moved from the testing phase to a broader rollout. With trial reels, Instagram creators will have the opportunity to showcase their content to users who do not currently follow them, allowing them to gather valuable feedback on engagement.
Trial Reels on Instagram
In a detailed blog post, Instagram emphasized that these trial reels will enable creators to experiment with themes and storytelling approaches outside their usual niche. The new content will be displayed exclusively to non-followers in both their feeds and the Reels section. After 24 hours, creators will receive crucial performance metrics, including views, likes, comments, and shares, helping them determine if the content is worth sharing with their established audience.
To create a trial reel, creators will follow the same procedure as they would for a standard reel, with an added step. They must activate the Trial toggle located below the caption box before posting. Once shared, the reel will be accessible on the creator’s profile next to their drafts.
While trial reels will not appear on creators’ profiles, followers can view them if shared directly. Additionally, they may show up on a curated page featuring reels that utilize the same audio, filter, or location. Instagram stated that it will automatically share the trial reel with an audience of followers if it demonstrates strong performance within the first 72 hours. Creators retain the ability to modify these settings at any time.
The launch of trial reels has begun, with a full rollout expected in the upcoming weeks for all eligible creators. The only requirement for accessing this feature is maintaining a professional account.
