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Instagram is testing a new feature to help Reels creators enhance their content’s performance through audience sampling, allowing creators to gauge the potential success of their latest Reels before sharing them widely.
Meta announced the introduction of “trial reels,” which will help users experiment with new ideas without concern for how their followers might initially react.
Trial Reels will first be shown to non-followers, allowing creators to test the content in a less familiar audience pool. If the trial performs well, the Reel will automatically be shared with the creator’s followers, providing a broader reach and feedback opportunity.
In a blog post, the tech giant stated: “We often hear from creators that they feel nervous about posting too much or trying out content that’s outside of their niche on Instagram, for fear of it not resonating with their followers.
“We’re already seeing early success from creators who have had access. They report that their fresh content ideas are performing well with both new audiences and existing followers.”
It seems that Meta is leaning heavily on Reels, as ReadWrite recently revealed that the company is working on a new option to let users post Instagram posts and Reels directly from Threads.
How does Trial Reels work?
You can find your trial Reels in the drafts section of your profile, but during the first testing phase, they won’t appear on your profile grid or Reels tab. In addition, only you will know that the Reel is a trial—there’s no public version to others.
- Create your Reel and complete the steps leading up to the sharing screen.
- Before sharing, toggle on the “Trial” option.
- Tap “Share” to publish your trial Reel.
Around 24 hours after launching a Reel, you’ll have access to key engagement metrics, such as views, likes, comments, and shares. The insights are said to help you assess its performance and compare it against previous trials. Your Reel will not appear in your profile’s Reels tab or main grid unless you choose to share it with everyone later.
As Instagram notes, it’s possible some of your followers might still see a Reel if, for example, someone else shares it with them (a potential concern for high-profile creators). However, the main goal is to showcase trial Reels to an alternative audience, so that users can experiment with new ideas without being constrained by existing audience expectations.
Instagram explains: “If your trial reel is performing well, you can choose to ‘share with everyone’ so your followers can see it and increase its reach, or, when creating the trial reel, you can choose to have Instagram automatically share your trial reel with followers if we determine it’s performing well based on the views it receives within the first 72 hours. You can change this setting at any time.”
Once shared, the Reel will be added to your profile grid and Reels list as usual. If the Reel underperforms, you can get rid of it discreetly, making sure your audience remains unaware of its existence.
Trial Reels started rolling out since Tuesday (Dec. 10) and will be available globally to all eligible creators in the coming weeks.
Featured image: Meta
