Instagram Introduces Trial Reels: A New Way to Experiment with Confidence

Have you ever created a video but felt unsure about how it might perform? Instagram recently announced a new feature that will come in handy! The Meta-owned social platform is rolling out trial reels, designed to help users experiment with their content in a low-pressure environment. This feature gives creators the chance to share their ideas with a broader audience before deciding if it’s ready for their core followers. For both small businesses and brands, this could be a game-changer for testing content and expanding reach without risking engagement with their core audiences.

Trial reels are designed for creators hesitant to experiment with new content due to concerns about how it will perform. Now, instead of sharing your reel directly with followers, Instagram will first show it to non-followers, allowing you to test fresh ideas—whether it’s a new storytelling format, niche topic, or creative approach—and gauge how they resonate with a broader audience.

Here’s how it works: after posting a trial reel, you’ll receive key metrics, such as views, likes, and shares, within 24 hours. This feedback will help you determine the reel’s performance. If it’s a hit, you have the option to share it with your followers with just one tap. Alternatively, you can set the reel to automatically post to your followers if it meets Instagram’s performance thresholds within the first 72 hours.

Getting started is simple. Follow the same steps you would for creating any reel, but before hitting “share,” toggle on the “Trial” option. Once shared, the reel won’t appear on your profile’s main grid or Reels tab unless you choose to make it public. While followers won’t see the trial reel in their feed, there’s always a possibility they might come across it in other ways, like direct shares or reels grouped by audio, location, or filter.

Instagram is also giving creators detailed insights to help refine their approach. These metrics not only show how a trial reel performs in isolation but also compare it to previous trials. This data-driven approach empowers businesses to make informed decisions about what content is worth promoting to their primary audience. Instagram’s automated sharing option also takes the guesswork out of managing reels. Users can simply set the feature to automatically publish reels that are successful, and the app takes care of the rest! 

So far, feedback has been overwhelmingly positive for this new feature. Creators report that the ability to test reels not only provides a safe space for experimentation but also helps fresh ideas gain traction with new audiences.

As this feature rolls out to more users, trial reels could become a valuable tool for creators and businesses alike, enabling users to refine their messaging, reach new audiences, and keep content strategies on trend. With Instagram continuing to invest in creator-friendly tools, this marks another step toward empowering businesses to express themselves while achieving their goals.

Note: You must have a professional account to gain access to trial reels. For more information, check out Instagram’s Help Center. 

At Bennington Brookstone, our team has our finger on the pulse of what’s trending in social media and beyond. We’re here to help you navigate the dynamic world of digital marketing. Call, DM, or email us at sbellem@bbrookstone.com to get started!