Instagram is rolling out a highly anticipated feature called “trial reels,” designed to give creators the freedom to experiment with new content without worrying about the reactions of their followers.
Officially launched globally, the feature is available to users with professional accounts, allowing them to test videos with non-followers before they decide to share them with their main audience.
The key advantage of trial reels is that they don’t appear on a creator's profile or in their main reels tab, helping them avoid the pressure of posting content that may not fit with their usual brand or style.
After posting a trial reel, creators can review performance metrics—including views, likes, comments, and shares—after 24 hours. If the reel performs well and aligns with their creative goals, they can choose to share it with their followers.
The feature was developed in response to creator feedback, especially from those who are hesitant to try new content genres, for fear of alienating their established followers.
The introduction of trial reels places Instagram ahead of platforms like TikTok, which currently does not offer a similar feature for content testing.
With this new tool, Instagram aims to give creators better control over their content, helping them understand what works and reach a wider audience.
As Instagram continues to innovate, it is clear that the platform is committed to supporting creators by providing them with more opportunities to grow and refine their online presence.
