Instagram introduces wider access to trial reels
Instagram has made its ‘Trial Reels’ feature available to all creators with public accounts and at least 1,000 followers, according to a recent update from platform head Adam Mosseri.
First launched in December 2024, Trial Reels allow creators to test how a video performs with users who do not follow their account, offering an early indication of broader audience resonance before publishing content to the full platform. Trial Reels do not appear in the feeds of followers or on the creator’s profile unless the creator later opts to share them widely.
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The feature is designed to provide an unbiased assessment of a Reel’s appeal by excluding engagement from a user’s existing audience. It also allows creators to repurpose older Reels for exposure to new users without impacting their current feed. While Instagram has not expressed any restrictions on re-posting past content through this feature, some creators have begun using it as a growth tactic.
To access the feature, eligible users can toggle on ‘Trial’ when composing a Reel. Once published as a trial, the Reel will be visible only to the creator and a selection of non-followers. It will not appear publicly unless later promoted to a wider audience.
Approximately 24 hours after posting a Trial Reel, users can view engagement metrics such as views, likes, comments and shares, along with comparative insights from previous trials. These analytics aim to help creators refine their content strategy based on performance indicators.
While currently available without cost, the feature’s ability to deliver reach beyond a user’s network may be subject to future changes.
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