Breaking News: Instagram users can now post “trial reels” that are not shown to their followers.
What’s the point, you ask? Well, if you’ve ever wanted to try out a new content idea, but you weren’t sure whether it would scare off some of your followers, now you can test it out without risking your engagement.
Adam Mosseri announced the new feature earlier today:
In the caption, Mosseri presents the idea as an answer to users who feel pressured to stick with what they know—and what their followers have come to expect—and are hesitant to test the waters with new content ideas.
“Our hope is that this helps people feel more comfortable experimenting with new ideas without worrying how their followers might react.”
In an interview with TechCrunch, Instagram VP and Head of Product Management Ashley Alexander shared some examples of user concerns about experimentation:
“We heard from creators that they just don’t always feel comfortable or they’re reluctant to experiment with different types of content because they’ve built up a follower base and they want to make sure they don’t alienate it. We hear from the fashion creator that maybe wants to branch into a music career, but they’re kind of scared because their followers have gotten used to getting outfits of the day, and so if they’re posting a video of themselves singing, they’re worried that they might turn those people off.”
Creators Respond
So far, the response to Mosseri’s announcement has been mixed but overall positive, with plenty of creators sharing their enthusiasm and readiness to test it out.
Commenters included Dustin Brohm of the Massive Agent Podcast.
“Instagram Breaking News: There is a new Instagram feature that might be the most helpful feature they’ve ever created. It’s called ‘trial reels,’ and it will essentially allow you to post a test reel to see how it’s going to perform before sharing it to the rest of your audience. It’s officially rolling out worldwide this morning, and all you have to do to use this feature is just turn on the switch before posting your next reel…”
In his caption, Johnson cautions IG users to keep a couple of things in mind:
- “You do not have to use this feature. A lot of people in the comment section see the value of this feature and will use it. Some people are not a fan of this feature, and those people don’t have to use it!
- “This is a brand new feature, so it will likely take days, if not weeks, to reach every profile. Instagram cannot wave a magic wand and give every single account the same features at the same time.”
Alexander’s excitement over the new feature is evident from her statements to TechCrunch, where her empathy for creators on the platform shines through:
“Creatives have lots of ideas and one of the worst things that can kill creativity is feeling pressure, or feeling like there’s repercussions for taking chances. And we don’t ever want [our users] to feel that way on Instagram. Instagram should be a place where you can take all of your most bold creative chances and be rewarded when they pan out.”
So, will you try out the new feature?
