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Writer's pictureWynn Newingham

What Are Trial Reels (And Why Should You Care)?


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Trial reels let you test-drive content by sharing it with non-followers first. It won’t show up on your profile, feed, or Reels tab unless you decide to share it later. It’s like throwing your content into the world and whispering, "Hey, do you like this?"… but with none of the commitment.


Here’s why it’s cool:

  • Low Pressure: No awkward experiments flopping in front of your followers.

  • Test What Works: See views, likes, and comments before deciding to share.

  • New Audience = New Insights: Trial reels help you connect with people who aren’t already on your radar.

The feature is rolling out globally, so if you’re using a professional account (and if not…what are you doing?), this tool is your new best friend. Let’s dive into how to use it.


How to Use Instagram Trial Reels Like a Pro

  1. Create Your Reel

    • Do your thing: trending audio, dance challenges, tutorials, whatever’s cooking in your creative brain.

  2. Toggle the Trial Option

    • On the share screen, switch on the Trial toggle.

  3. Share It

    • Post it! Your followers won’t see it (yet), but non-followers might catch it on the Explore page, trending audio feeds, or related content.

  4. Track Performance

    • Within 24 hours, check insights: views, likes, comments, and shares. You’ll know if it’s gold or just… meh.

  5. Share to Everyone (Or Not)

    • Think it’s a winner? Tap Share to Everyone in the insights tab and give it the spotlight it deserves. Or, if it’s not hitting the mark, archive it—no harm, no foul.


Bonus Tip: Want Instagram to automatically share your reel if it’s performing well? Turn on Share to Everyone Automatically under the Trial toggle.


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Actionable Tips to Keep Your Reels Engaging (Trial or Not)

Now that you’ve got the tools, let’s make sure your reels stand out. Here’s how to keep your audience watching (and sharing):


1. Hook Them in 3 Seconds

The scroll is real. Open your reel with something eye-catching: a bold statement, unexpected action, or quick question. “What’s the BEST hack for Monday mornings? Let me show you.”

2. Lean Into Trends (But Add Your Spin)

Jump on trending audios and formats, but keep it original. Use transitions, unique edits, or captions to make it yours. Trends get the eyeballs; your voice keeps them coming back.

3. Play With Shorter Cuts

Fast edits = better retention. Don’t let a scene drag. Think quick transitions, movement, and visuals that keep viewers locked in.

4. Add Subtitles

Most people watch reels on mute. Subtitles make your content accessible and binge-worthy. Tools like Instagram’s auto-caption feature are your BFF here.

5. Tell a Story

Even 15-second reels can tell a story: setup, conflict, and solution. Tutorials, transformations, or funny punchlines—keep the viewer wondering what’s next?

6. Engage Your Audience

End with a call-to-action: “Save this for later,” “Tag someone who needs to see this,” or “Drop a 👀 if you agree!” Simple interactions boost engagement and push your reel further.


Why Trial Reels Are a Big Deal

Think of Trial Reels as Instagram’s way of saying, “Go ahead… take creative risks!” Whether you’re testing a new niche, storytelling format, or video style, this feature gives you space to learn what resonates—without hurting your hard-earned audience trust.

Plus, let’s be real… having your content shown to non-followers first? That’s a golden opportunity to reach fresh eyes.


Ready to Test the Waters?

Trial reels are here to help creators and brands step out of their comfort zones. Want to test a wild new idea, soft-launch a product, or see if your cat content hits as hard as your skincare tips? Trial reels have your back.


When you’re ready to go all in, your most polished, proven content can shine for everyone to see. Start testing, start tweaking… and watch your creativity trend.


Need help crafting scroll-stopping reels or content strategies that actually work? Tustle Marketing has you covered. Let’s make your brand’s reels the ones they can’t stop watching.


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