Instagram is reportedly testing a new feature called ‘Trial Reels,’ aimed at helping creators test their content without the pressure of immediate public performance. According to TechCrunch, this feature is now in global testing but has not yet been integrated into the stable version of the app.
The ‘Trial Reels’ feature allows creators to share their reels without having them appear on their profiles. This option lets users share their reels with non-followers and gain insights into metrics such as likes and comments. After gathering feedback, creators can then decide whether to share the reel with their followers or archive it.
The reels shared as ‘Trial Reels’ won’t be visible on a user’s profile by default and won’t be shown to followers unless shared by someone else. The decision to share or archive the reel must be made within 24 hours, after which the reel will be archived if no action is taken.
This feature was initially spotted by reverse engineer Alessandro Puluzzi in April this year as part of Instagram’s ‘Experiment Mode.’ Meta, Instagram’s parent company, declined to confirm the release of this feature. In a statement to TechCrunch, Meta said, “We’re always exploring different ways for creators to express themselves on Instagram, but nothing to share at the moment.”
Instagram Enhances Notes Feature
In related news, Meta has announced significant updates to the ‘Notes’ feature on Instagram. The app now supports likes, mentions, and prompts, aiming to make Notes more interactive. Since its launch about 18 months ago, the Notes feature has gained popularity, and these updates are intended to enhance user engagement and overall experience on the platform.