Trial Reels on Instagram: What You Need to Know
Instagram’s new Trial Reels feature is a game-changer for creators and brands, offering the perfect way to experiment with new content ideas without risking your current engagement. Here’s everything you need to know to leverage this tool effectively.
PSTTTTT… I have a podcast episode going live on this specific subject TOMORROW: Click here and DOWNLOAD Call Her Creator so you can get notified when it’s live.
What Are Trial Reels?
Trial Reels allow you to test new content ideas in a private setting before publishing them to your audience.
Think of it as a "sandbox" where you can explore creative concepts, play with formats, and refine your messaging without worrying about engagement metrics or public feedback.
Key Features:
Trial Reels are visible only to you until you decide to publish them.
You can analyze basic performance metrics privately (e.g., time watched, completion rates).
Ideal for trying new styles, hooks, or experimental content.
How to Use Trial Reels
Accessing Trial Reels:
Go to the Reels tab and start creating a new Reel as usual.
Before publishing, select the Trial Reel option.
Test Your Content:
Experiment with different formats, hooks, or storytelling styles.
Analyze the performance metrics Instagram provides in the Trial Reel dashboard. (I have a podcast episode on this where I teach you how to analyze your data for growth)
Refine & Publish:
Make adjustments based on the data and feedback from your Trial Reel.
Once you’re confident, publish it directly from the Trial Reel dashboard.
Best Practices for Trial Reels
Set a Clear Goal: Are you testing a new visual style, a hook, or a call to action?
Experiment Boldly: Try things you wouldn’t normally post—bold edits, untested trends, or niche-specific topics. Trial Reels are your safe space to experiment.
Leverage Analytics: Pay attention to metrics like watch time, completion rate, and engagement. These insights will guide you in improving your content.
Why Use Trial Reels?
Lower Risk, Higher Creativity: Test content without the fear of public underperformance.
Data-Driven Decisions: Make informed choices about what works best for your audience.
Stay Ahead of Trends: Experiment with trending audio or formats before committing to them on your main feed.
Tomorrow at 9am EST I will be sharing feedback on trial reels exclusively on Call Her Creator.
