If you’ve spent any time on Instagram recently, you’ve probably heard about or seen people talking about Trial Reels. In this post, I’ll explain what they are, why they matter and how to use them strategically to grow your following.
What are Instagram Trial Reels?
Trial Reels are probably one of Instagram’s best new features. They’re like regular Reels, but shown only to people who don’t follow you yet.
They’re a low-pressure way to test new content and see what really works. Think of it as your chance to experiment with different ideas and take full advantage of the opportunity to reach a completely new audience.
Wondering how to post one? You’ll need a professional account. Create your Reel as usual, then before hitting share, toggle on the Trial option. I recommend turning off “Share to everyone automatically” as you want it to continue to run as a Trial Reel so it reaches new viewers instead of your current followers.
A quick heads-up: Instagram does limit how many Trial Reels you can post in a day, so don’t overdo it. Treat it like a testing tool, not a spam button.
Why Trial Reels are worth testing
If you’ve been posting consistently but feel like your content is disappearing into the Instagram void, Trial Reels might just be the secret weapon you didn’t know you needed.
They give you the chance to:
- Boost visibility: These Reels get shown to people who don’t follow you yet, giving you more opportunities for discovery.
- Test your ideas: Experiment with different hooks, messages, topics and styles to see what captures attention (without disrupting your main feed).
- Gather data: Every Trial Reel gives you valuable insights into what content connects best with your ideal audience.
- Grow your audience: Use them to attract followers who genuinely resonate with your message and content.
Treat Trial Reels as mini-experiments. Over time, you’ll learn what resonates most and can use that information to refine your overall content strategy.
Recommended reading: Understanding the Instagram algorithm and ranking in 2025
How to create effective Trial Reels
Because Trial Reels are designed for people who don’t know you yet, your approach needs to be different from your regular content.
Think of them as a testing ground. They don’t need to be perfect, polished or complicated. Here are key steps to focus on.
1. Get specific about your message
Since Trial Reels are aimed at people who may have never seen your content before, your message needs to be clear, focused and easy to understand.
Stick to one topic, story or insight per video. Avoid trying to cover too much. The more specific your message, the easier it is for the right people to recognise themselves in your content and feel compelled to engage.
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2. Hook and share quick value
I know you’re sick of hearing about hooks. But the first few seconds of your video are make-or-break. Think of it like walking into a room and trying to get someone’s attention before they walk out the door.
Hooks are your chance to stop someone from scrolling and make them curious about your content. Be as specific as possible – the more targeted your hook, the more likely it is to reach the right viewers.
Once you’ve caught their attention, give them something that makes sticking around worth their while. Share a small, actionable tip, tell a short story or introduce what your account is about. Basically, give them a reason to follow you without yelling “FOLLOW ME!”
Keep in mind that your caption is just as important. It should make sense on its own, since it’s often the first thing new viewers will read. Keep language simple, paragraphs short and clearly explain who you are and why they should follow.
A few extra tips to make your Trial Reels more effective:
- Avoid publishing exact duplicate Trial Reels, as performance will be limited. Instead, make slight modifications each time.
- Use Instagram Edits to create your Reels so you can easily duplicate and tweak different versions.
- Feel free to create a “This is a Trial Reel, here’s what I do and why you should follow if you’re…” style Trial Reel. It’s a great way to introduce yourself to new audiences.
- Don’t upgrade a Trial Reel to your feed if prompted. If you want it on your main feed, post it separately – keeping Trial Reels distinct helps them reach people who don’t follow you yet.
3. Review, learn and refine
Not every Trial Reel will take off, and that’s completely normal. The goal isn’t to go viral, it’s to gather insights. Keep posting. It could take 20+ Trial Reels to really figure out what works and start seeing results.
Test different options, focusing on one variable at a time and track your results. Look for patterns in your analytics: which Reels get more views, saves, comments or profile visits? Which hooks attract the right audience?
Use these insights to create more of what works and refine your messaging over time. You can also use this data to shape your regular strategy so your main content resonates even more with your audience.
A final thought
Trial Reels are like your own little playground on Instagram. You get to experiment, see what sticks and learn more about your audience with every try.
Focus on the people who genuinely connect with your content, the ones who will follow along, engage and actually care about what you share.
