Instagram is launching a feature that allows creators to experiment with reels without committing to having them showcased on their profiles - which would be a huge help to the social network in gaining an edge versus TikTok - and a means for its creators to test out content without pressure to perform.

The company has begun global tests for this new "try before you buy" feature called "trail reels" supposedly to provide creators the ability to try various types of content or be even more creative through publishing reels that do not appear to them. After posting a reel using this feature, Instagram is to share insights about how the reel performed with the creator, from stuff like plays, likes, comments, and shares. Based on those reflections, the producer could then decide whether to post the reel to their followers or archive it.

Again, the feature has been sighted in the wild among selective creators and is a product of an early test something called "Experiment mode," which was first uncovered by reverse engineer Alessandro Paluzzi last April. Just like these new test reels, Experiment mode has allowed creators to post reels that would only appear to non-followers.
 #Instagram is testing Experiment mode for #Reels ????

ℹ️ For a Reel, it will play to non-followers.
You can't see it on your profile unless you opt to share with everyone. pic.twitter.com/1PRKKwnFfE
— Alessandro Paluzzi (@alex193a) 18 April 2024
As shared in a screenshot by Paluzzi, Instagram claims that the reel won't be accessed on their profile but, at the same time, the followers can view it if somebody shares it directly to them. It is also mentioned that the reel gets archived after 24 hours if the creator has not chosen to share it publicly.

In these latest tests, however, Instagram is experimenting with different applications of the feature which could be different quantities of time before the reel archives. Based on these findings, the real version of the feature that makes it to a public launch may still pivot. Creators will know they are in the test because they will receive a notification introducing them to the feature when they go to publish a reel.

Meta declined to comment on the experiments.

"We're always exploring different ways for creators to express themselves on Instagram, but nothing to share at the moment," said a Meta spokesperson.

The feature is being developed by the social network as creators have claimed that their reach has been impacted negatively due to the algorithm of the app that has invited complaints. Trial reels could help such creators gain a larger following by giving elbow room to experiment with what works and what does not.

That might be helpful because many creators feel that their Instagram is like a business card, adding pressure around publishing. They just want to put their most curated content forward for fear of losing followers.

Trial reels are being tested globally with select creators that have a professional account and access to the feature is not gated by number of followers or other metrics.