Stop Sleeping on This Underrated Instagram Feature

Now's the time to stop sleeping on this underrated Instagram feature!

If you’re creating reels for Instagram and not using the “trial reel” feature, you’re seriously missing out on one of the easiest ways to boost your content strategy—without burning out.

What’s a Trial Reel?

Instagram quietly allows you to duplicate a reel and post it as a trial—meaning it can go live without being published on your main feed. This gives you a behind-the-scenes test run to see how it performs before you fully commit.

Why I’m Obsessed with This Feature

Here’s why this is my new secret weapon for content testing:

✨ Test different hooks or video edits – Try out multiple opening lines, text overlays, or slightly different clips to see which one grabs more attention.

✨ Reach more non-followers – Trial reels still push your content out to new audiences via the algorithm, so you're not wasting reach.

✨ Zero pressure to post – You don’t have to publish them. I usually let my trials run in the background and use the data to decide what to share publicly later.

It’s honestly the simplest way to get instant feedback, experiment more freely, and grow without constantly creating from scratch.

Pro Tip:

Sometimes the smallest tweak—like changing your first line or adjusting the font—can literally double your engagement. Don’t underestimate the power of subtle changes!

Next time you’re about to post a Reel, try running a trial first and see what works. It could completely change your results (and your sanity).

Here's How to Create a Trial Reel on Instagram

Ready to start testing your content like a pro? Here’s how to create a trial reel step by step:

1. Create Your Reel as Usual
   Record or upload your video, add text, audio, captions—whatever you'd normally include in your Reel.
2. Go to the Share Screen
   Once you’ve finished editing, tap “Next” to head to the screen where you’d normally write your caption and adjust your settings.
3. Turn Off “Also Share to Feed”
   On this screen, you’ll see a toggle that says “Also share to feed.”
   👉 Turn this OFF.
   This ensures the reel won’t appear on your main profile grid—it's still public, but more like a soft launch.
4. Adjust the Cover if Needed
   Since it won’t appear on your feed, you don’t need a perfect cover image—but you can still customize it if you want to test visuals.
5. Post It!
   Hit “Share” and your trial reel will go live. Instagram will still push it out via the algorithm, especially to non-followers, so you’ll get real engagement data.
6. Track the Results
   After 24–48 hours, check the reel’s performance under your Insights. Look at reach, engagement, saves, and plays to see what’s working.
7. Use What You Learn
   Based on the performance, you can:
   • Repost the winning version to your feed
   • Tweak it slightly and try again
   • Apply the successful hook or style to future reels

That’s it! Trial reels are low-stress, high-value, and perfect for creators who want to get smarter about what they post—without reinventing the wheel every time.

Want more tips and tricks like this? Come join the Brandakin Besties Community! This group offers a unique way of connecting with me (Emily! 👋) and with other business owners and content creators. As a Brandakin Bestie, you'll get 1:1 support from me. It's like having a social media expert on speed dial. Become a Bestie and learn genuine, helpful answers to all of your social media questions.