New IG Feature: Trial Reels
If you've been on IG recently, you may have noticed their newest feature when you post your content - Trial Reels.
What are Trial Reels?
Trial Reels are a new way to trial your content with an audience that is not your own. In simple terms, when you hit “post” on your next reel if Trial Reels is toggled “on” then your reel will only be shown to people who do not follow you. Insights about your trial reel show up within 24hrs.
Don't worry - you can also choose to later show the content to your entire audience.
Also, trial reels will not show up on your main IG grid. Instead, they live in a separate section entitled “Drafts and Trial Reels" until you decide to share the content with everyone.
How do you use Trial Reels strategically?
Reach new people - If you don't have many followers, this allows your content to be naturally selected by the algorithm and automatically shown to new eyes thereby increasing the chance for more engagement and followers. If you already have a substantial following, but are wanting to connect with even more followers or even a new segment of followers - this allows you to experiment.
See what performs well - A little A/B testing never hurt anyone! In fact, it can give you amazing insight as to what kinds of content or hooks perform best. Try similar content with your main audience and a trial audience. Side note - When it comes to working with clients, it's a great way for me to discern at a glance what works.
Try something new - Trial Reels are a great way to see if your content resonates and allows you to try new styles of content in a low-pressure way. So, even if you typically post about a singular topic or in a similar way - you can experiment with others and see what works.
Okay, now give me the soul behind the strategy…
When I look at Trial Reels through a sacred lens, I love the idea of this new feature allowing you to reach new people who are aligned with your message and content.
When you use trial reels as a tool for your content - you will naturally reach the right people who are meant to see your content via the power of the algorithm. You'll reach people who have never heard of you or your message, but who IG thinks will resonate best with what you have to say.
Pure magic!
One last thing before you ride off into the sunset and start trying out trial reels…if you're interested in diving deeper in social with a strategist who isn't like anyone else I'm launching something very fun soon. You can get on the list here.