Today we introduce Test rollsa new way to try out content and find what works best by sharing Reels with people who don’t follow you.

If you’ve always wanted to experiment with new ideas without worrying about how your followers might react, test videos are the tool for you. With Test Reels, you no longer have to guess how your content will perform.

Check whether content resonates before sharing it with your followers

We often hear from creators that they are afraid to post too much or try content that is outside of their niche on Instagram for fear that it won’t resonate with their followers.

Test videos are shown to non-followers first. Now, if you want to try a new genre, storytelling format, or topic, you can easily get a gut check on how your content might work. If you are happy with a test reel and its performance, you can share it with your followers with one tap, or set the reel to automatically share it with your followers after the test is completed if it performs well.

How to share test videos on Instagram

To share a role as a trial, simply follow the usual steps for creating a role. However, before sharing, tap the switch to turn on “Trial”. After you share your test video, you can find it on your profile. There it will appear next to your drafts.

Only you can tell that your role is a trial. It won’t appear to other people in your profile’s main grid or Reels tab unless you later decide to share it with everyone, and your followers won’t see the test reel in their feed or Reels tab. .

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Of course, some followers may still see your test video in places other than your feed. For example, someone might share your Reel in a direct message or on a page that displays Reels with the same audio, location, or filter.

Approximately 24 hours after you share a test Reel, you can view key engagement metrics in the Reels viewer—including views, likes, comments, and shares—to get an idea of ​​its performance. We also share insights with you, such as: B. How the trial performs compared to previous trials you’ve shared.

If your test video performs well, you can “share it with everyone” so your followers can see it and increase its reach. Or you can automate this process. When you create the test reel, you can choose to have Instagram automatically share your test reel with followers if we determine that it is performing well based on the views it receives within the first 72 hours. You can change this setting at any time.

Once shared with everyone, the Reel will appear in your profile grid and can be distributed to followers across all Instagram surfaces.

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What the makers already say

We started testing trial versions at the beginning of the year and incorporated developer feedback into the development of the current version. We are already seeing initial success from YouTubers who had access. They report that their fresh content ideas are well received by both new target groups and existing followers.

Trials begin rolling out today and will be available to all eligible creators worldwide in the coming weeks. We’re excited to continue investing in new ways to help you express yourself on Instagram while achieving your goals.

For more information about trial roles, including eligibility, see our Help Center.