Instagram is officially launching "trial reels," a feature that enables creators to test new content without fear of judgment from their followers. The feature, which was first tested in May, allows creators to experiment with different ideas, genres, and formats without worrying about how their followers might react.

The trial reels feature is designed to give creators a safe space to try out new content without the pressure of performing in front of their entire follower base. When a creator publishes a trial reel, it is only visible to non-followers, and the creator can choose to share it with their followers if they're satisfied with its performance. This feature could give Instagram an edge over its competitor, TikTok, which currently doesn't offer a similar feature.

According to Instagram VP and Head of Product Management Ashley Alexander, the idea behind trial reels is to empower creators to experiment with new content without fear of alienating their followers. "We heard from creators that they just don't always feel comfortable or they're reluctant to experiment with different types of content because they've built up a follower base and they want to make sure they don't alienate it," Alexander explained.

Alexander cited the example of a fashion creator who wants to branch into a music career but is hesitant to post singing videos because they're worried about turning off their followers. With trial reels, creators can test the waters without risking their reputation or follower base.

To use trial reels, creators can toggle the "Trial" option after creating a reel. The reel will then be shared with non-followers and won't appear on their profile's main grid or reels tab. It's worth noting that a follower could still see a trial reel if someone shares it directly with them.

After 24 hours, creators can see how many views, likes, comments, and shares the reel received. They can then choose to archive it or post it to their profile to share it with their followers. This feature is rolling out globally to everyone with a professional account on Instagram over the next few weeks.

Trial reels are a useful addition for creators, as many of them see their Instagram profile as their business card, which adds a lot of pressure around the content they publish. With this new feature, they can test new content and ensure they are only putting their most polished content on their profile to ensure they don't lose followers or brand deals.

Alexander emphasized that Instagram's goal is to innovate ahead of its competitors and help creators understand how they can make their content better and reach a wider audience. The company plans to achieve this with both trial reels and future creator-focused features.

Overall, trial reels are a significant development for Instagram creators, offering them a way to experiment with new content without fear of judgment. As the platform continues to evolve and innovate, it will be interesting to see how creators utilize this feature and how it impacts the overall Instagram ecosystem.