Trial Reels - A Game-Changer for Actors on Instagram!

There’s a new feature on Instagram quietly changing the game for creators—and if you’re an actor who knows how to create the right kind of content, it could fast-track your visibility like never before.

They’re called Trial Reels, and while the name might not sound revolutionary, the results can be.

Here’s what they are, how they work, and how to use them strategically to stand out, grow your audience, and make an impact.

🎬 What Are Trial Reels?

Trial Reels is a setting that allows you to get your Reels in front of non-followers before they appear on your profile or reach your current audience.

That means you can try new ideas, characters, or styles without risking performance with your current followers—and get exposure to brand new people who might love your content.

If your Trial Reel gets high watch time, strong engagement, and keeps viewers hooked (⬅️ more on those 3 in a second), Instagram continues showing it to more non-followers. If it doesn’t perform well? No problem—it simply won’t be shared further.

Think of it like a “pilot episode” for your content. Instagram gives it a soft launch, and if people respond, it builds momentum.

🔍 How Do Trial Reels Work?

*You must have a PROFESSIONAL ACCOUNT (business or creator) to get this feature. Not sure how to switch? Read this article)

1. Create your Reel – Just like you normally would.

2. Toggle ‘Trial’ on – Before sharing, enable the Trial setting.

3. Share – Your Reel will be shown to people who don’t follow you and won’t appear on your grid.

4. Review Insights – Within 24 hours, Instagram will show you key performance metrics like views, likes, comments, and shares.

5. Decide Next Steps – If your Reel did well, you can choose to post it to your profile and share it with your audience. Honestly, I’ve been sharing them all (but it’s up to you).

🎭 Why Trial Reels Are a Game-Changer for Actors

If you're an actor trying to grow your presence on Instagram, Trial Reels could be your new secret weapon.

This feature gives you a rare opportunity to get your content in front of new, non-following audiences before it’s ever shown to your current followers. That means more chances for discovery, more reach, and more potential followers - without any of the usual pressure:

(This was one of my recent Trial Reels that helped a TON of new followers discover my account)

You can test different characters, scenes, genres, or formats and see what resonates. It’s a low-risk, high-reward way to not only expand your audience but also refine your content and build visibility for your casting sweet spot.

But - and this is important:

Trial Reels will only work if you do 2 things right:

If you want Trial Reels to work for you, you need to focus on the 2 most important metrics Instagram cares about: your hook and watch time.

Here’s how to make sure your content hits the mark:

1. Grab Attention FAST (Your Hook Matters)

You have seconds to capture someone’s attention. Trial Reels that start strong have a much better chance of being shown to more people.

Start with:

• A surprising statement

• A strong reaction or visual

• A relatable or dramatic moment

Avoid slow intros, logos, or extra space in the beginning of your video where nothing is happening!

🎭 Example hooks for actors:
”Actors…What’s the most embarrassing thing that ever happened to you in an audition? I’ll go first…”
“POV: You’re my roommate watching me prep for 3 self-tapes in one day.”

2. Keep People Watching (Watch Time = Visibility)

The longer people watch, the more your Reel gets pushed. Even a 10-second Reel can loop again and again if it’s engaging enough.

Use:

• On-screen text to keep viewers engaged (you can add this right in Instagram).

• Closed captions so they can watch without sound (you can also add these right in Instagram).

• A “wait for it” moment that rewards those who stick around.

🧠 Reminder: Instagram Pays Attention to Behavior—Not Just Aesthetics!

Instagram doesn't push content because it looks pretty. It pushes content that keeps people watching.

If someone scrolls past your Reel after 1 second, it won’t go far. If they watch the whole thing, like it, or share it - Instagram takes that as a sign that your content deserves more reach.

The best part? You’re an actor. You already know how to hook people, tell a story, and evoke emotion. This is just about learning to use those skills in a new format.

And soon, you won’t be waiting for opportunity - you’ll be creating it thanks to this super savvy feature!

And if you’re reading this and thinking “Heidi, I still need help with my Reels!?!?” You’re in luck…

This month in the Tech Savvy Actors I’m hosting a Reels Challenge that's running all month long!

 Inside the challenge, you’ll:
⭐ Learn 5 step-by-step Reels designed to showcase your talent and #actorlife

⭐ Have Q & A time with me to get your questions answered!

⭐ Be entered to win some fun tripods & tech tools (to help you with your reels)!

⭐  Get a chance to win a private coaching session with me (worth $225!)

 BONUS: For a few more days you can get $50 off the monthly cost of Tech Savvy Actors (and lock in that price as long as you stay a member).

See you on Instagram,