Instagram seems to be quietly testing locked reels that viewers must unlock with a code and a offered trace. The function is a straightforward solution to enhance engagement with the creator’s content material, however it may additionally supply creators and celebrities a solution to share unique reels with their most devoted followers, who usually tend to know the reply to hints.
For instance, a creator could lock a reel with the trace, “my birthday” or “my canine’s title” in an effort to share unique content material with loyal followers.
The Meta-owned social community was noticed testing the feature on its Design account, the place it shared a locked reel that prompts viewers to “Enter secret code.” The trace for the code is “1st # within the caption.” On this case, the code is “threads” — a reference to the primary hashtag talked about within the caption. When you unlock the reel, you’ll see a banner that claims “coming quickly,” which seems to be the Design account’s announcement that it’s launching a profile on Threads.
Instagram didn’t reply to TechCrunch’s request for remark to be taught extra about this function, however the check was noticed being examined on a public account.
The brand new function may be utilized by creators and types to launch promotions or advertising and marketing campaigns in a enjoyable method. As an illustration, they may use locked reels for product reveals or to create buzz round launches.
As for normal customers, the brand new function might be a enjoyable solution to share content material with particular buddies.
In fact, some individuals could not need to have interaction with locked reels and spend time looking for secret codes, particularly since Instagram is already flooded with tons of several types of content material and options.
It’s price noting that the brand new check function is considerably much like Instagram’s “Reveal” function that permits you to publish a hidden Story on your followers to uncover by sending you a DM. That function launched final 12 months as a solution to create extra intimate connections on the app and increase engagement.
As with all different check function, it’s unknown when or if Instagram plans to roll out locked reels extensively.