Call Her Creator with Katelyn Rhoades Episode 54: Instagram Trial Reels – Everything You Need to Know About the New Update Release Date: January 22, 2025

Introduction to Trial Reels

In Episode 54 of Call Her Creator, host Katelyn Rhoades delves into the newly introduced Instagram feature: Trial Reels. Recognizing the buzz surrounding this update, Katelyn aims to demystify how Trial Reels operate, their potential benefits for creators, and practical steps to effectively integrate them into your social media strategy.

Katelyn opens the episode with enthusiasm:

"If you've ever felt nervous about sharing a reel, Instagram is helping all of us little nervous nellies with trial reels." ([00:00])

What Are Trial Reels?

Trial Reels are Instagram’s latest feature designed to allow creators to experiment with content before it reaches their entire follower base. Think of them as a "soft launch" for new ideas, enabling creators to gauge the reception of their content among non-followers without the fear of immediate backlash or poor engagement metrics.

Katelyn explains:

"Trial reels allow creators to post experimental content that only non followers will see. So if the reel performs really well, you could decide if you want to show it to your followers or keep it hidden." ([00:00])

Benefits of Trial Reels

Katelyn outlines three primary reasons why Trial Reels are a game changer for creators:

1. Increased Exposure

   • Trial Reels are shown to a broader, non-follower audience, significantly increasing the chances of content going viral. Katelyn highlights:

     "They get shown to non followers, which increases the chance of going viral. If your new reel resonates, it could lead to a big boost in followers and engagement." ([08:30])

2. Organic Growth

   • By attracting new, genuinely interested audiences who haven't previously engaged with your content, Trial Reels facilitate authentic growth. She notes:

     "Trial reels help attract non followers who are genuinely interested in your new content. These are people who haven't seen your content before." ([10:15])

3. Low-Risk Content Testing

   • Creators can experiment without the fear of negatively impacting their overall engagement metrics. If a Trial Reel doesn’t perform well, it can be deleted without your followers ever knowing. Katelyn mentions:

     "Trial reels allow creators to experiment without fear of low engagement that will impact their metrics." ([12:45])

How to Use Trial Reels: Step-by-Step Guide

Katelyn provides a clear, actionable guide on utilizing Trial Reels:

1. Create Your Reel

   • Open the Instagram app and either upload or record your video to create a reel.

2. Enable Trial Mode

   • Before posting, scroll to the caption screen and tap the settings button labeled "Turn on trial." Switch this option on to activate Trial Reels.

3. Post and Monitor

   • Share your Trial Reel. Within 24 hours, Instagram provides analytics indicating the reel’s performance.

4. Decide to Share or Hide

   • If the reel performs well based on initial analytics, you can choose to share it with all your followers. Alternatively, you can allow Instagram to automatically share it if it meets performance criteria within the first 72 hours.

Katelyn advises:

"I personally would probably choose the option where Instagram automatically does its thing because Instagram knows if it's performing well or not." ([20:10])

Best Practices for Trial Reels

To maximize the effectiveness of Trial Reels, Katelyn shares several best practices:

1. Define Your Testing Goals

   • Clearly outline what you aim to achieve with each Trial Reel, whether it's exploring a new niche, experimenting with different content styles, or testing new formats.
   • Katelyn emphasizes:

     "If you are going to do the trial reel, you need to define your goal." ([23:00])

2. Optimize for Non-Followers

   • Tailor your content to appeal to a broader audience since Trial Reels reach users who do not follow you. Avoid overly specific language that might alienate potential new viewers.
   • She advises:

     "Your hooks, your captions be a little bit more broad. Don't say, 'Hey, girl,' unless that's your specific audience." ([25:30])

3. Monitor Analytics Closely

   • After posting, closely examine the performance metrics provided by Instagram to make informed decisions about whether to share the reel widely.
   • Katelyn recommends:

     "Dig deep into those analytics and kind of decide, all right, were my views high? Did my engagement tick up a little bit?" ([27:15])

4. Strategic Testing

   • Incorporate Trial Reels into your content strategy thoughtfully, perhaps limiting them to a few per week to maintain balance and prevent overuse.
   • She suggests:

     "Maybe you do two trial reels a week. You don't want to overuse trial reels." ([29:00])

Real-Life Feedback: Brooke Monk’s Experience

To illustrate the practical benefits of Trial Reels, Katelyn shares insights from popular creator Brooke Monk, who has successfully leveraged this feature.

Brooke states:

"Trial reels have been a game changer for me. They've allowed me to experiment with content in a way that feels low pressure. Love that." ([32:50])

She continues to praise how Trial Reels have enabled her to reach new audiences and foster a creative environment without the stress of immediate public judgment.

Katelyn reflects:

"It's like having a creative playground for my brand." ([33:20])

This testimonial underscores the potential of Trial Reels to act as a safe space for creativity and innovation, allowing creators to expand their content repertoire confidently.

Recap and Conclusion

In summary, Episode 54 of Call Her Creator thoroughly explores Instagram Trial Reels, highlighting their significance in modern social media strategies. Katelyn Rhoades effectively conveys that:

• Trial Reels serve as a low-risk platform for testing and refining new content ideas.
• They offer substantial benefits, including increased exposure, organic growth, and the ability to experiment without jeopardizing existing engagement metrics.
• By following best practices, creators can maximize the potential of Trial Reels to enhance their online presence and diversify their content offerings.

Katelyn concludes with a call to action:

"I want to know if you guys have tried the trial reels yet. Tag me in your trial reel. Send me a DM. I'd love to share more feedback." ([38:40])

She encourages listeners to engage with her and the broader creator community, fostering a collaborative environment for shared growth and success.

Final Thoughts

Katelyn Rhoades’ comprehensive discussion on Trial Reels provides valuable insights for creators aiming to innovate and expand their content horizons on Instagram. By embracing Trial Reels, creators can navigate the evolving social media landscape with confidence, creativity, and strategic intent.

Thank you for reading the detailed summary of Episode 54 of Call Her Creator. Stay tuned for more insights and strategies to empower your journey as a thriving online creator.