I literally just told my clients this last week: when you’re creating trial reels, they cannot be carbon copies of content you’ve already posted.
Instagram recently confirmed that duplicate trial reels—meaning direct re-uploads of the same video—will be downranked and shown to fewer people. I had already noticed this trend in my own analytics. When I reused successful reels as trial reels, they simply didn’t perform as well as the originals. I assumed it was because they were direct copies, which could come across as spammy. Instagram has confirmed this suspicion, and when they see the duplication they won’t reward it.
What This Means for Your Strategy
The good news? You can still share the same content idea in both a reel and a trial reel—you just need to make some tweaks. Small changes like adjusting the hook, using different music, or rewriting the caption can help your content stand out as fresh.
Think of trial reels as exactly what they sound like: trials. Use them to test variations—different hooks, captions, styles, or even delivery formats. By experimenting, you’ll get valuable insight into what resonates with your audience.
Best Practices for Trial Reels
According to Instagram, this update only affects trial reels, not regular reels (side note – I call them “Real Reels” because they are “real”y on your feed…just something that makes me giggle) on your feed. That said, I still recommend making slight variations even on your main posts. It never hurts to keep your content fresh.
Some “experts” suggest posting five trial reels a day. Personally, I think that’s unrealistic for most business owners (and for me, too—even though I do have an intern now, more on that later!). Instead, focus on quality and consistency. A few smart variations will serve you far better than spamming duplicates.
Don’t forget to integrate features like DM automations, interactive captions, and sharing when possible to maximize your reach.
Final Thoughts
Trial Reels are a fantastic tool for experimenting and fine-tuning your Instagram strategy—but only if you use them wisely. Avoid duplicates, make small changes, and track performance to see what works best for your audience.
And remember, your audience isn’t my audience or your competitor’s. Speak authentically, test strategically, and watch your engagement grow.
Share this article with a fellow business owner who might not know how powerful trial Reels can be when used the right way.
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