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Instagram is likely quietly testing mesh reels that viewers would have to unlock with a code and a provided touch . The feature is a simple way to increase engagement with the creator ’s cognitive content , but it could also provide creators and celebrities a path to partake sole Scottish reel with their most consecrate fans , who are more probable to sleep with the resolution to hints .
For deterrent example , a creator may engage a bobbin with the hint , “ my birthday ” or “ my dog ’s name ” so as to share exclusive content with loyal followers .
The Meta - owned societal connection was spottedtesting the featureon its Design account , where it shared a locked reel that incite viewers to “ Enter unavowed codification . ” The hint for the codification is “ first # in the caption . ” In this example , the computer code is “ threads ” — a reference point to the first hashtag cite in the caption . Once you unlock the reel , you ’ll see a banner that say “ coming shortly , ” which seems to be the Design business relationship ’s announcement that it ’s launching a visibility on Threads .
Instagram did not respond to TechCrunch ’s request for comment to learn more about this feature , but the mental testing was descry being tested on a public account .
The young feature could also be used by creators and brands to set up promotions or marketing drive in a fun way . For example , they could use locked reels for product reveals or to make buzz around launches .
As for steady users , the new feature could be a fun way to deal content with specific admirer .
Of of course , some people may not need to engage with locked reel and spend time trying to determine secret codes , specially since Instagram is already flooded with tons of different eccentric of subject matter and features .
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It ’s deserving remark that the Modern mental testing characteristic is somewhat interchangeable to Instagram’s“Reveal ” featurethat countenance you post a secret Story for your followers to uncover by sending you a DM . That feature film set up last year as a way to create more intimate connections on the app and boost engagement .
As with any other test feature , it ’s unknown when or if Instagram contrive to vagabond out locked reels widely .
