Instagram is testing locked reels the require secret codes to watch
Meta-owned Instagram is allegedly testing locked reels that cannot be watched without entering secret codes or keywords to unlock and play.
TechCrunch reports that Meta’s official Instagram Design account shared a locked reel that requires entering a secret code to watch. When unlocked, the reel shows an animated banner with the “coming soon” tagline, which appears to be the announcement that Instagram Design will soon be launching a Threads profile.
If rolled out widely, locked reels would enable creators and celebrities to share exclusive content with their most loyal fans and boost engagement. It’s unclear if Meta might offer this feature to anyone on Instagram so anoyone could, say, share locked reels only with their friends who know their secret code.
Instagram is testing locked reels
TechCrunch speculates that locked reels could be perfect for brands to create product reveals or buzz around launches. Instagram already has a sticker, called Reveal. Introduced last year, it lets you post a blurred story that can only be revealed by sending you a direct message. A similar but older feature on Instagram requires followers to shake their phone to develop the image inside the frame.
One thing is certain: locked reels aren’t an accidental leak. The Instagram Design account is public, so Meta probably wanted to gauge feedback before it started testing locked reels with the general public. However, the company may ultimately decide to pull the feature altogether if testers end up not liking it.
Meta is reportedly also working on an official Instagram app for iPad. After ignoring tablets for fifteen years, Meta changed its stance due to the looming TikTok ban in the United States. Instagram has been desperately trying to make itself look and feel like TikTok; for example, one of the recent changes includes holding either screen edge to fast-forward a reel and skip the boring parts.
Source link: https://www.idownloadblog.com/2025/04/10/meta-instagram-locked-reels-test/
Leave a Reply