Instagram is testing a new feature designed to make your Reels more private. This option uses secret codes and hints, allowing creators to control who can view their content. While the rollout isn’t official yet, this change reflects ongoing efforts to compete with TikTok as Meta responds to recent developments.
This latest initiative comes amid TikTok’s troubled status in the US, which has prompted Meta to adopt some of its popular features for Instagram. Following attempts to attract TikTok creators with large bonuses, Instagram is now introducing tools to enhance user experience on its platform.
Unlocking Your Videos with Hints
As reported by TechCrunch, the locked reels feature allows users to set up secret codes for their videos. When they encounter locked content, users will be prompted to enter a code. To assist viewers, the creator can provide hints to help them guess the code correctly. A recent example showed this feature in action on Instagram’s Design account. Viewers were invited to unlock a video revealing news about launching a profile on Threads, Meta’s competitor platform.
This approach isn’t entirely new to Instagram; similar concepts have appeared. In 2024, they introduced a reveal sticker for Stories that required viewers to send direct messages to unlock exclusive content.
