Instagram Tests Reels You Can Only Watch With a Secret Code

[MacRumors]

Instagram seems to be testing locked reels that require viewers to enter a keyword or a code to be able to see the hidden content. It's a feature that creators could use to increase engagement or to share content with their most loyal fans.

TechCrunch noticed that the Instagram Design account recently shared a locked reel with a hint provided to unlock the reel. Entering the code displays an animated banner with the "coming soon" wording, which seems to reference the Instagram Design team's announcement that it will soon have a Threads account.

As noted by TechCrunch, a creator could share a locked reel that requires a specific word to open, for example, providing a hint that only a follower would know such as a pet's name, which would be a way to share exclusive videos.

Instagram already has a feature that allows users to share a hidden story that can be unlocked with a DM, but the locked reel option does not require direct engagement. Instagram has not commented on the locked reel feature, and it is not clear if and when it will roll out to users.

Article Link: Instagram Tests Reels You Can Only Watch With a Secret Code

 

[SamRyouji]

I still remember the first 1.0 release of Instagram. Simple, yet beautiful. Only consists of myself, my close friends that I personally know. Timeline filled with non-curated, spontaneous photos with a simple captions. Not even videos exist.

This? This current version is an abomination. Filled with all kinds of snake-oil salespeople and "brands" and influencers. With heavily edited photos, staged filmed "reels", with captions seemingly rewritten "professionally" by GPTs. And now they add this "secret club". I'd say let this app burn.

 

[TestedLion]

I still remember the first 1.0 release of Instagram. Simple, yet beautiful. Only consists of myself, myclose friends that I personally know. Timeline filled with non-curated, spontaneous photos with a simple captions. Not even videos exist.

This? This current version is an abomination. Filled with all kinds of snake-oil salespeople and "brands" and influencers. With heavily edited photos, staged filmed "reels", with captions seemingly rewritten "professionally" by GPTs. And now they add this "secret club". I'd say let this app burn.

The secret code is 95% for pron, I'm sure.

IG isn't generating revenue like they used to...

 

[SamRyouji]

The secret code is 95% for pron, I'm sure.

IG isn't generating revenue like they used to...

I bet it is.

"Hey, pay as little as 4.99 USD for my secret code that will let you in on my little seductive secret. Sincerely, xxx."

 

[scorpio vega]

The secret code is 95% for pron, I'm sure.

IG isn't generating revenue like they used to...

I bet it is.

"Hey, pay as little as 4.99 USD for my secret code that will let you in on my little seductive secret. Sincerely, xxx."

Hey i don’t hate on those who do that type of work if there is an audience for that lol. Get that bag.

That being said, considering metas TOS and I also can’t see that being a huge market considering other platforms that likely isn’t going to be the case here.

It’ll be the generic influencers who manage to get their fans to pay $2-3. You have 500k followers. If you get a 1/10 of them to buy the code you made some easy cash lol.

“Check my reel for a special code for my new makeup tutorial” or sponsorships.

 

[LordArchie]

I bet it is.

"Hey, pay as little as 4.99 USD for my secret code that will let you in on my little seductive secret. Sincerely, xxx."

This is the right answer

 

[sw1tcher]

Instagram seems to be testing locked reels that require viewers to enter a keyword or a code to be able to see the hidden content. It's a feature that creators could use to increase engagement or to share content with their most loyal fans.

Is Instagram looking to take on OnlyFans?

 

[Aeronauts]

I stopped using Instagram. It was fun at the start but now it’s full of boring influencers and celebrities promoting stuff for money.

 

[completediplomat]

“It insists upon itself.”

 

[racerhomie]

The secret code is 95% for pron, I'm sure.

IG isn't generating revenue like they used to...

What’s Pron. I think you meant Porn

 

[racerhomie]

Is Instagram looking to take on OnlyFans?

Why not? If it generates more revenue

 

[thebart]

Put down that reel. Reels are for fans only

 

[winxmac]

Instagram should go back to photos only. They should create a separate website and app for short and long form content.

 

[xander49x]

For those that use IG I am happy for you, I will never use anything Meta owns, Meta can't be trusted.

 

[Ctrlos]

I still remember the first 1.0 release of Instagram. Simple, yet beautiful. Only consists of myself, my close friends that I personally know. Timeline filled with non-curated, spontaneous photos with a simple captions. Not even videos exist.

This? This current version is an abomination. Filled with all kinds of snake-oil salespeople and "brands" and influencers. With heavily edited photos, staged filmed "reels", with captions seemingly rewritten "professionally" by GPTs. And now they add this "secret club". I'd say let this app burn.

I’m still amazed the creators of Twitpic never sued them for plagiarism.

 

[svish]

I like the simple version. Not happy hearing about the possible changes coming to the app in the future.

 

[Kottu]

Making a way for "Only Fans" on Insta?

 

[GeoStructural]

Is Instagram looking to take on OnlyFans?

Or becoming a middleman in the operation.

 

[DEMinSoCAL]

What’s Pron. I think you meant Porn

He did, and online, people purposefully use the misspelling to bypass any filters than might either completely delete the word or the whole post. It's actually a pretty standard practice.

 

[SamRyouji]

I’m still amazed the creators of Twitpic never sued them for plagiarism.

I think because back in the day, we were all cool and chill to see several apps that have exact same features, but with different names and founders.

 

[TechnoTiger3000]

Who is still using products from the manipulation company?