Instagram has an underutilized "Trial Reel" feature that sends a video to a test audience of non-followers. This allows creators and brands to validate hooks and messaging without cluttering their main feed or risking low engagement with their core audience, providing a risk-free way to experiment.
While Instagram's Head, Adam Mosseri, claims resharing a post to your own story doesn't increase algorithmic reach, the action has a crucial secondary benefit. Story reactions and replies go directly to DMs, creating an immediate one-on-one conversation with your most engaged audience members, a key area of platform activity.
Standard grid posts on Instagram primarily reach existing followers. To increase the chances of reaching a new audience, post a static image as a Reel. By adding trending music, the post is more likely to be picked up by the algorithm and shown to non-followers, providing a better opportunity for viral reach.
To maximize visibility of a feed post shared to your Instagram Story, first 'prime' the algorithm. Start by posting an interactive Story, like a poll or a question sticker. This initial engagement signals to Instagram that your Stories are active, potentially increasing the number of people who see your subsequent Story share.