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.
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.
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.