Instagram Tests Reels You Can Only Watch With a Secret Code

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.

instagram locked reel
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.

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Top Rated Comments

SamRyouji Avatar
10 weeks ago
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.
Score: 31 Votes (Like | Disagree)
TestedLion Avatar
10 weeks ago

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...
Score: 13 Votes (Like | Disagree)
SamRyouji Avatar
10 weeks ago

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."
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
completediplomat Avatar
10 weeks ago
“It insists upon itself.”
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
0049190 Avatar
10 weeks ago
I stopped using Instagram. It was fun at the start but now it’s full of boring influencers and celebrities promoting stuff for money.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
racerhomie Avatar
10 weeks ago

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
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)