Trial reels are a low-risk way to test ideas on non-followers. Here is who benefits, who might not, and what results are realistic for a small business.

Are Instagram Trial Reels Worth It? An Honest Verdict

Are Instagram Trial Reels Worth It? An Honest Verdict for Small Businesses

Followers don't get trial reels in Feed, Reels or on your profile, but they can still find them through DMs, audio pages and search. Here is who sees what.

Can Your Followers See Your Instagram Trial Reels?

Can Your Followers See Your Trial Reels?

You can schedule trial reels in the Instagram app and through schedulers that auto-post via Meta's API. Here's why reminder posting doesn't work.

Can You Schedule Instagram Trial Reels? Which Tools Can (2026)

Can You Schedule Trial Reels on Instagram? Yes, Here's Where and How

Check eligibility, flip the Trial toggle and decide how it reaches followers. Here's how to post an Instagram trial reel in the app or from a scheduler.

How to Post a Trial Reel on Instagram (Step by Step)

How to Post a Trial Reel on Instagram (and What to Do If You Can't See the Option)

What is Instagram's 24-hour messaging window, and what can an automated DM send? Private replies, follow-ups, promo rules and rate limits in plain English.

Instagram's 24-Hour Messaging Rule, Explained

What Is Instagram's 24-Hour Messaging Rule, and What Can an Automated DM Send?

Yes, comment-to-DM is a supported Instagram feature. Here is what Meta's rules allow, the published limits, and how to set it up the right way.

Is Comment-to-DM Allowed on Instagram? What Meta Says

Is Comment-to-DM Allowed on Instagram? What Meta's Rules Say

Instagram can auto-share a trial reel that performs well, or you can share it yourself. Here is how each mode works and when to pick it.

Trial Reels: Auto-Share Within 72 Hours or Share Manually?

Should You Let Instagram Auto-Share Trial Reels, or Share Them Yourself?

Instagram auto DM not working? A checklist for comment-to-DM failures: permissions, another app owning the conversation, message requests and more.

Why Isn't My Instagram Comment-to-DM Sending?

Why Isn't My Instagram Comment-to-DM Automation Sending?

Trial reels stuck at zero views? Check recommendation eligibility, reused content and timing first, then the hook. A checklist built on Instagram's own rules.

Why Are My Trial Reels Getting No Views? A Checklist

Why Are My Trial Reels Getting No Views?

Can one MCP server publish to Instagram and read how the post did? Yes. Here's how a scheduler's connector closes the loop inside a single Claude chat.

Instagram MCP Server That Posts and Reads Analytics

Is There an MCP Server That Can Post to Instagram and Also Read How the Post Did?

At one Reel a day, the safe way to automate Instagram posting is a scheduler on the official API, not a browser bot. Here's how the full pipeline fits.

The Safe Way to Automate Instagram Reels With AI

What's the Safe Way to Automate Instagram Reels With AI?

One Reel got far more views than the rest? Here's how to compare it with your typical Reel, which metrics to check, and when one outlier is not a pattern.

Why Did One Reel Take Off? How to Make More Like It

Why Did One of My Reels Take Off, and How Do I Make More Like It?

Stephanie Urbaetis designs and makes fine jewelry under her own name. See how she taught ChatGPT her visual style and planned her next posts in Planoly.

How Urbaetis Fine Jewelry plans its Instagram with Planoly and ChatGPT

Posting daily won't grow your Instagram account on its own. Here's the free method to find your best formats, and how to speed it up.

Is Posting Consistency Enough to Grow on IG?

Is Posting Consistently Enough to Grow on Instagram?

A straight answer on what Claude can actually do with your Instagram, TikTok, and other accounts through Planoly, what still needs your approval, and what it won't touch.

Can Claude Post to Instagram? What It Can (and Can't) Do

Can Claude Post to Instagram? What an AI Connector Can (and Can't) Do

Instagram has been busy. Between algorithm shifts, new sharing features, and long-overdue creator protections, the platform has rolled out a handful of updates recently that are worth paying attention to. Here's a breakdown of what's new and what it means for your content strategy.

New Instagram Updates This Week

If you've spent years building content from scratch while watching repost accounts gain followers from your work, Instagram finally heard you. As of last week, the platform is rolling out a major policy update that strips repost-heavy accounts of one of their biggest advantages: algorithmic reach.

Instagram Updates its Original Content Policy

Instants is here! The new standalone app by Instagram just dropped, and it’s exactly what we predicted it would be: disappearing photos meant to be sent in real time. The Snapchat lookalike marks another step in building Meta’s photo sharing super-ecosystem.

Instagram’s New App Instants Just Launched

Instagram’s Instants Just Launched

Your Reels just became a storefront. If you've been treating affiliate links as a separate layer of your content strategy, like something that lives in your bio, your Stories, or maybe a link-in-bio tool, that's about to change. Instagram just announced that creators can now tag products directly in Reels using affiliate links, turning every video into an easily shoppable moment.

How to Add Affiliate Links to Instagram Reels | April 2026 New Feature

How to Add Affiliate Links to Instagram Reels

On March 25, 2026, a Los Angeles jury found Meta and YouTube legally responsible for harming a young person through the algorithmic, addictive design of their platforms. A day earlier, Meta was ordered to pay $375 million in a separate case in New Mexico. Together, these two verdicts mark a turning point in how governments and courts are thinking about social media.

Meta and Youtube Found Liable in Landmark Case

Meta is officially testing a paid subscription tier on Instagram called Instagram Plus, and it's worth paying attention to, especially if Stories are a core part of how you connect with your audience.

Instagram Plus Has Officially Launched

Instagram is Officially Testing Instagram Plus

This is the fix creators have been asking for forever. Before this update, if you posted a carousel in the wrong order, your only option was to delete the whole post and start over, losing any engagement you got in the process. Now you can go back in and rearrange slides without touching your likes, comments, or shares.

You Can Now Reorder Your Instagram Carousel Images

For the longest time, dropping a link in an Instagram caption was a faux pas — a telltale sign of a not-so-savvy social media manager. But now, that may be changing. Meta has officially begun testing clickable links in Instagram captions.

Instagram is Finally Testing Links in Captions

You can now embed a link to another Reel or Instagram profile directly inside a video you’re editing in Edits, and that link carries over when you publish on Instagram. It looks cool and sounds simple, but it’s actually a bigger deal than it seems.

Instagram Edits Just Got Another Major Update

Instagram has just released new analytics and growth tools to public accounts, meaning you no longer need to be registered as a professional or business account to see your insights.

Instagram Analytics Tools Updates

Instagram Analytics Tools Updates for Public Accounts

Snapchat invented Stories. Instagram copied Stories. Now Meta is repeating history and building a new standalone app that will basically copy Snapchat’s original core feature: disappearing photos.

Meta Is Building Instants, a New Snapchat Competitor

You may have noticed your Instagram feed was flooded with throwbacks to 2016 last week. Over-edited selfies, Snapchat puppy dog filters, and OOTDs in front of brightly colored walls. Which begs the question: why is everyone so obsessed with 2016 again?

Why Is Everyone Obsessed With 2016 on Instagram?

Instagram is moving highlights to the grid, in an effort to simplify the profile. Here's how creators can adapt.

Instagram is Moving Story Highlights to the Grid

Instagram Broadcast Channels are one of the most effective ways to build community around your brand – and one of the most underutilized tools on the app. Whether you're a creator, small business, or established brand, broadcast channels give you a direct line to your most engaged audience members. Let's break down what they are, how to use them, and why they can become a powerful part of your growth strategy.

How to Use Instagram Channels to Build Your Brand

How to Use Instagram Broadcast Channels to Build Brand Loyalty

Instagram just dropped a new feature that lets you link multiple Reels together—perfect for creators who love building series, tutorials, or follow-up content.

How to Use Instagram's New Linking Reels Feature

How to Use Instagram’s New Linking Reels Feature

Instagram has introduced a new Reposts feature, giving creators the ability to reshare content directly to a dedicated tab on their profile. It's a simple update with big impact, making it easier than ever to highlight other creators and amplify community content.

How to Use Instagram's New Reposts Feature to Grow Your Brand

How to Use Instagram’s New Reposts Feature to Grow Your Brand

Does scheduling Instagram posts affect your reach? Do hashtags still work? Learn the truth behind these 7 common Instagram myths.

Debunking 7 Common Instagram Myths

The ultimate guide to Instagram content—discover which format works best for every goal, from reaching new audiences to engaging your followers.

The Ultimate Guide to Every Type of Instagram Content

Whether you're aiming for the original Instagram verification or exploring Meta Verified (the paid option), this guide breaks down everything you need to know, including a simple, step-by-step walkthrough to help you apply with confidence.

How To Get Instagram Verified in 2026

In 2025, Instagram isn't just a photo-sharing app—it's a multi-format machine powered by Reels, DMs, Broadcast Channels, and algorithmic discovery. So, does planning your grid still matter?

Does Planning Your Instagram Grid Still Matter in 2025?

Instagram's new Unlockable Reels are a powerful tool for building community, driving engagement, and offering bonus value. Here are three smart strategies to get started.

Three Ways to Use Unlockable Reels

Noticed more carousels popping up in your feed lately? You're not imagining it—and if you're not already using them, it might be time to bring them back into your content mix.

How to Design High-Performing Instagram Carousels

Instagram Carousels Are Making a Comeback

Use these strategies to improve your Instagram Story reach.

How To Increase Your Instagram Story Views

Understanding Instagram's ranking system is crucial for creators looking to maximize their reach and engagement. Here's what you need to know.

How the Instagram Algorithm Works in 2025

How Instagram Ranking Works: Everything You Need to Know

Breaking down everything you need to know about Instagram's new 3:4 vertical grid.

Instagram Vertical Grid: Guide to New Format

A Complete Guide to Instagram’s New Vertical Grid

Everything you need to know about Instagram's new Trial Reels feature, designed to empowers creators to test new content.

Instagram Trial Reels: What You Need to Know

What to Know About Instagram Trial Reels

7 Tips from Influencer Marketing Managers to Get More Brand Deals in 2025

Tips from Influencer Marketing Managers to Get More Brand Deals in 2025

Instagram recently announced that users can reset suggested content across their Explore page, Reels and Feed.

How to Reset Your Instagram Algorithm

You can add music to your reels, feed posts, and stories on Instagram. Learn how you can leverage this to increase views and engagement.

How Adding Music Can Boost Your Instagram Engagement

How Adding Music Can Increase Your Instagram Engagement

Answer to does instagram have a new rectangle grid

Instagram new rectangular grid, did instagram change its grid to a rectangle?

The Ups and Downs of Instagram’s New Rectangle Grid

Discover the Instagram account type for your goals with our guide to Business, Creator, and Personal accounts. Learn which is best for you.

Understanding Instagram Account Types: Business, Creator, and Personal

Instagram Account Types: Business, Creator, and Personal

Instagram is launching new creative tools for Reels. Learn these features and how you can use them for your content in this blog post.

Instagram's Newest Creative Tools for Reels

Discover Instagram's new Close Friends' feed and how it can effect your enagement

Meet Instagram's New Close Friends Feed

Here's how to get more views on your Instagram Story by hacking the Instagram algorithm to better rank your IG Stories Content.

How Does the Instagram Story Algorithm Work?

Instagram Story Views: How IG Ranks Story Content

If you're a brand or creator needing some collaboration post ideas then look no further than our Instagram Collaboration. It's complete of 6 ideas.

6 Instagram Collab Post Ideas

AI is taking over all platforms. Discover how to effectively manage your DMs on Instagram with their new AI Chatbot available for your IG DMs.

Instagram New AI Chatbot Experience in DMs

Instagram is now letting you include music in your static posts in a new update. Here's how to incorporate this new feature into your social strategy.

New Feature: How to Add Music to Instagram Posts

Instagram has made editing Reels content in the Instagram app much easier. Here's how you can use Instagram's new advanced Reels Editor.

Instagram's New Advanced Reels Editor

Want to make your Instagram content more discoverable? Here are tips and tricks to increase your chances of making the Explore Page.

How to Get On the Instagram Explore Page

Have you seen the new Reels Topics feature? Here's how to use this feature and how this can impact your Reels' performance on Instagram.

Instagram Reels Topics: How to Use This New Feature

Instagram is switching things up in 2023. See how they switch their focus from video to photos and their other top priorities for this year.

Instagram's New Priorities for 2023

The new year is the perfect time to improve your strategy. We're going to take you through how you can improve your Instagram strategy for 2023.

How to Refresh Your Instagram Strategy

It's said that posting Reels grows your Instagram engagement but is it true? Learn from our own Instagram data as we explore Reels engagement.

Does Posting Reels Grow You Instagram Performance

Instagram's algorithm got you down? Learn tips on how to create strategies and content that works with the algorithm in 2023, not against it.

Getting to Know the 2023 Instagram Algorithm

Winning on Instagram can be hard but not if you know who to follow! Here are great accounts to help you on your way to Instagram fame and stardom.

Instagram Marketing Strategy Accounts & Resources to Follow

Does your business need an easy way to build a following and audience? Try collabs! In this post, we'll break down how IG collabs can benefit your business.

How and Why You Should Use Instagram Collab Posts

There's been a lot of chatter around folks wanting Instagram to go back to its roots. Stay in the know about all the backlash around Instagram.

Instagram Backlash: How IG Rolled Back Some Of Its Updates

Learn Planoly's #1 best practice for incorporating video and audio properly across multiple channels, including Instagram and TikTok.

How to Use TikTok Sound on Instagram

How to Import TikTok Audio Into Instagram Reels

Should you post more often on Instagram to grow your following and engagement? PLANOLY breaks down best practices on post frequency on Instagram!

How Often Should I Post On Instagram?

Instagram Reels is now letting you use other users' videos as templates. Learn more about how you can use it for your own content creation.

Instagram Reels Templates: How to Use This New Feature

You can now use other users' videos as Instagram Reels templates. Learn about this new update and how you can use it for your own content creation.

Can You Promote Reels on Instagram

Instagram introduced Limited Stories, only allowing three Stories in the viewing video. Read more about this change & how this affects your business.

Instagram Story Update: Limited Instagram Stories

By now, we've seen that Instagram Reels are outperforming our static content but why is that happening? We dive into Reels performance in this post.

How to Get More Views on Instagram Using Reels

Ever seen viral videos and wonder how you can replicate that success? Find out tips from industry experts on how to create videos that will go viral.

How to Create Viral Reels: 5 Expert Tips

Learn how to plan your Instagram content like a pro and how Sidewalker Daily uses their favorite PLANOLY features to run their Instagram and client's Instagram.

How to Plan Your Perfect Instagram Feed

Have a Facebook account and need to learn how to connect it to Instagram? Instagram is a great place to expand your business. We'll show you how!

How to Start An Instagram Business & Connect Your Facebook

How do you make sure your Reel cover fits with your grid aesthetic? Learn all the best practices when making Reel covers in this blog post.

Instagram Reel Cover: Design Tips for Your Grid

Designing Instagram Reel Covers to Fit Your Grid Aesthetic

Instagram is super important for a business's growth. Heading into 2022, here are important updates to Instagram and trends to look out for when planning.

Instagram Update 2022: Trends to Look out for in the New Year

Instagram Update 2022: A Roundup of Instagram's Newest Features

Learn how to turn your personal or creator account into an Instagram business account. Reap the benefits of switching to a business account with a few steps.

How to Make Your Instagram a Business Account

Curious about Instagram's new Creator account type? We've got the details you need to know on this brand new profile type in the blog. Click to learn more!

Instagram Creator Account: Everything You Need to Know

Everything You Need to Know About Instagram's New Creator Profile

Instagram has introduced Link Stickers. In this blog post, we'll talk about who has access to this feature and how to use it on your own Stories.

How to Add A Link to Instagram Stories Using Link Stickers

Instagram Reels is getting more popular and in this post, we'll talk about the Reels algorithm and you and your brand can succeed with video content.

The Reels Algorithm: How to Use Reels on Instagram

You work hard on your Reels but it doesn't seem to be getting views. We go through the best Reels on Instagram & how you can learn from their success.

Best Reels on Instagram: How Brands Can Create Engaging Reels

Ever find yourself wondering how to split your Instagram grid like your favorite brand, influencer, or creator? Learn exactly how with PLANOLY!

How to Split Your Photos with PLANOLY's Image Splitter

It's important for account security to change your password every now and then. We'll show you how to reset your Instagram password in this post.

How to Reset and Change Your Instagram Password

Instagram is putting a lot of importance on their Reels feature! Here, we'll share some tips and tricks on how to create amazing Reels content!

Instagram Reels: Tips & Tricks to Making Engaging Content

There's a lot to consider when choosing usernames: branding, searchability, memorability. Let's talk about how to choose the perfect username.

Instagram Username: Best Handles for Business

How to Choose Your Brand’s Instagram Handle

Learn how adding music to Instagram Stories and Reels can be a way to elevate your Story post content and leverage the popularity of trending music.

How to Add Music to Instagram

Want to make your Instagram feed stand out? Color themes are a great way to give your feed personality. We'll show you great examples to get ideas flowing!

Every Platform Change in Q2 That You Should Care About

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