Brandon, what the hell are you even talking about?
I can already hear somebody asking me that, and I’ll answer before you actually do. I’m talking about two features on Instagram that most creators are either overlooking or flat out ignoring: Instagram Trials and Instagram Auto Translate. These two might sound like small things, but trust me, they’re quiet game changers when it comes to reach, visibility, and connection.
Let me break it down.
What is Instagram Trials?
Think of Instagram Trials like your digital lab, data center, and testing grounds. When you create a reel and post it as a trial, you’re essentially plugging your content into a wider conversation to see if it’ll stick while collecting data and feedback from total strangers. Trials connect your content to a new audience “not your followers”, making it discoverable in a “thread” of reels that other people are watching.
For example, let’s say you post a reel about photography tips. Post it as a trial, your reel doesn’t live on your page, it gets pulled into a bigger reel collection that Instagram curates. People scrolling through that will see your content right alongside others. And you know what that means? Free exposure to an audience who’s already interested in your subject. And if it doesn’t perform well, welp, you can delete, and not share to your page. “trial” get it? its your backend testing grounds.
Why wouldn’t you want that? It’s like performing on a stage where the crowd already bought tickets for your genre of music. You’re not screaming into the void, you’re speaking to the people who actually care.
That’s why I call it “The Secret Sauce”. Too many creators are focused only on hashtags or hoping the algorithm does its magic randomly. Trials put you in the right lane and allow yourself to test things out and see if it sticks without the mental pressure of what ifs.
Why You Should Use Instagram Auto Translate
Now let’s talk about auto translations. Instagram quietly gave us a superpower with this one, but most people sleep on it. To think of the manual work you’d have to do if this feature didn’t exist 😅.
Here’s the truth: not everyone who follows you, or who could follow you, speaks your language. Instagram is global. People from Spain, Japan, Brazil, and Nigeria could be seeing your content right now. But if they can’t understand what you’re saying or writing, you’ve just built a wall between you and them.
That’s where auto translate comes in. By tapping that feature, your captions, your voice, can be instantly translated for viewers in their own language. It removes the friction. It makes your content universal. And it’s pretty damn good and cool if you ask me. Your friends may laugh but, when you’re known worldwide, they’ll wish they started when you did.
Think about it: what you’re really doing is multiplying your voice without having to know multiple languages. A reel that might only make sense to an English speaking audience suddenly becomes accessible to millions more people. And if the message lands, those people share it, comment on it, and maybe even follow you.
Don’t wait until your favorite “influencer” tells you… when i just did.
For me, auto translate is a no brainer. Why put a ceiling on your content when Instagram is literally offering you a free ladder?
Here’s exactly how I’ve been using both:
- Create a reel. Nothing crazy. Keep it fun, keep it real.
- Upload it. Don’t overthink, get it up.
- Tap Trial. So it’s pushed to non followers and puts you part of that bigger discovery pool.
- Tap Auto Translate. Open the door to the world.
- Post. Let it live for at least a day so you can see the insights and engagement, before you decide whether you want to share to your feed of followers, or let it sit in the trials.
Then rinse and repeat.
That’s it. That’s the strategy. Simple, but it works. And yes, I probably should charge you for it… but today I’m in a giving mood. If it helps, feel free to send me a dollar or two (or three) on Cash App $thesocialtourhq Call it a tip jar for your growth.
One more thing while I’ve got your attention. If you really want to take the pressure off, “hide your likes”
I know, some people roll their eyes at this. Usually, it’s the same people who don’t support your posts anyway. But let me tell you why it matters. Hiding likes, frees you from judgment. You post more when you’re not obsessed with whether a number is “good enough.” And the more you post, the better you get, the more data you collect, and the more the algorithm understands you.
This is something I just started doing and not only does it keep me posting, but with the combination of trials, auto translate, and page bouncing, it keeps my content in a cycle and I always have a post pending in the pool… it’s genius if you ask me.
Because truth is, It’s not about likes. It’s about consistency, visibility, and freedom to express yourself.
So yeah, Trials and Translations. If you’re not using them, you’re leaving reach and connection on the table. And honestly, you’re probably making the whole content game harder than it has to be.
Take the pressure off. Have fun. Let your content breathe. Use the tools Instagram is handing you. “There’s so many if you stop scrolling and pay attention” And if you really want to go deeper into strategies like this… stuff I don’t always give away for free, book a 1:1 creative direction session with me. We can do it in person or virtually, and I promise you’ll walk away with tools that’ll change how you create.
As always, I hope this helps.
– B
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