How to Start Using Trial Reels for Your Instagram Account
Have you ever felt puzzled by how trial reels actually work, or wondered what type of content actually pops off for non-followers? You’re not alone! I’ve been experimenting with trial reels since they first launched, testing out different hooks and content styles, and I’m here to share what’s really working. We’ll explore why storytelling and clear elevator pitch style intros just might be the secret sauce for trial reels, plus I’ll walk you through my step by step process so you can test, duplicate, and optimize your content with ease. There’s no magic one size fits all code, but I’ll break down exactly how to find the formula that works for you, and how to repeat it. In this episode we’ll be covering:Tips for using Instagram trial reels to test content before sharing with your main feed.How to duplicate reels for both trial reels and your public Instagram feed.The importance of clear, storytelling hooks that introduce your account and vibe.Prompts and ideas for trial reels, including POV introductions and personalized captions.Testing multiple reel variations and analyzing which ones actually gain traction.Other episodes you might have missed:Episode 060: Nail Your Short Form Videos with This Simple FormulaEpisode 061: Use The Relatable Expert Hook to Create Your Next Helpful ReelEpisode 063: Was That an Ad? Even the Big Brands are Making it PersonalEpisode 064: POV: They’re hitting follow… Immediately.Send a message!Sign up for Reels Lab Join the Social Squad Society Love this conversation? Tap the follow button so you never miss an episode. Connect with me over on Instagram!
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9:27
POV: They’re Hitting Follow…Immediately
This episode is coming to you straight from the beach and we’re diving into one of my favorite categories from my signature 4H Method. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by all the advice about content calendars, conversion posts, and complicated strategies, this is the episode for you. I’ll break down why making your audience feel heard is so important when it comes to creating your Instagram content, plus I’m sharing some of my most effective hooks and real viral examples that have actually converted viewers into followers. In this episode we’ll be covering:An overview of the 4H Method and the real reason I created it.Why “traditional” content pillars didn’t work for me and why they probably don’t work for you either.Focusing on creating content that evokes feeling and emotion, creating a safe space for your audience.Viral hooks and reels that actually work, converting viewers to followers immediately.Trading inspirational and motivational content for content that makes people feel like you actually see and understand them.Giving your audience and identity or a name that makes them feel like they actually belong.Links to reels in this episode:Reel: Middle TravelersReel: Florida RealtorReel: Summer CountdownReel: This VibeOther episodes you might have missed:Episode 043: We’re Getting Back to Basics and Loving Our ContentEpisode 049: Relatable Humor That Says “They Get Me!”Episode 054: Is There Enough “You” In Your Content?Episode 063: Was That an Ad? Even the Big Brands are Making it PersonalSend a message!Sign up for Reels Lab Join the Social Squad Society Love this conversation? Tap the follow button so you never miss an episode. Connect with me over on Instagram!
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11:33
Was That an Ad? Even the Big Brands are Making it Personal
This summer is going to be amazing for your content and we are going to kick it off by exploring how today’s biggest brands (think Oreo, Taco Bell, and DSW) are embracing a more personal, relatable approach in their content marketing. We’ll walk through some big brand reels breaking down how they fit into the REP hook, discussing why the best marketing doesn’t feel like marketing, and how being human and relatable always wins, even in a world driven by trends and algorithms. In this episode we’ll be covering:Viral reels, trolls, and using the latest content trends for inspiration, not copyright infringement.The importance of adding your personal spin to trends and hooks on social media.The content shifts toward personalization and examples of how the big brands are adapting.The power of using the REP hook and moving beyond boring how to content.Links to reels in this episode:Reel: “Don’t Steal People’s Content”Other episodes you might have missed:Episode 058: Embrace the Content Creator MindsetEpisode 059: Are You Talking About What You Love?Episode 060: Nail Your Short Form Videos with This Simple FormulaEpisode 061: Use The Relatable Expert Hook to Create Your Next Helpful ReelEpisode 062: Why You Don’t Need Fancy Content to Stand OutSend a message!Sign up for Reels Lab Join the Social Squad Society Love this conversation? Tap the follow button so you never miss an episode. Connect with me over on Instagram!
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12:09
Why You Don’t Need Fancy Content to Stand Out
Today’s episode is a bit extra special, because I’m recording from our very own beach house at the Outer Banks! I’m sharing the wild, emotional journey of how I was able to buy the lot next to my grandmother’s original cottage and how content creation made it all possible.We’ll also talk about why the best content these days looks and feels like it’s coming from a real person, and I’ll break down strategies for simple, relatable posts that make you the friend people want to follow, no matter your business size or follower count. Plus, I’ll highlight real examples as inspiration so you can create easy, authentic content that fits right into your life.In this episode we’ll be covering:The power of posting authentic, relatable content rooted in real life.A huge follower count does not necessarily equate success.Instagram’s new Blend feature and creative ways to use it for marketing insights.Why posting like a person, not a brand, connects and resonates better with audiences.Creating low-stress, effective content by simply documenting moments from your daily life.Links to reels in this episode:Reel #1: Two player board gamesReel #2: Person with this initial owes you a beer…Reel #3: Solution to my problemsReel #4: Color mixing stationOther episodes you might have missed:Episode 058: Embrace the Content Creator MindsetEpisode 059: Are You Talking About What You Love?Episode 060: Nail Your Short Form Videos with This Simple FormulaEpisode 061: Use The Relatable Expert Hook to Create Your Next Helpful ReelSend a message!Sign up for Reels Lab Join the Social Squad Society Love this conversation? Tap the follow button so you never miss an episode. Connect with me over on Instagram!
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13:52
Use The Relatable Expert Hook to Create Your Next Helpful Reel
When you create content you’re passionate about, your audience feels it, and that authenticity leads to better engagement and faster growth for your brand. Today, we’re talking about my tried and true R.E.P. hook formula: Relatable, Expertise, and Personal. We’ll discuss how to infuse these elements into your reels, using relatable words, recognizable brands or phrases, and personal storytelling to create effortless, trust-building content. I also share tips on structuring your hooks on screen, demoing in your videos for maximum impact, and using your own expertise without overthinking it.In this episode we’ll be covering:What it really means for your Instagram content to go viral.How to craft your on screen hooks using the R.E.P. formula: Relatable, Expertise, and Personal.Overcoming content creation overwhelm by focusing on what truly excites you.Real-life example from a client who had a reel go viral using this exact formula.Tips for integrating personal stories and professional expertise to build trust and relatability.Examples of effective hooks for different industries like nutrition, fitness, and design.Links to reels in this episode:The REP ReelOther episodes you might have missed:Episode 051: Start Talking About Yourself in Your ContentEpisode 054: Is There Enough “You” In Your Content?Episode 059: Are You Talking About What You Love?Episode 060: Nail Your Short Form Videos with This Simple FormulaSend a message!Sign up for Reels Lab Join the Social Squad Society Love this conversation? Tap the follow button so you never miss an episode. Connect with me over on Instagram!
Open a bottle of pinot grigio or whip up an oat milk latte and relax with your host, Shannon McKinstrie, as she cuts through the obnoxious social media noise, answers all your burning questions, and shares exactly what’s working right now in real time. No more second-guessing, it’s time to level up your social media game the tried and true way…with good content.
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