To schedule a trial reel in Planoly, you need one video on a Post/Reel, the posting method set to Auto-post, and an Instagram account that Instagram has enabled for trials. Then you open the Trial reel tool, choose Manual or Auto, and schedule it like any other post.
If you've been testing reels by posting them at odd hours and hoping your followers don't notice, this gives you a cleaner way to do it. Below is each step, why it works the way it does, and what to do if Instagram says no. The full reference is our trial reels help article.
What Do I Need First?
A post can run as a trial only when all three of these are true:
1. One video, and nothing else. A second photo or video, or a photo in place of the video, rules it out.
2. The Post/Reel post type.
3. Posting method set to Auto-post. A reminder post is published by you, so Planoly never sends it to Instagram as a trial. Our auto-post vs. reminder guide explains the difference.
The Trial reel tool only appears when the post meets these conditions. If you set a trial and then add more media or swap the video for a photo, Planoly turns the trial off and shows a message saying so.
On the Instagram side, Instagram's help page says trials need a public account with at least 200 followers (professional) or 1,000 (personal), and the account must be eligible for recommendations.
Why it works: A trial is a single-video test sent by the scheduler at publish time. Each requirement protects one of those three things.
How Do I Turn On a Trial?
1. Select Create Post.
2. Select your Instagram channel and upload one video.
3. Check that Posting method is set to Auto-post.
4. In the toolbar under the caption, select the Trial reel tool. If you don't see it, scroll the toolbar sideways.
5. Pick how the reel reaches your followers: Off, Manual or Auto (more on this below).
6. Schedule the post as usual.
To turn a trial off later, open the Trial reel tool again and pick Off.
Why it works: The trial is a setting on a normal post, so it lives on your calendar next to everything else you've planned.
Should I Pick Manual or Auto?
The Trial reel tool has three options:
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Off: a normal reel, no trial.
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Manual: you share it with your followers from Instagram when you're ready.
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Auto: if it does well in its first 72 hours, Instagram shares it with your followers.
These match the two sharing modes Instagram offers in its own app. Pick Manual when you want to read the numbers and decide yourself, or when you care about exactly what lands on your grid and when. Pick Auto when you're happy to let Instagram's early performance signals make the call.
Why it works: Manual protects your feed and your judgment. Auto saves you a step on busy weeks. Neither is wrong.
What If Instagram Doesn't Accept the Trial?
Instagram decides whether your account can post trials when the reel publishes. Planoly can't check it ahead of time, so the Trial reel tool shows for every Instagram channel that can auto-post, whether or not the account qualifies.
If Instagram doesn't accept the trial, the post fails and tells you why. If your account doesn't qualify, you'll get a message asking you to turn off the trial and post it as a normal reel.
The quickest way to avoid a surprise: before you schedule, open the Instagram app and start a new reel. If you can see the Trial toggle there, your account is enabled.
Why it works: A 10-second check in the app beats finding a failed post the morning it was meant to go live.
Should the Reel Go on My Grid or the Reels Tab Only?
A single video on a Post/Reel also gets a second tool: "Where can this reel be seen?"
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Main grid and Reels tab: the default.
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Reels tab only: the reel shows in your Reels tab and stays off your main grid.
This works with both posting methods, with or without a trial. It's useful when a reel matters for reach but doesn't fit the look of your grid.
Why it works: Your grid is your storefront. This setting lets you post more without redecorating it every time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why don't I see the Trial reel tool in Planoly?
The tool only appears on a single-video Post/Reel with Auto-post on. Check for extra media, the post type and the posting method, and scroll the toolbar sideways.
Can I schedule a trial reel as a reminder post?
No. A reminder post is published by you, so Planoly never sends it to Instagram as a trial.
What's the difference between Manual and Auto?
Manual means you share it with followers from Instagram when you're ready. Auto means Instagram shares it with followers if it does well in its first 72 hours.
What happens if my account isn't eligible?
The post fails and tells you why, and you'll be asked to turn off the trial and post it as a normal reel.
Can I keep a reel off my main grid?
Yes. In "Where can this reel be seen?", choose Reels tab only.
TL;DR
One video, Post/Reel, Auto-post. Open the Trial reel tool, pick Manual or Auto, schedule it. Check the Trial toggle shows in the Instagram app first, and use Reels tab only when a reel shouldn't change your grid. Ready to set up your first test lane? Start in our trial reels help article.
