Instagram is currently trialling a new feature that has the digital marketing world buzzing — locked Reels. That’s right, brands will soon be able to make Reels only viewable to users who enter a secret code. And yes, you can offer a cheeky hint to help them crack it.
It’s a clever way to drive engagement, reward loyal followers, and have a bit of fun while building your brand presence.
At Naked Marketing, we’re always on the lookout for clever ways to help our clients stand out — and this might just be one of the smartest tools to hit social media in a while. Here’s how your business can make the most of it:
Grow Your Other Social Channels
Locked content gives you the perfect excuse to send followers hunting across platforms. Post the Reel on Instagram, but hide the unlock code on your TikTok, Facebook, or LinkedIn. It’s a fun, low-effort way to encourage cross-platform growth — and a tactic our social media management team can help you roll out seamlessly.
Build That Email List
Want more email subs? Offer exclusive Reel access as a thank-you for signing up. You could include the code in your welcome email, your latest newsletter, or as part of a special promotion. It’s a subtle but powerful way to convert social followers into real leads..
Drive Traffic to Your Website
Send your followers on a digital treasure hunt. Tease the hint in your Reel and hide the code on a product page, blog, or landing page. Not only does this boost web traffic, but it’s also a clever way to guide users deeper into your sales funnel.
Why We Love This
As a digital marketing agency, we’re big fans of anything that rewards creativity and deepens engagement. This locked Reel feature ticks both boxes. Whether you’re offering sneak peeks of a product launch, rewarding your VIPs with behind-the-scenes content, or just having a bit of fun with your community, the opportunities are endless.
If you’re already working with a marketing company in Auckland (hey, that’s us), now’s the time to start mapping out ways to make the most of unlockable content. And if you’re not? Let’s talk. We know social media marketing inside and out, and businesses trust us to deliver real results. If you’re ready to get ahead of the curve, we’re here to help.
FAQS
- What are Instagram Locked Reels and how do they work?
Instagram’s new Locked Reels feature allows you to make certain Reels viewable only to users who enter a secret code. It’s currently being trialled, but the idea is to offer exclusive content, perfect for promotions, sneak peeks, and audience engagement.
- How can my business use Locked Reels to grow on social media?
Locked Reels are a creative way to build engagement, grow followers across platforms, and even drive website traffic. You can hide the unlock code on other social channels, in your newsletter, or on your website to encourage audience interaction and brand loyalty.
- Can I use Locked Reels to grow my email list?
Absolutely. A clever tactic is to include the unlock code in your welcome email or latest newsletter. This not only boosts your email database but also helps turn followers into real leads — a key part of any good social media marketing strategy.
