Instagram is testing a new feature called Early Access that will allow users to post content exclusively to their followers for the first 24 hours before it is made public.
In the grid view, any Reels that are in Early Access Mode will be marked with a star icon and a specially labeled blurred background.
Next, when users tap in, they will receive a message encouraging them to follow the account to watch the Reels.
In addition, a timer is also displayed indicating when the content will be available to all users alongside the ‘Follow’ button to facilitate interaction.
It is also considered interesting because it can give users the opportunity to appreciate their followers with early access while encouraging new people to follow the account. By blocking Reels for the first 24 hours, it can certainly arouse curiosity among followers.
If you look closely, the Early Access feature resembles the ‘Bulletin Dashboard’ function offered by TikTok. The function is a new channel in the application that allows content creators to share directly with followers.
Apart from that, it can also be seen as similar to the ‘Lockable Post’ function that Instagram has previously introduced. However, the difference is that Lockable Post requires a special secret code to allow other contacts or followers to access the content.
Currently, the Early Access feature is still in the testing phase involving a small group of users. However, it is still not certain when Instagram will launch it publicly to all users.
