Summary
- Instagram is testing locked Reels that require secret codes for viewing.
- The secret code system could be a valuable tool for creators, influencers, and businesses to promote new products or announcements.
- For regular users, however, the feature might be frustrating as it disrupts the casual scrolling experience on Instagram.
Instagram’s no stranger to rolling out features (which, frankly, no one even asks for) every few days. From swapping the tab locations of the Direct Messages icon and the Activity icon (denoted by a heart) to introducing a fast-forward Reels option in an attempt to compete with TikTok, the platform’s features just keep getting more unpredictable.
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This time around, Instagram is testing “locked” Reels that you’ll only be able to watch once you unlock them using a code (via TechCrunch). Don’t worry — it doesn’t seem like your standard password system. You’re not expected to set a password or memorize one. Instead, you’ll unlock the Reel using a provided hint.
Instagram is quietly testing locked Reels with secret codes
TechCrunch spotted Instagram quietly testing this feature on its Design (@design on Instagram) account, where it shared a locked Reel on April 8th, 2025. The Reel’s caption reads Coming Soon 👀, along with four different hashtags: #threads, #DesignThreads, #Design, and #ComingSoon. The Reel itself is blurred with the text Unlock this reel from design.
In smaller text, it also states Hint: 1st # in the caption, with an Enter secret code button. Once you tap the button, a text field will appear where you can type in the “secret” code. Based on the hint, the code for this locked Reel is #threads. The locked Reel in question has banners reading Coming Soon swirling around, with an @design Threads 👀 text. This was essentially @design’s way of announcing its brand-new Threads account.
The locked Reel also appears blurred (similar to how a sensitive content-warning post looks, but without the Sensitive Content text) in the profile grid, as shown in the image below, with a locked key symbol at the top-right corner:
Honestly, as someone who uses Instagram simply to mindlessly scroll and watch reels for hours on end, I’m not particularly a fan of this feature. Knowing my friends, they’d most likely lock any Reels they post behind secret codes just to annoy me. Watching Reels is supposed to be a fun way to unwind after an exhausting day, and having to enter a code just to watch one completely defeats that purpose.
For creators, influencers, and businesses, though, it’s a completely different story. A password-protected Instagram Reel, where users need to put in some work to find the code, could be an excellent way for them to increase views and engagement. It seems like a great way to launch exciting products or even announcements, similar to how the @design page did with its Threads announcement. The feature itself is incredibly similar to the Reveal feature rolled out last year, which lets you post a hidden Instagram Story.
As always, this feature may or may not be rolled out widely. Regardless, it’s just… weird.
