Instagram tests locked Reels that require a secret code to access—netizens can't stop joking

Instagram is testing a new feature where you’ll need a code to unlock certain reels. There are two main reasons for this. First, it’s designed to increase engagement for creators or anyone posting the reel. Second, it adds a layer of privacy.

For instance, if a celebrity shares a reel with this option, only their most dedicated fans will be able to watch it because the code may be personal questions such as their birthday, favorite song, or favorite food, and the answer to these questions will open the reel.

We’re not sure where this idea came from, but honestly, we’re pretty sure that most people (especially the lazy ones) are just going to skip it. Eventually, Instagram might realize that most users scroll through Reels because they’re bored, and they’re not going to want to solve a quiz just to watch one.

The only individuals who are likely to gain anything out of this are brands. They can drum up some interest in particular product launches and utilize this feature in order to gain more interaction. As for the rest of us? Not so sure it'll make that much difference.

Netizens are not accepting this notion whatsoever. They're joking, wondering what the purpose of this feature even is.

Come on, who needs to solve a mystery just to see a reel? People use social media because they are bored, not to be detectives.

Other users are getting a kick, claiming they can't fathom what is happening in Meta executives' minds when they develop the strangest ideas at the most unexpected moments.

And naturally, one day, when it dawns on them that it isn't working, they'll simply shut it down.

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Instagram’s new ‘secret code’ feature for Reels has users cracking jokes

Some users can't come up with one reason this feature would be helpful, while others are facetiously saying society is ruined (okay, maybe that is a bit extreme). Users are chuckling, saying good luck searching for a code for an hour after launching a social media app just to view some videos.

A user @notxashamad stated:

"I can’t think of a single use case? Anybody more creative than me? I’m dead serious."

Another user added:

"Oh nice solve the puzzle and after one hour you spend for that enjoy your reel, anyways i don't use Instagram 😂"

A user @kingscoriox thinks:

"Oh god.. we r doomed aren't we?"

Certain users are trolling the concept, remarking that they should just cover up all of the reels with a button since they're done and don't care to look at any of them anymore.

Others are trolling, remarking that these reels aren't even worth spending hours trying to hunt down a code for—like, who cares to watch somebody water plants randomly?

A user, @Michael_Urwin, served a roast, saying:

"You know what would be even more cool? Being able to hide all reels behind a button in settings so I don’t have to see them anymore."

A user @ReiTVT asked in disbelief:

"Who is this for? 🤣 no one’s gonna seriously use this “feature”."

A netizen @WorkaholicDavid poked fun, saying:

"Your reels are not that valuable to find a code for it."

Some believe Instagram is finally out of ideas, and others are sarcastically saying that they'll just straight-up block anyone who uses this feature.

One user @theganfam thinks:

"Instagram is out of genuine ideas now lol."

A user asked:

"Need to solve a puzzle to watch a video???"

Meanwhile, a user @KeeGlockMurray has declared:

"I will unfollow anyone who utilizes this."

In the meantime, Instagram continues to test the feature, and it hasn't been implemented yet. It's still unknown how things will go or how users will respond, if at all.

Also, read: Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders in Canada delayed due to U.S. tariff issues, netizens react with memes