Highlights

• Instagram teased Lockable Posts feature, where followers need to enter a secret code to view hidden content.
• Lockable Posts could help creators and brands share exclusive content, boost engagement and target select groups.
• The company hasn’t confirmed a release date or whether it will support other types of content beyond Reels.

Instagram is experimenting with a new feature called Lockable Posts, which will allow creators to hide content behind a secret code.

To view these posts, followers will need to enter the correct code.

Instagram has teased the feature recently, but there’s still no word on when it will officially launch. Here’s what we know so far.

How Instagram Lockable Posts Work?

Caption – Instagram is reportedly working on lockable posts feature. (Image credit – Instagram)

Instagram gave users a sneak peek of the Lockable Posts feature through its official Design account. The demo post showed that followers must enter a secret code to unlock and view the content.

Hints for the code are shared in the post’s caption and on the lock screen itself. In the preview, the code was ‘threads’, which, when entered, unlocked a reel that simply said “coming soon,” a sign that the feature might be launching soon.

Caption – New feature sneak peek. (Image Credits -Instagram/TechCrunch)

What Can Instagram Lockable Posts Be Used For?

According to Social Samosa on X (formerly Twitter), Lockable Posts could be useful for creators and brands to offer exclusive content and boost engagement. It might also help with marketing campaigns or allow users to share specific posts with only a select group of followers.

Instagram is experimenting with ‘lockable’ posts content that stays hidden until a secret code is entered. Spotted on the official Instagram Design profile, this feature hints at new ways for creators and brands to drive exclusivity, community engagement, and off-platform… pic.twitter.com/z0OH2AYFvp

— Social Samosa (@Social_Samosa) April 14, 2025

Right now, Instagram’s demo only showed the feature working with a reel. It’s still unclear whether the company will let users lock other types of content like photos or longer videos.

TechCrunch, in its report, noted, “It’s worth noting that the new test feature is somewhat similar to Instagram’s “Reveal” feature that lets you post a hidden Story for your followers to uncover by sending you a DM. That feature launched last year as a way to create more intimate connections on the app and boost engagement.”

While the teaser suggests a launch is on the horizon, Instagram hasn’t confirmed a release date. It’s also unknown whether the rollout will be global or phased out over time.

FAQs

Q1. What is Instagram’s Lockable Posts feature?

Answer. Instagram is testing Lockable Posts, where followers must enter a secret code to unlock and view hidden content.

Q2. What are the potential uses of Lockable Posts?

Answer. Lockable Posts could help creators and brands share exclusive content, boost engagement, and target select groups for marketing campaigns.

Q3. When will the Lockable Posts feature launch?

Answer. Instagram has not confirmed a release date for the feature or whether it will support other types of content beyond reels.

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