If your child or teen uses Instagram, you might feel confident keeping up with what they post—maybe you even scroll through their Reels or Stories now and then to make sure everything looks okay.
But what if I told you that Instagram is testing a feature that lets users hide videos behind a secret code, completely out of sight from anyone who doesn’t know it?
It’s called Locked Reels and many parents don’t even know it exists.
Locked Reels are a new Instagram feature that allows users to post videos that are blurred or hidden, and can only be viewed if the person enters the correct code. The code is usually hinted at in the caption or comments kind of like a riddle or puzzle.
🔒 The Reel looks blurred until the correct code is entered.
💬 The creator gives a clue (like “What’s the 1st hashtag?”).
📲 Only those who figure it out can unlock and watch the video.
It’s a clever, gamified way to get people to interact but it also opens the door to secret content sharing.
Let’s be honest most teens won’t be using Locked Reels to share their art portfolio. While some might use it to have fun with friends, others could use it to hide videos from parents or trusted adults.
And because these Reels are technically “public,” but locked with a code, there’s no obvious sign to a parent that hidden content even exists.
That means:
❌ You won’t see it on their profile unless you have the code.
👀 Even if you follow them, the Reel might appear blurred.
🧠 It encourages secrecy—by design.
Like with any new app feature, the best thing you can do is stay informed and open up the conversation;
Here is a few ideas on how to start;
✅ Ask them if they’ve heard of Locked Reels – Keep it casual and curious. See how they describe it and how they might use it.
✅ Talk about privacy vs. secrecy. It’s okay to want privacy online, but secrecy can be a red flag. Make the distinction clear.
✅ Remind them of digital footprint. Just because something is locked doesn’t mean it’s safe. Anything shared online can still be screenshotted, copied, or leaked.
✅ Stay up to date – Platforms like Instagram and Snapchat are always evolving. Make it a habit to check in—not just with your child, but with the tech too.
Locked Reels might sound like harmless fun. But it’s also a reminder that features designed for privacy can be easily used to hide behavior. The best defense? A strong relationship, ongoing communication, and digital awareness.
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Stay safe out there,
Wayne
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