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Instagram Notes
Since sliding into DM’s has become a major communication route for Instagram users, the social network has created a new way to interact in this section.
Therefore, let me introduce you to the sticky notes of Instagram, Instagram Notes.
How do Instagram Notes work?
Instagram Notes allow you to post short messages to your “Close Friends” or to followers you follow back.
Similar to Stories, these messages appear for only 24 hours. However, unlike other features on Instagram, you can only post one note within that 24-hour window. If you try to post a new note before the 24 hours are over, it will delete your previous note.
Okay so, are they like “tweets” for Instagram? Not exactly. You only have a maximum of 60 characters using just text and emojis to get your point across, and notifications will not be sent to your followers.
You will see these at the top of your inbox, above all your direct messages. Once you share a new note, your followers can reply to it by tapping on the note on the main chat page. Responses to Instagram Notes will appear as DM’s in the user’s inbox.
How to Use Instagram Notes
If you don’t see the Instagram Notes inside your app, don’t panic. One, you may just need to update the app. If after updating you still don’t see Notes, know that Instagram still hasn’t rolled out this feature to the whole population, so you may not have access yet.
However, here are the steps if you want to test your luck with this new feature.
- Update the Instagram app to the latest version on iOS or Android.
- Open the Instagram app.
- Go to the Direct Messaging (DM) section, in the top right corner, with a message bubble icon.
- You should see a section at the top of the page called, ‘Notes.’
- Click on the “+” button to add a new note.
- You can choose to share the note with your “Close Friends” or followers that you follow back.
- Click ‘Share’ to post your note.
You can also Tag Someone on your note if the user allows that. To mention someone on an Instagram note, type @ followed immediately by their username.
Still not sure about how to use Instagram Notes? Watch this video below:
How to Add Music To Your Note
If you want to add music to your note, all you have to do is add your note and click the music icon. After that, you can scroll through your For You music or Browse music. You can also access your saved music here as well.
How to Mute Instagram Notes
Just like muting followers’ posts and stories, with Instagram notes you also have the ability to mute certain followers as well. All you have to do is:
- Navigate to the profile you would like to mute
- Click on the following tab of the specific user
- Scroll down to the mute button
- Click on the notes option
- Done!
Why use Instagram Notes?
Now, you may be wondering about the purpose of these Post-It style notes. Since they seem to be somewhat hidden in the app, it’s unclear whether Instagram Notes are effective or should be included in a marketing strategy.
Superfluous or not, they can be a way to interact with your community in a more intimate setting. Whereas this may not be the main place to share updates, it can be a secondary means to communicate with your audience.
Furthermore, if you want to share an exclusive deal or discount, this could be a way to share this to a smaller audience that you trust. Since you have a limited number of characters to use in your notes, these must be brief, to-the-point messages.
This feature has gone through recent testing, and from recommendations, Instagram Notes are a casual way to connect with others on the app.
Instagram has also been testing a lot of new features, especially in the DM’s section, such as a ‘Nudity Protection’ feature, that will aim to protect users from receiving unsolicited nude images in their direct messages.
Did Instagram Remove Notes?
The short answer to this question is no, but there is reason why there was concern in the first place. Since this is a newer feature it is in the testing phase so users may lose and regain the accessibility to Instagram notes. If it is not showing up for you, follow these steps to fix it:
- Update your Instagram app. Make sure you have the latest version of the app so you can view all new features.
- Switch to a professional account. Turning your account into a Business account allows you more access to analytics, tools, and may resolve these glitches.
- Turn on your activity status. Click on the profile icon, click the three-line menu, choose Settings, click Privacy, scroll down to Activity Status, and enable the Show Activity Status option.
- If all else fails, delete and reinstall the Instagram app.
Do Notes Affect The Algorithm?
This is uncertain because the algorithm as we know is complicated and everchanging. But what we do know is that the algorithm is specific to the user, meaning they cross-check posts, stories, etc that you search and interact with to create your algorithm. For a longer and more in-depth explanation check out our video below:
Will Instagram Be Adding Notes to Profiles?
Instagram may be adding the notes feature to your profile. Just as you would add a short blurb to your notes, you could be able to add something to your profile below your bio information. So be sure to stay tuned for this!
#Instagram is working on the ability to add notes to profiles 👀 pic.twitter.com/jM8pAtJNn4
— Alessandro Paluzzi (@alex193a) October 16, 2023
If you have the Instagram Notes feature on your app, have you tried it yet? Leave us your thoughts in the comments below!