ColumnistsAug 06, 2024
The Smart Lab: Supercharge Your Summer Social Media StrategyTechnologyAug 21, 2024
Instagram’s Notes Feature Expands to Posts, Reels
Acting as temporary virtual Post-it notes, Notes are designed to help strengthen mutual connections, not reach new audiences.
Last month, Instagram expanded its Notes feature to posts and Reels. It was originally limited to users’ inboxes. (Photo from Instagram official Threads account)
New York—Last month, Head of Instagram Adam Mosseri shared a post on the social media platform announcing its new Notes feature has expanded to posts and Reels.
Essentially, Notes act as short, virtual Post-it notes that last three days before disappearing for good.
They can be added to your own content or applied to posts and Reels from other creators.
Essentially, Notes act as short, virtual Post-it notes that last three days before disappearing for good.
They can be added to your own content or applied to posts and Reels from other creators.
To add a Note to a post or Reel, users can tap the “paper plane” icon, hit “Add note,” type out their message, and then choose to share it with one of two audiences—followers who follow you back or Close Friends, a feature that allows users to curate a specific group of followers with whom to privately share content.
Notes will be visible to only the indicated audience, and they can be deleted at any time.
Those who can see the note can reply to it, and that reply will appear as a new chat in the note-maker’s inbox.
Notes originally launched at the end of 2022 when it rolled out as a feature within the Instagram inbox, allowing users to find their profile photo at the top of the inbox and leave a short message.
These Notes function similarly to how they do on posts and Reels, except when added in the inbox, they last 24 hours instead of three days.
Instagram users can access their inbox to leave Notes, which disappear after 24 hours.
The Notes feature can be used like a conversation starter, Meta said in its initial announcement, used for things like sharing what you’re up to or asking for recommendations.
Mosseri wrote in a later Instagram post that they’re “sort of like [an] AIM status.”
“Notes are not for reaching followers whom you don’t follow back, sorry creators,” he wrote. “This one is all about starting conversations with people you care about.”
To reach and connect with loyal followers through this new feature, businesses would need to first follow those accounts back.
One way to reach new audiences while also nurturing mutual-follow relationships could be to publicly post a new Reel, and then, once it’s up, add a Note with a special message or announcement to be seen only by that designated community.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
Notes is an evolving feature, and many users report that they don’t have access to it at all.
There is also other feedback about downsides to the feature.
Some users dislike that the feature causes them to see posts they don’t care about (or wouldn’t normally choose to see) appearing in their feed, simply because a mutual friend has left a Note on the content.
Some also say they’ve turned off suggested posts (content the app inserts into your feed from accounts you don’t already follow, but that Instagram thinks you may enjoy) for this reason.
Notes can also be turned off in settings.
The feature appears to show Notes in the Instagram app only, not on web browsers.
More on Technology
The Latest
CrimeApr 22, 2026
New Mexico Couple Pleads Guilty to Selling Fake Native American JewelryThe pair falsely claimed their jewelry was made by Navajo artists, but it was imported from Vietnam.
AuctionsApr 22, 2026
Roberta Flack’s Jewelry Is Going Up for AuctionJulien’s Auctions is selling the musician’s fine and fashion jewelry alongside her clothing, gold records, and other memorabilia.
CollectionsApr 22, 2026
British Museum Curator Pens Book on ‘The Tudor Heart’Rachel King’s book dives into the history of the pendant believed to have belonged to Henry VIII and his first wife, Katherine of Aragon.
Brought to you by
Discover Timeless Treasures: A Showcase of Antique Jewelry & Timepieces in Las VegasGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
Events & AwardsApr 22, 2026
Here’s What Sy Kessler Has on Tap for Las Vegas The company will have deals on precious metals testers as well as the latest in lab-grown diamond detection technology and security.
Weekly QuizApr 16, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
WatchesApr 21, 2026
Coco Chanel Enters the Game with New Watch CollectionGabrielle “Coco” Chanel is a character in the “Coco Game” collection of watches and the queen in its first haute horlogerie chessboard.
IndependentsApr 21, 2026
Meet Jewelers of America’s 2026 ‘20 Under 40’ ClassThe annual list honors rising professionals on the retail and supply sides of the jewelry industry.
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the GlobeGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
CrimeApr 21, 2026
Customs Nabs 1,500 Pieces of Counterfeit Jewelry Bound for NYCSeized in Kentucky, the packages include fake Cartier, Tiffany & Co., Chanel, and Fendi jewelry.
CrimeApr 20, 2026
Queens Man Convicted in Bludgeoning Death of Pawn Shop OwnerRodolfo Lopez-Portillo faces 25 years to life in prison after being found guilty in the March 2022 beating death of Arasb Shoughi.
TrendsApr 20, 2026
Beth Bernstein, Sonia Esther Soltani Pen New Jewelry Book“Jewelry Creators: Dynamic Duos and Generational Gems” highlights the relationships among 22 influential designers, brands, and gem dealers.
Events & AwardsApr 20, 2026
Atlanta Jewelry Show’s Spring Event Is Hitting the RoadThe AJS Spring 2027 show will be held in Savannah, Georgia, with future shows taking place in other Southeast cities.
MajorsApr 20, 2026
Kendra Scott Names New CFO, Chief Business OfficerThe jewelry retailer plans to open 20 new stores this year and expand into new product categories.
TrendsApr 17, 2026
New (Groundbreaking) Floral Jewelry for Spring 2026Flower motifs are the jewelry trend blooming amongst the new collections that debuted this spring.
MajorsApr 17, 2026
QVC Group Files for Chapter 11 BankruptcyThe retailer reported an 8 percent decline in annual sales as it struggles under the weight of billions of dollars of debt.
CollectionsApr 17, 2026
Edina Kiss’ Earrings Are the Devil on Your ShoulderThe “Devil” drop earrings, our Piece of the Week, are part of designer Edina Kiss’ new namesake jewelry line that she will show at Couture.
CrimeApr 17, 2026
FBI Issues Warning to Refineries, Retailers Due to High Price of GoldThe alert states that burglary crews are targeting jewelry businesses and details how jewelers and refineries can protect themselves.
WatchesApr 16, 2026
Cartier Brings Back the RoadsterThe “watchmaker of shapes” debuted the reworked version of the vintage sports car-inspired timepiece at Watches & Wonders.
IndependentsApr 16, 2026
Edge Retail Academy Updates Leadership TeamAs demand for jewelry retail coaching grows, the company has established a dedicated business coaching leadership team.
MajorsApr 16, 2026
Stuller’s Latest Mountings Catalog Is Out NowThe “Mountings 2026-2027” catalog showcases Stuller’s largest and most diverse assortment to date with more than 400 new mounting styles.
PodcastsApr 15, 2026
Episode 4: The Natural Diamond DilemmaSally Morrison and Mark Klein discuss De Beers’ first beacon in 16 years and the mistake the industry made with lab-grown diamonds.
MajorsApr 15, 2026
Spark Creations’ Randy McKenzie Dies at 72 McKenzie spent 45 years with Spark Creations and is remembered for being kind, dedicated, and hardworking.
WatchesApr 15, 2026
These Are the New Rolex Watches for 2026Rolex focused exclusively on the Oyster Perpetual this year, as the model is celebrating its 100th anniversary.
FinancialsApr 15, 2026
Kering’s Jewelry Shines in Q1, Gucci’s Struggle ContinuesThe luxury giant discussed the Middle East conflict and its transformation plans, hinting at a stronger jewelry presence in North America.
SourcingApr 15, 2026
Diamond Club West Coast Names 2026 BoardKalpesh Jhaveri was re-elected as president for a third year.
SourcingApr 14, 2026
De Beers Expands ‘Desert Diamonds’ Beacon Into BridalThe campaign seeks to reignite desire for natural diamond engagement rings by highlighting the “distinct character” of warm-toned diamonds.
FinancialsApr 14, 2026
LVMH’s Q1 Sales Sink 6% Amid Middle East ConflictPlus, how Saks Global’s bankruptcy affected the luxury giant’s first quarter.
