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.
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
FinancialsSep 09, 2026
Signet Jewelers to ‘Double Down’ on Blue Nile Amid Strong SalesThe jewelry retailer said it sees opportunity at higher price points, particularly in natural diamonds for bridal and fashion.
IndependentsSep 09, 2026
Sarah Leonard Fine Jewelers Closes After Nearly 80 YearsThe Los Angeles-based, family-owned jeweler was founded by Lenny and Sunny Friedman in 1946.
SourcingSep 09, 2026
Fura Gems Notes ‘Remarkable’ Interest in Larger Rubies at Latest SaleThe auction, held in Bangkok, was 96 percent sold by lot, with nearly 411,000 carats of Mozambiquan rubies sold.
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSubmit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.
MajorsSep 09, 2026
Stuller’s Latest Catalog Includes Its New Demi-Fine CollectionFine Jewelry 2027-2028 has more than 900 new styles, including silver, gold-filled, gold-plated sterling silver, and vermeil jewelry.
Weekly QuizSep 03, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Policies & IssuesSep 09, 2026
8 Key Changes the FTC Made to the Jewelry Guides: A Refresher Learn more about the new terms for lab-grown diamonds and composite gemstones, and the major changes in store for precious metals jewelry.
IndependentsSep 08, 2026
Ricky Bromberg, Longtime President of Bromberg & Co., Dies at 67 Bromberg is remembered as a Southern gentleman who always wore a suit and tie and treated others with kindness.
Brought to you by
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying EventsRetailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.
TrendsSep 08, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: A Hot Take on September’s Birthstone With high durability and a wide range of colors to choose from, sapphires may be the ultimate birthstone, Gizzi claims.
ColumnistsSep 08, 2026
Peter Smith: Humor Is No Laughing MatterLaughter is often considered a distraction in the workplace, but it has benefits for both staff and management, Peter Smith writes.
MajorsSep 08, 2026
Former Tiffany & Co. Exec Joins Exemplar Luxury GroupGretchen Koback Pursel is the new chief people officer at the company formerly known as Saks Global.
IndependentsSep 04, 2026
Orloff Jewelers Will Soon Unveil a Bigger, Better LocationThe California jeweler is renovating its store in Fresno, with plans to show off the new space in December.
CollectionsSep 04, 2026
Chelsea Gabrielle Transforms Pilates Reformer Springs Into Ring A lifelong practitioner of Pilates, Gabrielle looked to the springs’ tension and suspension when creating this ring, our Piece of the Week.
Events & AwardsSep 04, 2026
JCK Industry Fund Accepting 2027 ApplicationsThe deadline to apply is Nov. 13.
AuctionsSep 04, 2026
Christie's Names New Global Head of WatchesThe auction house has promoted Remi Guillemin, formerly its head of watches for the Americas and EMEA, to the role.
EditorsSep 03, 2026
Q&A: Simon G.’s CEO on Why He Won’t Use AI for Jewelry DesignZaven Ghanimian discussed the value of human craftsmanship and where the implementation of artificial intelligence does work.
Events & AwardsSep 03, 2026
Here Are the First Recipients of Nina Pugliese Memorial Scholarship Jewelers of America also revealed the recipients of the Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship and its own scholarship programs.
WatchesSep 03, 2026
Robert Pattinson Joins Jaeger-LeCoultre as Brand AmbassadorThe British actor, known for his roles in “Twilight” and “The Odyssey,” will star in a campaign for the Master Control Chronometre.
CollectionsSep 03, 2026
Sydney Evan Celebrates 25 Years With 4 New CollectionsThe “Confetti Disco,” “Champagne Cheers,” “Tuxedo,” and “Classic Punk” jewelry collections each capture a distinct spirit of celebration.
CrimeSep 02, 2026
CA Jeweler Gets 5 Years in ‘Phantom Rolex’ Ponzi SchemeNelson Holdo of Newport Beach pleaded guilty to multiple counts of felony grand theft and writing bad checks and was sentenced Monday.
AuctionsSep 02, 2026
If You Love Cats, This Jewelry Auction Is for YouCat ladies of the jewelry world, unite. Sandy Lerner’s “significant” collection of cat jewelry and other objects is going up for auction.
MajorsSep 02, 2026
Messika Names Former Omega Exec as New President, CEO of AmericasArnaud Michon, the former Omega USA President, will now lead Messika’s Americas region during its international development.
Events & AwardsSep 02, 2026
Emerald’s New Owner Introduces ‘Glitter in the Grove’The branding references the back-to-back jewelry shows that new parent company Forge will host in Miami's Coconut Grove this November.
AuctionsSep 01, 2026
UK Woman Uncovers Rare Patek Philippe Watch in Mom’s Jewelry BoxThe stainless steel Patek Philippe “Calatrava” watch from the 1930s sold for nearly $80,000 at a recent Hansons Cornwall auction.
ColumnistsSep 01, 2026
Your Jewelry Marketing Has a Bridal ProblemEngagement rings are important but don’t ignore the customers who are buying jewelry “just because,” Emmanuel Raheb writes.
MajorsSep 01, 2026
Kering Names New Pomellato, DoDo CEOsFormer Pomellato CEO Sabina Belli has been named president of Kering Italia amid a shakeup of Kering's new Jewelry division.
MajorsSep 01, 2026
Anne Marie Shulman Joins GPA GlobalThe veteran luxury packaging executive was appointed to help the company grow its North American business.
