Instagram Notes Explained: What the Heck Are They For?

Instagram Notes are a new way to communicate with your followers on the app.

They’re basically like little post-it notes that you can leave for people to see. You can use them to weigh in on the state of the world or even ask what the heck Instagram Notes are for.

It feels like a throwback to the MSN Messenger days!

Instagram Notes are great as a pseudo-soapbox, but they’re also useful for businesses and brands. You can use them to promote your products, offer customer service, or just connect with your fans (as long as you follow each other).

This article will walk you through everything you need to know about this new feature.

What are Instagram Notes?

Instagram Notes are short notes you can post to followers (who you follow back) or to your “Close Friends” list. They can be a maximum of 60 characters long.

You may have seen them; they sit in your inbox above your direct messages. 

Instagram Notes, much like Stories, disappear in 24 hours. Users can reply to your Notes; you’ll receive these in your DMs.

People are using Notes to make announcements, blast out news or thoughts, and complain about Instagram Notes.

The app started testing Instagram Notes on users in July 2022, but launched it globally the following December.

If you’re still reeling from the news and haven’t had time to dive into Insta Notes, don’t worry. This guide explains everything.

How to make an Instagram Note

Creating your own Instagram Note is easy. In 4 simple steps, you can use Instagram as your own personal megaphone.

Step 1: Open your Instagram app

Step 2: Navigate to your inbox in the top right corner

Step 3: In the top left corner, click on the box that says + Leave a Note.

Step 4: Write your thoughts down, choose who to share with and click Share to publish

That’s it! You’re officially an Instagram author.

Why use Instagram Notes

Notes are the least pushy of Instagram communication. They don’t come with notifications and are tucked away in your inbox. They are more subtle than Stories and less direct than sending a DM.

Creators and businesses can use Notes as a way to communicate news, updates, or pertinent information.

They’re an easy way to get eyes on your announcements because they sit at the top of your audience’s inbox and won’t get lost in the noise of Stories. Plus, they don’t require the same commitment as a Feed post or the effort that goes into crafting a Story.

Instagram Notes are a simple, short-lived way to blast out a message. In a way, they’re like the temporary tattoos of social media.

Try it out, you won’t regret it. And if you do, it’s gone the next day.

Frequently asked questions about Instagram Notes

Instagram loves dropping new features. Remember when Instagram Reels fell from the sky?

There’s always a bit of a scramble for marketers, creators, and business owners when Instagram decides to release something new.

Questions like, “what the heck is this for?” “How can this benefit me?” and “where the heck do I find this?” are all top of mind. Don’t stress. We’ve got your back.

Here are answers to everything you want to ask about Notes.

Where do I find Instagram Notes?

Instagram Notes are in your inbox underneath the search bar. They show up at the top of your messages, under the title “Notes,” so you can’t miss them.

Notes will appear in a row, with the most recent at the right of your screen.

You can scroll through the Notes just like you would in Stories, but you don’t have to click on the Note to view them.

Why do I not have Notes on Instagram?

If you don’t see Notes in your Instagram inbox, you might need to update your app. Instagram launched this feature globally on Dec. 13, 2022.

Here’s the step-by-step:

Step 1: Navigate to your app store

Step 2: In the search bar, type “Instagram”

Step 3: Find Instagram in the results, click on it

Step 4: Tap update

Step 5: Once it’s finished updating, just open your app

How do I delete an Instagram Note?

Maybe you wrote something you’ve since changed your mind about.

Or maybe you see a glaring typo in your beautiful, 60-character poem. Or maybe you wrote a 60-character poem that the public is just not ready for.

Whatever the reason, deleting a Note is easy.

Step 1: Navigate to your inbox

Step 2: Click on the offending Note

Step 3: Click delete note

Congratulations. Your Instagram Note has disappeared.

You should know that Instagram Notes don’t have a draft-saving capability, so if you do delete your Note, it’s gone forever.

Do Notes affect the algorithm?

The short answer is that no one can be sure except Instagram. However, we have done our best to research and understand the Instagram algorithm. It’s elusive and ever-changing, so make sure you keep coming back to us for updates.

The long answer is that the all-mighty Instagram algorithm only has only one God, and it’s you. Well, to be fair, it’s any and all app users and the content they create, but it’s fun to think you’re the Instagram algorithm’s crush.

Instagram’s algorithm works by cross-referencing content data with user information. It wants to serve the right content to the right people. When it’s successful, users will stay on the app longer, which is Instagram’s goal.

At the moment we don’t know much about how Instagram Notes affect the algorithm. For now it’s safe to assume they will follow the same principles as other Instagram features:

Follow the community guidelines, encourage engagement, and post regularly for success!

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