You probably would have seen those little bubbles above profile pictures in your DMs by now — they’re Instagram Notes, and they’re a new feature that’s been quietly making waves.

Launched in 2022, Instagram Notes are a new way to share quick, casual updates with your followers. It’s a simple feature that allows you to connect with your followers on a more personal level, all within your DMs.

But how do you actually use them?

In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about Instagram Notes. Let’s get started!

What Are Instagram Notes?

Instagram Notes are short, 60-character messages that appear at the top of your followers' Direct Message (DM) inboxes. These updates are temporary, disappearing after 24 hours, which makes them a quick and easy way to share thoughts, updates, or prompts with your audience.

Unlike more traditional posts or Stories, Notes are designed to be informal and spontaneous, giving you the freedom to communicate without worrying about visuals or lengthy captions. This makes them ideal for casual interactions, announcements, or engaging with your followers in a more personal way.

What sets Instagram Notes apart is their visibility: they appear at the top of your followers' DM inbox, ensuring they catch attention right away. You can also receive replies to your Notes directly in DMs, creating an opportunity for immediate engagement and fostering conversations with your audience.

How to Create and Share Instagram Notes

Creating and sharing Instagram Notes is quick and simple. Here’s how you can start using this feature to engage your followers:

Step 1: Open your Instagram app.

Step 2: Go to your inbox by tapping the DM icon 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 message, and if you want to add a little flair, you can choose to include audio, a prompt, or even a short video.

Step 5: Select who you want to share it with — your followers or Close Friends — and hit “Share.”

That’s all it takes! You’re now ready to start sharing your thoughts, updates, or announcements directly with your audience through Instagram Notes.

How to Delete an Instagram Note

While Instagram Notes automatically disappear after 24 hours, you can delete them sooner if needed. Here’s how:

1. Tap on the note you’ve shared at the top of your inbox.
2. Select ‘Delete note.’

That’s it! Your note will be instantly removed, giving you full control over what stays visible.

How to Leave a Note on an Instagram Post or Reel

Instagram’s new feature lets you attach a note directly to a post or reel, making it easier to share your thoughts without heading to your inbox. Here’s how:

1. Tap the paper plane icon on the post or reel.
2. Select ‘Add note…’ and type your message (up to 60 characters).
3. Choose who to share it with — your followers that you follow back or your Close Friends list.
4. Tap ‘Share’ in the top right corner.

These notes work differently from inbox notes:

• They last three days instead of 24 hours.
• They’re visible only to mutual followers or Close Friends (depending on your selection).
• The person who originally shared the content won’t see your note unless you both follow each other or they’re on your Close Friends list.

Recipients can like or reply to your note, and replies will open a private chat between you two. This feature adds a fun, personal touch to shared content!

Who Can See Your Instagram Notes?

Instagram gives you the option to share Notes with followers you follow back or exclusively with your Close Friends list. This ensures your message reaches either a broader or more curated audience, depending on your choice.

Followers who see your Notes can also reply, with responses landing in your inbox for private conversations.

Whether it’s a general update or something more personal, you decide who gets to see your message.

Pro tip: Always think about your audience and the purpose of your Note before sharing—it’s all about meaningful connections!

Why Use Instagram Notes

Instagram Notes are a low-pressure yet effective way to grab the attention of your followers or customers. Unlike Stories or Feed posts, they’re tucked away in the inbox, making them less intrusive but still highly visible to your most engaged audience.

Think of Notes as a friendly signpost on a quiet street where only your closest connections stroll by. If you’ve followed your most loyal followers or customers back, Notes become a powerful tool to share updates, announcements, or even simple reminders.

Here’s why Notes are worth using:

• Stand Out in a Crowded Space: With Feeds and Stories often overloaded with content, a quick Note like “New Reel!” or “Giveaway in feed!” can catch attention where it matters most.
• Drive Engagement: Notes can direct followers to your latest content, encouraging likes, comments, and shares. More engagement means better algorithm performance, helping your posts reach a wider audience.
• Effortless Updates: Notes don’t require the polish of a Feed post or the design effort of a Story. They’re quick, casual, and effective—a perfect tool for short-lived announcements.

3 Ways to Use Instagram Notes For Your Business

Instagram Notes offer you a unique opportunity to connect with your audience in a personal and engaging way. While they may seem simple, they can help drive meaningful interactions and keep your business top of mind with customers. Here are three ways you can use Instagram Notes for your business:

1. Tease New Launches or Events

Use Instagram Notes to generate excitement about upcoming launches or events. A quick note like “Exciting things are coming soon! Stay tuned for the reveal” can create curiosity and get your followers eager for more. For example, if you’re a clothing brand, a note like “Something Big dropping tomorrow—don’t miss it!” can build anticipation just before a promotion or product release.

2. Exclusive Offers or Discounts

Instagram Notes are perfect for sharing exclusive offers with your most loyal followers. Offering special deals like “20% off just for followers who see this note” creates a sense of value and rewards your most engaged customers. For instance, a local coffee shop could send a note saying, “Flash Sale: 20% off all drinks for the next 2 hours—just show this Note at checkout!” This makes your followers feel like VIPs, encouraging conversions and strengthening customer loyalty.

3. Share Quick Tips or Industry Insights

Use Instagram Notes to offer quick tips or valuable insights that help position your brand as an expert. For example, if you run a fitness brand, a note like “Tip of the Day: Add 10 minutes of stretching to your routine for better flexibility!” is a great way to share useful information with your followers without overwhelming them. These small bits of advice can keep your brand top-of-mind and demonstrate your expertise.

Leverage Instagram Notes for Your Instagram Growth

Instagram Notes may be a low-key feature, but they pack a punch when it comes to driving engagement and fostering connections.

Now that you know all about Instagram Notes, try using them and analyze the responses from your followers and social media metrics. See how they resonate with your audience and if they fit into your overall social media marketing strategy.

And if you want to kick off your content marketing game, sign up for quso.ai and let us help you take your content game to the next level.

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