How to Get and Use Notes on Instagram: Guide + FAQ (2024)

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An easy-to-follow guide on using Instagram's Notes feature

Written byDarlene Antonelli, MA

Last Updated: January 7, 2024Fact Checked

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  • Creating a New Note
  • |
  • FAQ
  • |
  • Video

Are you curious about the note feature on Instagram and want to know how to use it? Instagram introduced Notes, which appear at the top of users' inboxes, in December 2022. This wikiHow article teaches you how to use Notes on Instagram and answers some FAQs about them.

Things You Should Know

  • To create an Instagram note, open your Instagram inbox and tap "Note."
  • Notes can be up to 60 characters long and disappear after 24 hours.
  • If you don't see Notes, you can get it by turning on Activity Status, updating the app, uninstalling and reinstalling, or switching from a Professional to a Personal account.

Section 1 of 2:

Creating a New Note on Android & iPhone

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  1. 1

    Open Instagram on your Android, iPhone or iPad. Tap the app icon that looks like a camera on a gradient pink and orange background.

    • You cannot add a note using a computer.
  2. 2

    Open your DM inbox. Tap the airplane or lightning bolt inside a speech bubble icon in the top right corner of your feed. You'll see your DMs, or direct messages, load.

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  3. 3

    Tap Note on your profile picture. You will see your picture near the top of the screen with a bubble that says "Note…"

  4. 4

    Enter your note. You can type a message that is up to 60 characters long, add a @ tag to mention someone, tap the music note to add music, or add a video up to 2 seconds long by tapping the blue camera icon.

    • The video can only be taken from your front-facing camera and will temporarily replace your profile pic in the inbox.
  5. 5

    Select who you want to see your note. Tap the audience button at the bottom of the page. You can share your Note with "followers you follow back" or "close friends."

  6. 6

    Tap Share. It's in the top right corner of your screen and will share your Note with the selected audience.

    • Your Instagram Note will be visible for 24 hours in everyone's inbox that you shared with. After 24 hours, it disappears forever!
    • Delete your Note by tapping it in your inbox, then tapping Delete Note.[1]
    • If you're receiving Notes that are annoying, you can easily mute them. You can unmute them at any time.
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Section 2 of 2:

FAQ

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  1. 1

    Why use IG Notes? Notes are the easiest way to share short thoughts; faster than creating a post. They also allow you to share thoughts without cluttering your posts or Stories.

  2. 2

    How can businesses use Notes? By creating Notes, businesses can keep in touch with their consumers without needing to create content, like photos and videos.

  3. 3

    What can I do if I don't see the Notes feature? First, see if Activity Status is ON. You won't see the Notes feature if this is off. Go to Settings and Privacy > Messages and story replies > Show activity status and tap the switch to turn it on.

    • If that doesn't work, make sure your Instagram app is up-to-date. The Notes feature won't appear if you're using the web browser on any platform, so open the app if it's not open.
    • Next, uninstall, then reinstall the app. This will also delete the data associated with the app.
    • Switch to a Professional account, then switch back to a Personal account. Go to Settings and privacy > Account type and tools > Switch to a professional account then repeat those steps to switch back to a Personal account.
    • If nothing listed works, try contacting the Instagram Help Desk. Note that the Notes feature is simply not available to everyone.
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      About This Article

      How to Get and Use Notes on Instagram: Guide + FAQ (28)

      Written by:

      Darlene Antonelli, MA

      wikiHow Technology Writer

      This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Darlene Antonelli, MA. Darlene Antonelli is a Technology Writer and Editor for wikiHow. Darlene has experience teaching college courses, writing technology-related articles, and working hands-on in the technology field. She earned an MA in Writing from Rowan University in 2012 and wrote her thesis on online communities and the personalities curated in such communities. This article has been viewed 1,124 times.

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      Co-authors: 3

      Updated: January 7, 2024

      Views:1,124

      Categories: Personal Development

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      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 1,124 times.

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      How to Get and Use Notes on Instagram: Guide + FAQ (2024)

      FAQs

      How to Get and Use Notes on Instagram: Guide + FAQ? ›

      To create an Instagram note, open your Instagram inbox and tap "Note." Notes can be up to 60 characters long and disappear after 24 hours. If you don't see Notes, you can get it by turning on Activity Status, updating the app, uninstalling and reinstalling, or switching from a Professional to a Personal account.

      How do I activate notes in Instagram? ›

      If you're unable to see Instagram Notes, you can try refreshing the app or logging out and back in. Also, ensure you're using the latest version of the Instagram app on your iPhone or Android device to access all features.

      Why don't I have the Instagram notes? ›

      There are a few reasons why Notes on Instagram might not appear for certain Instagram users, including an outdated app, region restriction, or Instagram app glitch.

      How do you unlock notes on Instagram? ›

      You can turn on the activity status to fix Instagram Notes not working. Click on the profile icon, click three lines menu, choose Settings, click Privacy, scroll down to Activity Status, and enable the Show Activity Status option. Go to your Chat list and refresh that page, then see if the Notes option is showing.

      Do Instagram notes go to everyone? ›

      Instagram Notes are virtual post-it notes that you can share in the Messages tab right above your direct messages. Think of them as Stories for your inbox. The Note will only be visible to your friends (people you follow back) or your “Close Friends” list depending on whom you decide to share it with.

      Why are my notes not in order on Instagram? ›

      if your Instagram app is outdated, that is probably going to be the reason why. you're missing out on some of these features. so go ahead, update your Instagram app. and you are pretty much good to go.

      Why can't I update my Instagram? ›

      You might experience update issues on Instagram because of relying on auto-updates. The app cannot automatically update until you enable auto updates on your device. The quickest way to solve this issue is to turn on automatic updates in Google Play Store or Apple App Store settings, or update the app manually.

      How do I turn on active on Instagram? ›

      To turn your Activity Status on or off:
      1. Tap or your profile picture in the bottom right to go to your profile.
      2. Tap in the top right.
      3. Below How others can interact with you, tap Messages and story replies.
      4. Tap Show activity status.
      5. Tap or next to Show Activity Status to turn on or off your activity status.

      How do I turn on notes in Messenger? ›

      Create or delete a note on Messenger
      1. From Chats, tap by your profile picture in the top left.
      2. Tap Share a thought... to enter a note of up to 60 characters.
      3. Tap Share.

      What is the new function notes on Instagram? ›

      Instagram introduced Notes in 2022, a feature meant to function as a status update for short text messages, emoji, or songs that vanish after 24 hours. Since the launch of Notes, the only way you could react to an update was by responding with a direct message -- until now.

      How do I turn on active status on Instagram? ›

      To turn your Activity Status on or off:
      1. Tap or your profile picture in the bottom right to go to your profile.
      2. Tap in the top right.
      3. Below How others can interact with you, tap Messages and story replies.
      4. Tap Show activity status.
      5. Tap or next to Show Activity Status to turn on or off your activity status.

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