Instagram is testing another way to cater to the popularity of notes, with some users now seeing a new “Notes” feed filter within the Reels tab, which only shows Reels that contain notes.
As you can see from this example posted by Jaskaran Singh, some users now have access to a specific “Notes” list in addition to the “Recommended” and “People Nearby” feeds. This will surface Reels with notes from their friends, providing another way to drive engagement with their notes.
Earlier this month, Instagram introduced Notes to Reels, which allows users to leave comments and remarks on Reels (and feed posts) that can be seen by their connections.
Notes last for three days and can only be left by users who follow each other, adding a simple option to encourage interaction between friends.
This new tab offers another way to foster connections and responses by showcasing all the Reels that your friends have already commented on and allowing you to join in the discussion.
Of course, if notes are your thing.
Every time I write about Notes on IG, someone inevitably comments along the lines of “Who cares?”, “Who uses this?”, and “Why don’t more people use it?”
Many IG users seem confused by Notes and don’t seem to be too keen on this option, but a significant portion of IG’s, and Meta’s more broadly, user base is very interested in the option.
Notes are especially popular among younger users, who are “taking notes like crazy,” according to Instagram. It was reported last June that Teens create notes at 10 times the rate of non-teens.
That’s why Notes keeps expanding and getting more features, as Instagram is desperate to stay connected with this young, trendy group and keep them on the app, ideally preventing them from drifting off to TikTok.
So whether you love it or hate it, or use it or not, Instagram will likely continue to focus on the Notes feature and look for new places to incorporate it for younger users.
So if you don’t like them, don’t use them, but know that younger users are apparently 10 times more excited about them than you or I are.
