- Instagram’s new “notes” feature is taking the app by storm.
- The feature is part of Instagram’s focus on enhancing its DM portal for sharing content.
- However, the mutual follow requirement limits creators’ reach on the platform.
Instagram’s “notes” feature, launched in December 2022, has taken the app by storm. Adam Mosseri, head of Instagram, likens it to the old AIM status updates, particularly popular among young users.
Notes have quickly become a favorite way for people to share thoughts or status updates with their Close Friends or followers who follow them back.
DMs are where the cool kids hang out
The introduction of notes and “broadcast channels” is part of Instagram’s focus on enhancing its DM portal.
This hub has become the center of short-form video and photo sharing on the app.
Mosseri believes that sharing will increasingly shift from feed-based formats to messaging-based formats, making the DM portal crucial to Instagram’s future plans.
Stuck in the friend zone
Despite the popularity of notes, creators face a challenge. The feature is designed to connect users with people they mutually follow, limiting the reach for creators with large followings.
Mosseri acknowledged this limitation, emphasizing that notes are about starting conversations with people you care about.
Nevertheless, creators are using notes to update friends and followers on new content, share music, and even apply for job opportunities.
Influencers find notes useful for boosting engagement on their Instagram stories, reels, and carousel posts. Asking questions in notes can start conversations and remind users of old Facebook status updates.
Sharing music through notes has also become popular, allowing creators to share their moods and discover new tunes.
However, creators hope for increased visibility and reaction options to make the feature even more effective.
