Instagram Updates Notes Feature with Colored Backgrounds and Emoji Options

Instagram has rolled out a small but potentially fun update to its Notes feature, giving users new ways to personalize their short text posts in the inbox. While this isn’t a groundbreaking change, it adds more customization options and aligns with Instagram’s ongoing efforts to increase direct message (DM) engagement, especially among Gen Z users.

This update enables all users to add colored backgrounds and avatar emojis to their Notes—short status-style messages that appear at the top of friends’ inboxes.

Notes Now Get a Visual Makeover with Colors and Emojis

Previously limited to plain text, Instagram Notes can now be stylized with background colors of the user’s choice. Whether it’s a soft pastel or a bright neon tone, users can now highlight their messages more vividly.

In addition, Instagram is allowing avatar-style emojis to be added alongside these Notes. These emojis act as a visual cue and help Notes stand out in increasingly crowded inboxes. Combined, these elements offer a more expressive way to communicate casual thoughts, updates, or even announcements.

Instagram has been testing these features for several months, and some users may have already seen them rolled out on a limited basis.

Why Instagram Is Focusing More on Notes

Though Notes might seem like a minor component of the platform, they’ve become surprisingly popular among younger audiences, particularly Gen Z users. Instagram sees this demographic as essential to its long-term success and is looking to provide features that reflect their communication preferences.

According to the platform, there is now more engagement happening in DMs than in public content areas like the main feed or Reels. As a result, Meta is increasing its focus on improving private messaging features, with Notes acting as a lightweight way to initiate conversations and boost interaction.

Lessons Learned from Notes in Other Areas

Not all implementations of Notes have been well received. Earlier this year, Instagram experimented by adding Notes to Reels and feed posts, but the response was underwhelming. Users didn’t find them helpful or engaging in that context, prompting Instagram to quietly remove them in March 2025.

This indicates that while Notes can be a fun tool in DMs, they don’t necessarily translate well to the more visual or video-heavy parts of the app.

Still, the inbox version of Notes continues to generate strong engagement among users who prefer lightweight, casual communication methods—especially those looking to express themselves with minimal effort.

How to Use Instagram’s New Notes Features

To access the new Notes customization options:

1. Open Instagram and go to your inbox.

2. Tap the “+” icon next to your profile picture in the Notes section.

3. Type your message (up to 60 characters).

4. Choose your preferred background color from the new palette options.

5. Add an emoji avatar to go with your Note.

6. Tap “Share” to post it to your mutual followers or Close Friends list.

These Notes will remain visible for 24 hours, similar to Stories, giving users another short-form content format for casual sharing.

Enhancing the Social Messaging Experience

Instagram’s expansion of Notes aligns with its larger strategy of boosting private social interaction. As more users migrate from broadcasting public content to engaging in private, meaningful conversations, features like Notes are being positioned as gateways for informal check-ins and friend updates.

Whether it’s sharing a mood, a quick thought, or a subtle “DM me” hint, Notes now offer more visual flair to help users communicate more effectively.