Instagram Debuts Group Profiles, Twitter-Like 'Notes' Feature for Sharing Text and Emojis

Meta-owned social network Instagram today announced the launch of a new "Notes" feature that is designed to allow Instagram users to share their thoughts using text and emojis. Notes are described as short posts that can include up to 60 characters, which means they're similar to a tweet, but with support for fewer words.

instagram notes
Notes can be shared by going to the top of the inbox, selecting followers or people on the Close Friends List, and then writing and sharing a note. Notes will show at the top of the inbox for 24 hours, and replies will be displayed as DMs.

During testing, we learned that people liked having a lightweight, easy way to share what's on their mind and start conversations. From asking for recommendations to sharing what they're up to, Notes give people a casual and spontaneous way to express themselves and connect with each other.

Instagram will also soon be implementing Group Profiles, which will allow multiple users to share posts and stories through a dedicated, shared profile.

Candid Stories are in testing as well, with Instagram aiming to add BeReal-like functionality. Candid Stories are only visible to those who also share their own Candid, and it is meant to be used to "share what you're doing right now." Instagram will send daily notifications to post a Candid, unless the setting is disabled.

Notes are rolling out today, while Candid Stories are in testing and will be available for some users. Group Profiles are set to come out in the near future.

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Top Rated Comments

kalafalas Avatar
41 months ago
I wish instagram was a feed of photography from my friends and nothing more. Stories are for snapchat, short video is for vine/tiktok, short text posts are for twitter, and shopping is for dedicated online merchants not social media. Bring simple instagram back!

Edit; while I still agree with what I said before, I think macrumors is misleading calling this feature “Twitter-like”. It’s nothing like Twitter, it’s more like an old AIM status and I’m actually really enjoying the feature, it’s a good idea. Still would like to see instagram go back to simple, and features like this feel more at home in a chat app like messages or WhatsApp.
Score: 21 Votes (Like | Disagree)
TheYayAreaLiving ?️ Avatar
41 months ago
Not a big fan of notes. Just stick to photography.

Where is Instagram for iPad? 11" and 12.9" iPad Pro screens can really take advantage of Instagram photos.
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
boyreinvented Avatar
41 months ago
Space Karen is gunna be pissed.
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
enterthemerdaverse Avatar
41 months ago
They will scrape that text to build deeper personality profiles on you. That’s their business model.
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Think|Different Avatar
41 months ago
This is so beyond lame. ?
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
andrewxgx Avatar
41 months ago
FB execs: bring moar features!
what they seem to miss is people were first attracted to IG because FB become overbloated. now people are attracted to TikTok because IG is overbloated.
oh, yeah, and put an ad every post. yeah, people wont go to TT which has like 1 ad per viewing session.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)