Use the latest version of the instagram app to see this type of message.

On Dec. 13, the social media company announced the rollout of Instagram "Notes", a feature they described as "a new way to share your thoughts and see what your friends are up to.”

The sharing feature is similar to old-school messaging services like AIM and MSN Messenger, giving users the option to post about their current mood, status or anything else on their mind in 60 characters or less.

If you've seen notes popping up and have questions about how to post your own (or turn them off completely), then keep reading for all the details.

Here's everything you need to know about Instagram Notes, including how to get the feature, why you might not be able to find the notes on your app and more.

What are Instagram Notes? 

Instagram Notes are short posts or messages that appear at the top of other people's inbox.

"When you post a note, you can select followers who follow you back or your Close Friends list as the audience," Christine Pai, a spokesperson for Meta (Instagram's parent company) tells TODAY.com in an email.

Think of it as a thought bubble that appears above your photo or icon in other people's inbox. You'll be able to see your own note there, along with those posted by friends or followers.

Instagram Notes can include text and/or emojis and must be 60 characters or less.

Instagram Notes are totally customizable, but examples include "Vacation starts today let the good times roll 🌴" or "Anyone else watching the big game?"

The note will remain at the top of your friends or followers' inbox for 24 hours before disappearing. You can also update, edit or delete your note at any time.

Friends or followers have the option to respond to your note (as you do theirs) and replies will appear as DMs in your messages inbox.

How to get Instagram Notes

Wondering where to find the new sharing feature?

Pai tells TODAY.com that the new feature is available to everyone with Instagram with the exception of users based in the European Union, United Kingdom and Japan due to regulatory constraints. “We plan to roll out in those countries early 2023,” Pai says.

Why can’t I see Instagram Notes?

If you don’t see any notes and aren’t in one of the specific regions where the messaging tool has yet to be launched, Pai recommends updating the app or logging out, then back in again.

“Usually ‘refreshing’ the app works,” she says.

If you aren’t running the latest version of Instagram, it may be time to update the app on your iPhone or Android.

How to use Instagram Notes

Follow these steps to create a note or see notes left by followers:

• Open your DM inbox on Instagram.
• Your profile photo or icon should appear at the top left along with other followers or friends who've posted a note.
• Click on "+" to create your own message or status.
• Write a note that's 60 characters or less. The note will delete after 24 hours.
• Click on notes shared by friends or followers and type out a response in the message field. Your response will show up in their inbox.

How to turn off Instagram Notes

If you want to keep things the way things were, then you may be tempted to turn off the feature.

For the time being, you're out of luck. According to Pai, Instagram Notes cannot be turned off completely. However, much like Instagram stories, users have the ability to mute specific individuals if they don't want to see what they're posting.

More Instagram news

• Meta's new privacy feature helps prevent 'sextortion'
• A parents' guide to Instagram teen safety

Sarah Lemire

Sarah Lemire is a lifestyle reporter at TODAY.com with more than a decade of experience writing across an array of channels including home, health, holidays, personal finance, shopping, food, fashion, travel and weddings. An avid traveler, foodie, helicopter parent and couch film critic, Sarah is originally from Minneapolis and has spent the last two decades unsuccessfully trying to figure out the difference between a hoagie and a sub.

This article explains how to access, read, and reply to your Instagram direct messages on the Instagram mobile app or from Instagram on the desktop.

Facebook has merged messaging between Facebook, Messenger, Instagram, and WhatsApp, so if your Instagram is updated to the new interface, you'll be using Messenger in your Instagram direct messaging.

Check Messages on the Instagram App

It's easy to access your direct-message inbox from the Instagram main screen, where you see your current feed with posts from people and businesses you follow.

You can't turn off read receipts on Instagram, but there are workarounds.

1. Open the Instagram app on your iOS or Android device and sign in to your account or switch to the appropriate account, if necessary.

2. Tap the Messenger icon. Your inbox messages are listed from most to least recent. Unread messages have a blue dot.

   If you haven't updated Instagram, you'll see a paper airplane icon.

3. Tap any message to open the conversation thread, then use the text field and media buttons at the bottom to send a reply.

   
   

   Use the search field at the top to search for a message from a certain user or to search for a keyword or phrase.

4. To reply to a message with a photo or video, tap the Camera in the message box. A camera interface opens with options. Take a photo or video, then tap Send. Tap Send to Others to send the photo or video to other Instagram contacts.

   
   

   To send a quick photo or video reply without opening the conversation, tap the camera to the right of every message listed in your inbox.

5. If you're wondering if your recipient has seen your message, the message screen keeps you updated. You'll see a message's status on the inbox screen, including when it was seen or when you sent it if it hasn't yet been opened.

   
   

If you receive an Instagram message from someone you don't follow, it appears as a request in your inbox rather than a conversation. If you accept the request, you can reply without following the other user. If you decline the request, the other user can't contact you again unless you follow them.

How to Check Instagram Messages on the Desktop

You can also check your direct messages using Instagram on a web browser.

1. Go to the official Instagram website and log in.

2. Select the Messenger icon.

   
   

3. Your current conversations appear in the left pane. Click a conversation to open it in the right pane.

   
   

4. Type a message in the message bar. If you like, select the smiley icon to add an emoji.

   
   

   The desktop Instagram doesn't have many of the features of the Instagram app, such as sending photos and videos in a direct message.

The Instagram-Facebook Messenger Integration

According to a report in The Verge, in August of 2020, Facebook began rolling out its new messaging system, merging the messaging functionality of Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp with Messenger.

If your Instagram app still uses the older interface, you'll see a paper-airplane-style direct messages icon instead of the Facebook Messenger logo.

This messaging integration is meant to be a convenience for users, for example, allowing Instagram users to send messages to Facebook users who aren't even on Instagram.

How to Turn Off Instagram Message Requests

FAQ

• How do I delete Instagram messages?

  Open Instagram, go to the upper-right and select the Messages icon. Swipe right on a conversation and tap Delete to delete the conversation. To unsend a message, tap and hold the message and choose Unsend.

• How do I see deleted messages on Instagram?

  You can't recover deleted messages on Instagram, but you can recover deleted posts, reels, and more. Tap your profile picture and choose Menu (three lines) > Settings > Account > Manage Recently Deleted. Choose what you want to recover.

• How do I react to an Instagram message?

  To react to an Instagram direct message, tap and hold the message and choose one of the optional reactions, such as a heart, laughing-crying face, sad face, angry face, or thumbs up. Tap the plus sign (+) for more popular social media emoji reaction options

  How do you get the new Instagram message update?

  Update to Messenger features on Instagram Tap Update messaging, then tap Update.

  How do you check your messages on Instagram 2022?

  How to Check Your Instagram Direct Messages on the Android App.

  Launch the Instagram app and log in..

  Select your account, if you have multiple..

  Tap the mail icon in the upper right corner..

  Read the newest messages..

  Tap on any message to bring up the entire conversation and the reply box..

  How do I get the latest version of the Instagram app?

  Update the Instagram on Android.

  Open the Google Play Store app on your Android device..

  Use the search field at the top to search for "Instagram" and select Instagram from the list of suggested results..

  Tap Update to the right of the Instagram app listing..

  How do you update to the new version of Instagram messaging that incorporates Facebook Messenger features?

  How to update to Messenger Features on Instagram.

  You can update from Direct to Messenger features on the Instagram app by tapping direct in the top right, then tap Update. ... .

  Tap profile or your profile picture in the bottom right to go to your profile..

  Tap more options in the top right, then tap Settings..