I’m always open to trying out new features, but it’s frustrating when they turn out to be unwanted distractions. That’s how I feel about Instagram’s newest feature: notes.
Basically, your mutual Instagram friends can add a little Post-it-like note to any post or reel on Instagram. You’ll then see the post whenever you come across the post or reel, whether it’s in your timeline or in the suggestions feed.
These sticky notes are not to be confused with the notes in your direct messages. Unlike DM notes, which only last 24 hours, these post and reel notes last three full days, so you’re bound to see one of these if you use Instagram every day.
The truth is, I don’t really want to see what someone else has to say about an Instagram post through these notes. The note is distracting — partially covering the post I’m looking at — and if I really care that much about other people’s thoughts on a post, I’ll just scroll through the comments. If a mutual person wants to give me their thoughts on a post, they’ll probably just DM me about it anyway.
Unfortunately for me, the new feature is turned on by default, so I already see these notes when I’m browsing Instagram. Luckily, there is a way to opt out.
If you’re not a fan of Instagram’s new notes feature either, here’s how to remove them from every post and reel you see on Instagram.
For more information, see how to opt out of having your posts used for AI by Instagram and Facebook.
This is what a note on an Instagram reel looks like.
How to Disable Notes on Instagram Posts and Reels
In the Instagram app, on iOS and Android, tap the profile icon at the bottom right to go to your profile, then tap the menu icon with the three lines at the top right. Scroll down a bit, tap To shareunder the How Others Can Interact With You subheadingand turn off Allow notes on posts and reels.
While your mutual friends can still post messages on posts and reels, you will never see them again unless you turn this setting back on.
If you don’t want to hide all notes, but only notes from certain mutual relationships, press and hold a note and then click Stupid > Mute notes on messages.
You will no longer see notes from this person and he or she will not be notified that you have muted their notes.
If you want to quit Instagram for whatever reason, learn how to delete or disable your Instagram account and why it’s a good idea to delete Instagram from your phone.
