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What Is Instagram Notes? New Feature Brings Back AIM Nostalgia The new feature allows users to make a 60-character status that lasts 24 hours.

By Sam Silverman

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

Courtesy of Meta/Instagram

Instagram dropped a new feature this week, and users think it's giving early aughts nostalgia.

The app is adding a "Notes" feature that will act as an "away message" reminiscent of the days of AIM. The addition will serve as "a new way to share your thoughts and see what your friends are up to," according to a Meta blog post announcement.

"Notes" are meant to be short-form messages and only allow for 60 characters of text or emojis, and will only appear for 24 hours. You can select who sees your note (followers, people you follow, etc.), or you can just share it with your "Close Friends" list. The Note can be deleted if you wish, but it can not be edited.

Shortly after the update hit users, many took to Twitter to call out the feature's old-school feel.

How to Use Instagram Notes

To make an Instagram Note, simply go to your inbox and select the "+" icon that should appear next to your profile picture. Then, you will be prompted to "share what's on your mind" and add a 60-character max snippet.

After choosing between sharing your Note with your Close Friends List or with all your followers you follow back, your Note will be shared and visible for 24 hours.

Sam Silverman

Content Strategy Editor

Sam Silverman is a content strategy editor at Entrepreneur Media. She specializes in search engine optimization (SEO), and her work can be found in The US Sun, Nicki Swift, In Touch Weekly, Life & Style and Health. She writes for our news team with a focus on investigating scandals. Her coverage and expertise span from business news, entrepreneurship, technology, and true crime, to the latest in entertainment and TV news. Sam is a graduate of Lehigh University and currently resides in NYC. 

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