Instagram’s test of a new feature that allows you to post a text note to your followers looks set to get a wider rollout, XDA Developers reports. When available, the feature will appear in the notification area of the app, below the search bar. “Share what’s on your mind…” reads the prompt in the text box, according to a screenshot posted by XDA. “People don’t get notified if you leave a note. They can see your note for 24 hours and reply with a message.”
TechCrunch reported in June that the feature was tested with a limited selection of users, but the fact that XDA has that the feature works on multiple devices suggests that its availability is increasing. Notes can be up to 60 characters long, depending on: TechCrunch.
The vanishing nature of these notes makes them look like text-based versions of Instagram Stories, which usually revolve around photos and videos rather than text. But they are also reminiscent of The classic status feature of MSN Messengerwhich allows you to set a small string of text with your screen name so that all your contacts on the popular* 00s chat app can see.
Ostensibly this was meant to share practical details like whether you were busy or chatting, but in practice I only saw it used to share (terribly emo) lyrics and coded messages about who you were in love with at the time (Gemma, if you’re reading this, give me a call?).
As with all these features, it will be interesting to see how Instagram’s users make use of the notes functionality in practice. Will people be using it for practical purposes, or are we looking to the next canvas for some good old-fashioned flirting/shitposting? I know which option I’m betting on.
An Instagram spokesperson didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment on the apparent expansion of the notes feature test, so it’s unclear when it could get a widespread launch. “We’re always working on ways to help you connect better on Instagram. We are now testing Notes so that people can quickly share thoughts with their friends, with a small group of people to start with,” a company spokesperson said earlier. TechCrunch.
*Apparently MSN Messenger was never really a thing in the US where I understand you were all obsessed with AOL Instant Messenger and its iconic out of office messages instead of?