Instagram has expanded its Notes feature, reminiscent of AIM away messages and statuses, by incorporating additional functionalities for its users.
With the latest update, users now have the ability to include a 30-second clip of a song in their status updates, accompanied by a concise caption. By tapping on the song, friends can listen to a snippet of it. Furthermore, Instagram has introduced a translation button beneath Notes, enabling the translation of posts in different languages.
Originally introduced in December, Notes combine elements of Twitter and away messages. With a character limit of 60, this feature serves as an ever-evolving status update that is more concise than grid posts or Stories. The integration of music represents a modernized throwback to AIM-away messages, allowing users to share the song they are currently listening to instead of solely mentioning the title and artist.
While personally, I have not utilized Notes extensively within my social circles, its adoption rate among teenagers is significantly higher, with teens posting Notes at a rate ten times greater than other users, as reported by Instagram. This update now enables them to showcase their favorite songs to friends, going beyond simply typing out lyrics.
Notes constitute a fraction of Instagram’s recent focus on text-based products, potentially rivaling platforms like Twitter. Leaked images from last month offered a glimpse into Instagram’s forthcoming app, which aims to resemble Twitter. Additionally, Meta employees were granted an early preview of the app, intended as Meta’s response to Twitter. Internal documents obtained by The Verge reveal text posts with replies and threaded conversations, akin to Twitter’s interface.
Chief Product Officer Chris Cox stated that Meta has been receiving feedback from creators and public figures expressing interest in a platform that is well-managed and trustworthy for content distribution. The company is even in discussions with prominent personalities like Oprah and the Dalai Lama to adopt the new text app. However, for now, Instagram is starting with cryptic and introspective status updates reminiscent of AIM before expanding further.