I'm always open to trying out new features, but it's frustrating when they end up being unwanted distractions. That's how I feel about Instagram's latest feature -- notes.
The gist is that your mutual Instagram friends can add a tiny Post-it-style note to any post or reel on IG, which you'll see whenever you stumble upon said post or reel, whether it's in your timeline or suggested 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 whole days, so you'll definitely see one 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 via these notes. The note is distracting -- partially covering up whatever post I'm looking at -- and if I really care that much to read other people's thoughts on a post, I'll just browse through the comments. If a mutual wants to give me their thoughts on a post, they'll probably just direct message me about it anyway.
Unfortunately for me, the new feature is on by default, so I've already started seeing these notes as I browse through Instagram. There is a way to opt out though, thankfully.
If you're also not a fan of Instagram's new notes feature, here's how to get rid of them from every single post and reel you see on IG.
For more, check out how to opt out of Instagram and Facebook using your posts for AI.
This is what a note looks like on an Instagram reel.
Nelson Aguilar/CNETIn the Instagram application, on iOS and Android, tap the profile icon on the bottom-right to go to your profile and then hit the three-dash menu icon in the top-right. Scroll down a little bit, tap Sharing, under the How others can interact with you subheading, and toggle off Allow notes on posts and reels.
Although your mutuals will still be able to post notes on posts and reels, you won't see them ever again, unless you toggle this setting back on.
Nelson Aguilar/CNETIf you don't want to hide all notes but only notes from certain mutuals, press-and-hold on a note and then hit Mute > Mute notes on posts.
You'll no longer see notes from this person, and they won't be notified that you've muted their notes.
Nelson Aguilar/CNETIf for some reason you want to step away from Instagram, check out how to delete or disable your Instagram account and why taking Instagram off your phone is a good thing.