Instagram has announced a series of updates to its Notes feature to enhance its utility. The new features include:

• Notes Prompts: This allows users to initiate conversations based on templated queries, making it easier for friends and mutual friends to engage.
• @ Mentions in Notes: Users can now use @ mentions to make more direct contact with their prompts.
• Notes Likes: Users can react to Notes by double-tapping the note or clicking the heart icon in the reply sheet.

These updates are designed to drive more engagement within the app.

Notes Prompts enable users to spark conversations by providing templated queries. Friends and mutual friends can respond to these prompts, making it a simple way to drive engagement within the app. This feature is aimed at making it easier for users to start conversations and interact with each other.

To like a note on Instagram, you can either double-tap the note or click the heart icon in the reply sheet. This allows you to react to Notes without having to add your own thoughts, making it a quick and easy way to engage.

Instagram is focusing on expanding Notes features because they have proven to be popular, especially among teen users. According to Instagram, teen users are around 10x more likely to create a Note in the app. By adding features like music in Notes, looping videos, and Notes on profiles, Instagram aims to maintain its connection with younger users and drive more engagement within the app.

In addition to the recently added features, Instagram is also testing Notes on Reels and feed posts. These tests are part of Instagram's ongoing efforts to expand the useability and engagement of the Notes feature within the app.