Notes, Candid Stories: Meta launches new features on Instagram

American technology giant Meta has introduced new messaging features on Instagram to help users connect and share more.

The most notable is ‘Notes’, a feature Meta considered turning into a Twitter competitor.

With ‘Notes,’ you can share thoughts and see what friends are up to. Posts are limited to 60 characters of texts and emojis, a different format from the usual pictures and videos Instagram is known for.

“During testing, we learned that people liked having a lightweight, easy way to share what’s on their mind and start conversations. From asking for recommendations to sharing what they’re up to, Notes gives people a casual and spontaneous way to express themselves and connect with each other,” wrote Meta in a blog post on Tuesday.

To leave a Note, go to the top of your inbox and select the followers you follow back or your Close Friends list. Your note will appear at the top of their inboxes for 24 hours.

Replies to the notes will arrive as Direct Messages (DMs) in your inbox.

The other set of features targets Instagram stories. Meta is introducing ‘Candid’, a way for friends to share stories that are only visible to users who share Candids too.

“We’re starting to test Candid, a new way for you and your friends to capture and share what you’re doing right now in a story that’s only visible to those who also share their own,” wrote Meta.