Where to find the notes feature on Reels

Instagram's notes feature lets you add text directly onto a Reel after you've posted it. The notes appear as a small label at the bottom of your Reel and stay visible to anyone who watches it. You can add, edit, or remove notes at any time without deleting the Reel itself.

To add a note to an existing Reel, open your profile and tap the Reel you want to edit. Tap the three dots in the bottom right corner of the Reel and select "Add note" from the menu. If you've already added a note, you'll see "Edit note" instead. Type your text into the box that appears — Instagram allows up to 150 characters.

You can also add a note while you're creating a new Reel, before you post it. After you've recorded or uploaded your video and added any filters or effects, look for the "Add note" option in the editing screen. The exact location varies slightly depending on whether you're using Instagram on iOS or Android, but it's always in the final editing menu before you hit "Share."

Key Takeaways

  • Notes appear as text at the bottom of your Reel and are visible to everyone who watches it.
  • You can add a note before posting a new Reel or edit the note on any Reel you've already shared.
  • Notes are limited to 150 characters, so keep them brief and direct.
  • Removing a note doesn't affect the Reel itself — the video stays posted and visible.
  • Notes update instantly for viewers, so changes take effect as soon as you save them.

What notes look like to your audience

When someone watches your Reel, the note appears as a small text label positioned at the bottom of the video. It stays on screen for the entire duration of the Reel and doesn't cover the main video content. The text is white and appears against a semi-transparent dark background so it's readable over any video.

Viewers can't interact with the note directly — they can't tap it, copy it, or reply to it. The note is purely informational. If you want to encourage comments or discussion, you'll need to use the caption field instead, which appears below the Reel and supports hashtags, mentions, and calls to action.

Best uses for Reel notes

Notes work well for adding context that's too brief for a full caption. You might use a note to credit a song, identify a location, or add a quick disclaimer. For example, if you're posting a Reel of a recipe, a note could say "No bake — 10 minutes" or "Gluten free option available." If you're sharing a before-and-after video, a note can label what changed or how long the process took.

Notes are also useful for adding information that applies to the whole Reel rather than just the first frame. Since the note stays visible throughout the video, it's better for this purpose than text overlays, which you'd have to add frame by frame during editing. You can use notes to add timestamps, warnings, or source credits without cluttering your video with graphics.

Keep in mind that notes are permanent once posted — if you delete a note, it disappears immediately for all viewers. If you need to change information frequently or want viewers to be able to see previous versions, the caption field is a better choice because it shows an "edited" label when you change it.

How notes differ from captions and video text

A caption is the text that appears below your Reel in the feed. Captions support hashtags, mentions, and links, and they can be as long as you want. Captions are searchable and help Instagram's algorithm understand what your Reel is about. Notes, by contrast, are short labels that appear on the video itself and don't support hashtags or links.

Video text refers to text you add directly into the video during editing — either using Instagram's built-in text tool or text you added before uploading. This text becomes part of the video file itself and can't be edited after posting. Notes are different because they're added as metadata after the video is already on Instagram, so you can change them anytime.

Use captions for longer explanations, context, and calls to action. Use notes for quick labels and credits that should stay visible throughout the video. Use video text when you want the text to be part of the creative design of the Reel itself.

Editing and removing notes

To edit a note on a Reel you've already posted, go to your profile, find the Reel, tap the three dots, and select "Edit note." Delete the old text and type the new note. You can change it as many times as you want — there's no limit to how often you can edit.

To remove a note entirely, open the same menu and select "Edit note," then delete all the text and tap "Save." The note will disappear from the Reel immediately. The Reel itself stays posted and visible; removing a note doesn't affect the video or any of its other information like the caption, likes, or comments.

If you're editing a note on a Reel that's been up for a while, keep in mind that viewers who already watched it won't be notified of the change. The updated note will only be visible to people who watch the Reel after you make the edit.

Troubleshooting notes that won't appear

If you've added a note but it's not showing up on your Reel, first check that you actually saved it. Tap the three dots on the Reel again and select "Edit note" — if the text box is empty, the note didn't save. Type it again and make sure you see a confirmation message before leaving the screen.

If the note is saved but viewers can't see it, make sure your Reel is set to public. Notes only appear on Reels that are visible to your audience. If your Reel is set to "Close Friends" or a private account, the note will be visible only to those people. Check your privacy settings by tapping the three dots on the Reel and looking at the visibility option.

On older versions of Instagram, the notes feature may not be available yet. If you don't see an "Add note" option, update your Instagram app to the latest version. The feature rolled out gradually, so some accounts got it before others.

Notes on Reels you don't own

You can only add or edit notes on Reels you posted yourself. If you share someone else's Reel to your profile (by reposting it), you can't add a note to that repost. The original creator's note will appear on the repost, but you won't be able to change it or add your own.

If you want to add context to someone else's Reel, use the caption field when you repost it, or share it to your Stories where you can add text and stickers on top of the video.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add a note to a Reel after it's already been posted?

Yes. Go to your profile, find the Reel, tap the three dots, and select "Add note" or "Edit note." You can add or change a note on any Reel you've posted, even if it's been up for months. The note will appear to new viewers immediately.

How many characters can a note be?

Notes are limited to 150 characters, including spaces and punctuation. If you need more room for explanation, use the caption field below the Reel instead, which has no character limit.

Will people be notified if I edit a note?

No. People who already watched your Reel won't see a notification about the note change. Only people who watch the Reel after you edit it will see the updated note.

Can I add a note to a Reel in my drafts?

You can add a note while you're creating a Reel, before you post it. Look for the "Add note" option in the final editing screen. Once you post the Reel, you can edit the note anytime from your profile.

Do notes show up on Reels shared to Stories?

When you share a Reel to your Story, the note doesn't automatically appear. You can add your own text and stickers to the Story version, but the original note from the Reel won't be visible unless you mention it in your Story caption.