Instagram’s Latest Update: Introduces Short, Looping Video Notes and Tests Innovative Privacy Feature

Instagram is rolling out a new feature that allows users to share video Notes, an evolution of a feature introduced by Instagram a year ago, akin to WhatsApp’s statuses. Previously limited to uploading text or emojis, users can now share a two-second looping video Note, offering a dynamic and engaging way to communicate.

The flexibility extends to sharing these video Notes with mutual followers or a select group of friends on the Close Friends list. In tandem with this exciting update, leaked information suggests that Instagram is in the testing phase for a novel privacy feature. This feature is expected to empower users by enabling them to control who can view their Likes on posts and reels.

As per information found on an Instagram support page, users now have the capability to share brief, looping video Notes, a discovery initially made by TechCrunch. Notably, the current iteration of this feature supports videos captured exclusively from the front-facing camera.

While distinct from Instagram Stories, the video Notes share a similar visibility timeframe, lasting for 24 hours. It’s important to note that existing videos from the camera gallery cannot be used, requiring users to record a video in real-time. This update has been verified, marking a notable enhancement to Instagram’s repertoire of communication tools.

Before sharing the video Note, you can choose to add a text caption and music. You can also customise who sees your Notes, by choosing between your Mutual Followers or the Close Friends list. Notably, since the Notes are visible in Direct Messages, any video Note you share will change the thumbnail of your profile on the viewer’s page from your profile picture to that of the video shared, the report claims.

Users can now also reply to a Note using not just text, but also audio, photos, video, gifs, and stickers, according to the report. When someone reacts to a person’s Notes, the text, sticker, audio, etc. will be sent to the user as a DM.

Meanwhile, Instagram may also introduce a new privacy feature soon that may allow users to choose who can view their Likes on posts and Reels on the platform. Screenshots shared by X user Hammod Oh (@ihammod_oh) show the feature that is likely being tested. Users are presented with the options for – “allow everyone to see likes,” “allow people that you follow to see likes,” “allow close friends to see likes,” and “don’t allow anyone to see likes.” Nothing about this feature has been announced officially yet.