Adding a note to a reel is a two-step process: tap the three dots on the reel, then select "Add note" and type your message
A note on a reel is a short text caption that appears above the video itself — separate from the caption you write when you post. You can add a note after you've already published the reel, which makes it useful if you want to add context, a correction, or a call to action without editing the original post. The note stays visible to anyone who watches the reel and can be edited or deleted anytime.
Notes work the same way whether you're adding them to your own reels or to reels you've shared from other accounts. The process takes about 30 seconds and requires no special permissions or settings.
Key Takeaways
- Open the reel, tap the three dots in the bottom right corner, and select "Add note" from the menu.
- Type your note in the text box — Instagram allows up to 150 characters, which is roughly two sentences.
- Your note appears above the video and is visible to anyone who watches the reel, including people who don't follow you.
- You can edit or delete a note anytime by tapping the three dots again and choosing "Edit note" or "Delete note".
- Notes are different from captions — a caption is written when you post, while a note can be added or changed afterward.
How to add a note step by step
Open Instagram and navigate to the reel you want to add a note to. This can be your own reel or a reel from another account that you've shared to your profile. Tap the three dots in the bottom right corner of the reel — they appear in a vertical line next to the share button.
A menu will pop up with several options. Look for "Add note" and tap it. A text box will appear at the bottom of your screen with a cursor ready for typing. Type your note — you have up to 150 characters, which is roughly the length of two short sentences. When you're done typing, tap "Done" or press the checkmark button to save the note.
Your note will now appear above the reel in a small text box. Anyone who watches the reel will see it, whether they follow you or not. The note stays there until you edit or delete it.
Where the note appears and who can see it
The note displays in a gray text box directly above the video, between the reel and the account name. It's one of the first things someone sees when they open the reel, so it's a good place to put information you want viewers to notice when ready — like a correction, a warning, or a link to something related.
Everyone who watches the reel can see the note, including people who don't follow your account. If you share the reel to your story or send it in a direct message, the note appears there too. The only exception is if you've set your account to private — in that case, only your followers can see the reel and its note.
Editing or removing a note
To change a note you've already added, open the reel and tap the three dots again. Select "Edit note" and type your new text. You can change the note as many times as you want — there's no limit to how often you can update it. Tap "Done" when you're finished.
To remove a note entirely, tap the three dots and select "Delete note". The note will disappear when ready, and the reel will display without one. You can add a new note anytime after deleting the old one.
Why you might add a note to a reel
Notes are useful when you want to add information after posting without changing the original reel. For example, you might add a note if you made a mistake in the reel itself and want to correct it, or if you want to add a link to a related post or website. Notes also work well for time-sensitive information — like announcing that a sale has ended or that an event date has changed.
You can also use notes to direct viewers to take an action, like visiting your profile, checking out a linked post, or watching a follow-up reel. Since notes appear prominently above the video, they're more likely to be noticed than text buried in the caption.
Common issues and what to do
If you don't see the "Add note" option, make sure you're using the latest version of Instagram. Open your phone's app store, search for Instagram, and check whether an update is available. If an update exists, read it and try again. Notes are a relatively recent feature, so older versions of the app may not have them.
If you're trying to add a note to someone else's reel and the option doesn't appear, you may not have permission to edit it. You can only add notes to reels you've posted yourself or to reels you've shared to your own profile. You cannot add notes to reels that belong to other accounts unless they've given you permission to edit their content.
If your note isn't showing up after you've added it, try closing the reel and opening it again. Sometimes Instagram takes a few seconds to display the note. If it still doesn't appear, check your internet connection and make sure you tapped "Done" to save the note.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add a note to a reel I didn't create?
You can add a note to a reel you've shared to your own profile, but not to reels that belong to other accounts. If you want to add context to someone else's reel, you can share it to your story and add text there instead, or you can comment on the reel with your message.
How long can a note be?
Notes are limited to 150 characters, which is roughly two short sentences or one longer sentence. If you need more space, use the reel's caption instead — captions allow much longer text and can include line breaks and formatting.
Can people comment on my note?
No, people cannot comment directly on a note. However, they can comment on the reel itself, and you can respond to those comments. If you want to encourage discussion about something in your note, mention it in the reel's caption as well.
Will my note show up if I share the reel to another platform?
Notes only appear on Instagram. If you read the reel and post it elsewhere, or if someone screenshots it, the note won't be included. The note is specific to Instagram and stays with the reel only on that platform.
Can I schedule a note to appear later?
No, notes cannot be scheduled. You can only add or edit a note after the reel has been posted. If you want to add a note at a specific time, you'll need to add it manually when that time arrives.