How to Change Instagram Notes Colors : What They Mean (2025 Guide)

If you’ve opened Instagram recently, you might’ve noticed something new at the top of your DMs: some Notes still appear in plain grey, while others pop in pink, red, or purple. Naturally, people started asking — “Do these colors mean something?”, “Are they connected to the music or emoji I use?”, or “Why doesn’t my account have colored Notes yet?”

The short answer: it’s all part of Instagram’s latest feature — Custom Bubbles, which lets you change the background color of your Notes. This update is still rolling out gradually, so if you can’t see color options yet, don’t worry — it’s not a setting issue; your account just hasn’t received the update.

If you’re wondering how to change your Instagram Notes color or why your Instagram app doesn’t have the feature yet, keep reading — everything you need to know is right below.

• Table Of Contents
• 01｜What Exactly Is Instagram Notes Color Customization?
• 02｜How to Change the Color of Your Instagram Notes (Step-by-Step)
• 03｜Common Questions About Instagram Notes Colors
• 04｜Other 2025 Notes Updates You Should Know
• 05｜Who Can See Your Notes and How They Can Interact
• Conclusion

01｜What Exactly Is Instagram Notes Color Customization?

The “Notes color” update is part of Instagram’s growing focus on personalization. Officially known as Custom Bubbles, it’s a UI enhancement that lets you pick a background color for your Notes — those short, 60-character updates that appear at the top of your inbox.

Unlike earlier versions (where Notes were always a neutral grey), the new system gives you several background shades to choose from. You can mix text, emojis, or even add music, creating a tiny visual status bubble that matches your mood.

However, it’s important to note what this isn’t:

• The colors don’t carry hidden meanings — they aren’t tied to mood, emoji type, or follower category.
• They’re not part of the Instagram Rings program, which is an exclusive creator award that changes profile highlights, not Notes.
• And they’re purely cosmetic, meant to give users more expressive options without changing visibility or engagement rules.

In short, the colored Notes feature is a small but noticeable step in Instagram’s trend toward more expressive, customizable communication — from colorful chat themes to music stickers and now, bright little bubbles sitting above your DMs.

02｜How to Change the Color of Your Instagram Notes (Step-by-Step)

There are two main ways to customize your Note’s appearance — depending on whether you’re posting it in your DMs or attaching it to a Reel or feed post.

Option 1 — Change Note Color in DMs

• Open your Direct Messages tab.
• Tap “Share a note.”
• Long-press the input field before or after typing your message.
• A Bubble Editor will appear with multiple color choices.
• Select the color you like.
• Tap Share — your Note will now appear in that hue.

Reddit users have confirmed that both methods work — you can long-press before or after typing your text. Some even mentioned that the available colors may differ slightly by account (commonly pink, purple, red, grey, or blue).

Option 2 — Add a Note to a Post or Reel (2025 Update)

• Open the post or Reel you want to add a Note to.
• Tap the Share icon → choose “Add note…”
• Type your short message (up to 60 characters).
• Choose who can see it — mutual followers or Close Friends.
• Tap Share.
• Your Note will remain visible for up to three days (instead of 24 hours like regular Notes).

While Instagram hasn’t published an official color palette, early testers have reported a range of vibrant options. Because this update is being rolled out gradually, color access and availability may differ between accounts or regions.

03｜Common Questions About Instagram Notes Colors

04｜Other 2025 Notes Updates You Should Know

The colorful bubbles are part of a much larger Notes overhaul that arrived in 2025:

• Custom Bubbles: Long-press to choose colors when creating a Note.
• Music in Notes: Add a 30-second music clip by tapping the 🎵 icon while composing.
• Notes on Posts & Reels: Attach a Note to any Reel or post for up to three days; visible only to mutuals or Close Friends. Users can like or reply privately, but view counts remain hidden.
• Moderation: Post authors can remove Notes attached to their content; all Notes must comply with community guidelines and can be reported even after they expire.

Together, these updates transform Notes from a plain status line into a small multimedia moment — combining color, sound, and intimacy to make casual interactions feel more expressive.

05｜Who Can See Your Notes and How They Can Interact

A. DM Notes

• Audience: mutual followers / Close Friends.
• Duration: 24 hours.
• Interaction: replies open a private chat.

B. Post or Reel Notes (2025)

• Audience: mutuals or Close Friends (selectable).
• Duration: up to 3 days.
• Interaction: users can like or reply privately; no public view or like lists.
• Control: both the Note author and the post owner can delete it.
• Compliance: subject to Instagram’s Community Guidelines.
• Color effect: purely visual — it doesn’t alter who can see or interact with your Note.

Conclusion

Instagram’s new color-changing Notes are all about self-expression, not symbolism. They add a playful layer to the way users share quick thoughts, moods, or songs — and reflect the platform’s broader move toward creativity and personalization in 2025. If you don’t have the feature yet, keep your app updated — your turn for colorful Notes is likely coming soon.

If you’re curious about keeping a better eye on your child’s digital world, you can also take a look at VigilKids — a simple, privacy-aware tool that helps parents stay informed without feeling intrusive.