Instagram Notes color options and how to set them

Instagram Notes lets you pick a background color when you write a note — the short message that appears at the top of your followers' DM list. You choose the color before you post, and it stays with that note until you delete it. The app gives you a set palette of about a dozen colors to pick from, and the process takes about 10 seconds.

The color you pick is visible to anyone who sees your note in their DM inbox. If you change your mind after posting, you have to delete the note and write a new one with a different color — Instagram does not let you edit the color of a note that is already live.

Key Takeaways

  • You choose a note's background color when you first write it, before you tap the button to post.
  • Instagram provides a fixed set of colors; you cannot create a custom color or upload your own background.
  • Once a note is posted, you cannot change its color without deleting it and starting over.
  • The color appears the same way to all your followers — there is no way to show different colors to different people.
  • Notes disappear after 24 hours unless you pin them, and the color disappears with the note.

Step-by-step: changing a note's color before you post

Open Instagram and tap the DM icon in the top right corner. At the top of your DM list, you will see a text box that says "Notes" with a small pencil icon next to it. Tap that box to start writing your note.

Type your message in the text field. Below the text box, you will see a row of colored circles — these are your color options. Tap whichever color you want. The background of your note preview will change to show you what it will look like. Once you have picked a color and written your message, tap "Send" or the arrow button to post the note.

The note will now appear at the top of your followers' DM inboxes with the color you chose. It will stay there for 24 hours, or longer if you pin it.

What the color palette includes

Instagram's note color options are a set of solid colors without patterns or gradients. The exact shades change slightly depending on your phone's display settings and whether you use dark mode or light mode in the app, but the range includes warm tones like orange and red, cool tones like blue and purple, and neutral options like gray and white.

You cannot mix colors, add patterns, use a photo as a background, or create a custom color. You are limited to the colors Instagram provides in that row of circles. If none of them match what you want, your only option is to pick the closest one.

Deleting and reposting a note with a different color

If you posted a note and want to change its color, you have to delete the original and write a new one. Press and hold the note in your DM list (or in the notes section at the top of your inbox), and a menu will appear with a "Delete" option. Tap it to remove the note.

Once the note is deleted, it disappears from your followers' inboxes when ready. You can then write a new note with the same text and a different color by following the steps above. Your followers will see it as a brand-new note, not an edit of the old one.

Pinning a note to keep it longer than 24 hours

Notes normally disappear after 24 hours, but you can pin a note to keep it visible longer. Press and hold the note in your DM list and select "Pin" from the menu. A pinned note will stay at the top of your followers' DM inboxes until you unpin it or delete it.

Pinning does not change the color — the color you chose when you posted the note stays the same. You can pin and unpin as many times as you want without affecting the color or the text.

Why your note color might look different on someone else's phone

The color you see on your screen might look slightly different on a follower's phone depending on their device, screen brightness, and whether they use dark mode. A bright yellow note might appear more muted on an older phone or in sunlight. This is normal and happens with all colors on all apps — it is not a problem with Instagram.

The color itself does not change; only how it appears on different screens. If you want your note to be as visible as possible, pick a color with high contrast to the text, like a dark background with light text or a bright background with dark text.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change a note's color after I post it?

No. Once a note is posted, you cannot edit its color. You have to delete the note and write a new one with a different color if you want to change it.

Do all my followers see the same color?

Yes, the color appears the same to everyone who sees your note, though it may look slightly different depending on their phone's screen and settings. You cannot show different colors to different people.

What happens to the color when a note expires after 24 hours?

The entire note disappears after 24 hours, including the color. If you pinned the note, it stays visible with its color until you unpin or delete it.

Can I use a photo or pattern as a note background instead of a solid color?

No. Instagram Notes only offers solid background colors from a fixed palette. You cannot upload a photo, use a pattern, or create a custom color.