Instagram now lets you add words on posts like Reels

Your feed's about to get a lot more wordy.
By Shannon Connellan  on 
Two phones showing Instagram's new ability to add words on top of images.
Credit: Instagram / Mashable edit

Instagram is letting you add text directly on top of your photo posts, just like you can in Reels. So, if you want to blast the words direct order "Live Laugh Love" forever across your latest travel pics on your grid, your followers can't do a thing to stop you.

Announced by the company in a blog post on Wednesday, you can now add words and photo stickers directly to your posts, with new fonts available too (neva4get the hidden Papyrus). It's like another layer you can add on top of your pictures, available in the editing phase of Instagram posts.

To use the tool, select the photo(s) you want to post and then tap on the text button (the big and small Aa in the corner). Type in the genius words you'd like to add on top, and you can scroll through the different fonts, as you would when composing a Reel.

Mashable Light Speed
Want more out-of-this world tech, space and science stories?
Sign up for Mashable's weekly Light Speed newsletter.
By signing up you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Thanks for signing up!

You can also layer in more images by tapping the gallery button (the one that looks like a little picture) and move it around and resize it. The feature doesn't yet have the ability to manage or lock layers (like Reels does) but that's probably coming soon. And if you tap on the sticker, you can change the shape of it, again like Reels.

The update comes after a number of additions to Instagram including testing rectangle grids, increasing carousel limits to 20, Myspace-like profile songs, multiple tracks on a Reel, disappearing notes on Reels and posts, and the casual ability to create an AI version of yourself.

A black and white image of a person with a long braid and thick framed glasses.
Shannon Connellan

Shannon Connellan is Mashable's UK Editor based in London, formerly Mashable's Australia Editor, but emotionally, she lives in the Creel House. A Tomatometer-approved critic, Shannon writes about everything (but not anything) across entertainment, tech, social good, science, and culture.


Recommended For You



My experience with Google's new 'Add Me' feature: Take a pic of your friends and end up in the group shot
Add me feature on Google

Welcome back, MySpace: Instagram adds profile songs
Someone on their phone with the word "Instagram" in the background.

Trending on Mashable
Wordle today: Answer, hints for October 11
a phone displaying Wordle

NYT Connections today: Hints and answers for October 11
A phone displaying the New York Times game 'Connections.'

Astronomers just found a galaxy way too advanced for its time
Galaxy forming in the early universe

NYT Connections today: Hints and answers for October 10
A phone displaying the New York Times game 'Connections.'

'The Platform 2's twisty ending, explained
A close-up of a topless, bald man holding a lit lighter.
The biggest stories of the day delivered to your inbox.
This newsletter may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. Subscribing to a newsletter indicates your consent to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe from the newsletters at any time.
Thanks for signing up. See you at your inbox!