Instagram is expanding Instagram maps. This is a new feature that allows users to share their latest active locations with others and discover location-based content. Meta-owned social networks have also begun reposting, making the “Friends” tab on the reel globally available.
With the new map feature, Instagram is copying another popular feature from Snapchat after cloning the app's Core Stories feature in 2016. SnapMap's Crown Instagram is a feature that has surpassed 400 million active users recently and remains one of the app's core products.
Instagram notes that location sharing is turned off by default in Instagram maps, and that user locations are only updated when opening the app. This means that no real-time location updates are provided. On the other hand, snapmaps allow users to choose whether to update locations only when opening an app or in real time.
It is worth noting that Instagram offers real-time location sharing via DMS (direct message). However, unlike Apple's Find My or Snap Maps, Instagram allows users to do it for up to an hour if they can share it with others indefinitely.
Image credit: Instagram
According to Instagram, the new map feature will make it easier for friends to adjust and link for hangouts. Users can also explore location-based content that their friends and favorite creators are sharing or involved with. For example, if a friend attends a nearby music festival and posts a story while they are there, it will appear on the map. Similarly, if the creator posts a reel about a new restaurant in your city, you can discover it on an Instagram map.
Whether you choose to share your location or not, you can use maps to explore location-based content, says Instagram.
Maps also allow users to leave short messages or “notes” on the map that others can see. Instagram notes are currently short messages that appear at the top of the direct messaging feed, but with the launch of Instagram Maps, users can now post these short updates to the map.
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Instagram certainly takes on Snapchat with this new feature, but there is also the opportunity to appeal to people who are fans of Zenly, a social maps app that acquired SNAP and shut down in 2023.
The new map feature will be released in the US starting Wednesday and will soon be available worldwide. Users can find the Instagram map at the top of their DM inbox.
The launch is no surprise as Instagram discovered the development of its map feature last year.
Image credit: Instagram
As for the new “repost” feature, Instagram is taking pages from Tiktok books and creating its own version of the popular “retweet” feature from Twitter (now X).
This feature allows Instagram users to repost public reels and feed posts. These reposts may appear in your friends' feed and also appear in the new “Reposts” tab in your profile. According to Instagram, the new feature offers users a way for them to share their interests with others, and gives creators the opportunity to reach more audiences.
To repost a reel or post, users tap the repost icon. Users can also type into thought bubbles and add notes to reposts by pressing Save on the screen.
Regarding the new “Friends” tab on the reel, Instagram launched it in the US earlier this year and is now available globally. In this tab, you can see public reels that your friends like, comment, repost, and create.
For those who want to personally view and interact with content, Instagram has the ability to opt out of content they have worked on in The Friends The Friends tab.
Users can hide favorites, comments and reposts from the tab. Additionally, they can choose to mute things they like, comments, and reposts from the specific people they follow.