Instagram Takes on Snapchat with New Location-Based ‘Instagram Map’
Instagram is introducing a new feature called Instagram Map, allowing users to share their latest active location and explore location-based content. This feature is rolling out alongside the global expansion of the “Friends” tab in Reels and a new repost function. With these updates, Instagram is making a clear move to compete more directly with platforms like Snapchat and TikTok.
Notably, Instagram Map mimics Snapchat’s popular Snap Map, which recently surpassed 400 million monthly active users. While Snapchat pioneered the real-time social map experience, Instagram is taking a slightly different approach. Users’ locations on Instagram Map update only when they open the app. This means it avoids tracking users in real-time by default. Still, the feature enables more spontaneous coordination and exploration based on location.
Instagram emphasizes that location sharing is turned off by default. Furthermore, while users can already share their real-time location via DMs, it’s limited to one hour. In contrast, platforms like Apple’s Find My or Snap Map allow indefinite sharing.
The feature is launching first in the United States, with global availability expected soon. Users can find Instagram Map at the top of their DM inbox.
Social Discovery and Shared Experiences
Instagram Map does more than show where your friends have been. It offers an interactive way to discover stories, reels, and posts tagged to real-world locations. For instance, if a friend posts from a music festival or a creator reviews a local restaurant, these activities will be visible on the map.
Even if you decide not to share your own location, you can still use Instagram Map to explore content based on where it was posted. This ensures a level of access for all users, regardless of privacy preferences.
Additionally, Instagram has extended its Notes feature to the map. Previously limited to direct messages, Notes now appear directly on the map, offering users a way to leave short, location-tied messages for friends to see.
Although the feature directly challenges Snap Map, Instagram could also attract former users of Zenly a social map app that Snap acquired and later shut down in 2023.
Reposts and Global Reels Tab Expansion
Instagram is also rolling out Reposts, giving users the option to reshare public reels and feed posts. Much like Twitter’s retweet or TikTok’s repost, this feature is designed to increase visibility and engagement. Reposts will appear both in followers’ feeds and in a new Reposts tab on a user’s profile.
To repost content, users simply tap the repost icon. They can optionally add a note before saving the repost. This adds a personal touch while encouraging interaction.
Alongside this, the “Friends” tab in Reels initially launched in the U.S. is now available globally. It showcases public reels your friends have liked, commented on, reposted, or created. However, Instagram is also giving users more privacy control. You can choose to hide your activity or mute content engagement from specific people.
These updates reflect Instagram’s broader strategy: combining popular features from competing platforms while offering more customization and control. By doing so, it hopes to stay relevant in a crowded social media landscape.
