New Instagram Map lets users share location with consent
Users can control who sees their location on Instagram Map, with updates only when the app is active or in the background.
Instagram has introduced an opt-in feature called Instagram Map, allowing users in the US to share their recent active location and explore location-based content.
Adam Mosseri, head of Instagram, clarified that location sharing is off by default and visible only when users choose to share.
Confusion arose as some users mistakenly believed their location was automatically shared because they could see themselves on the map upon opening the app.
The feature also displays location tags from Stories or Reels, making location-based content easier to find.
Unlike Snap Map, Instagram Map updates location only when the app is open or running in the background, without providing continuous real-time tracking.
Users can access the Map by going to their direct messages and selecting the Map option, where they can control who sees their location, choosing between Friends, Close Friends, selected users, or no one. Even if location sharing is turned off, users will still see the locations of others who share with them.
Instagram Map shows friends’ shared locations and nearby Stories or Reels tagged with locations, allowing users to discover events or places through their network.
Additionally, users can post short, temporary messages called Notes, which appear on the map when shared with a location. The feature encourages cautious consideration about sharing location tags in posts, especially when still at the tagged place.
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