Instagram Launches Rival to Snapchat with New Map Feature
▼ Summary
– Instagram is launching Instagram Map, a feature allowing users to share their recent active location and discover location-based content, similar to Snapchat’s Snap Map.
– Location sharing on Instagram Map is off by default, updates only when the app is opened, and offers real-time sharing in DMs for up to one hour.
– The map feature enables users to explore content tied to locations, such as friends’ stories or creators’ posts, and leave short “Notes” on the map.
– Instagram is also introducing a “Reposts” feature, letting users share public reels and posts with their followers, similar to TikTok or Twitter’s retweet function.
– The “Friends” tab in Reels, now globally available, shows content liked or engaged with by friends, with options to hide or mute interactions for privacy.
Instagram introduces a new map feature that lets users share locations and discover nearby content, directly competing with Snapchat’s Snap Map. The social media giant is also rolling out global access to its “Friends” tab in Reels and a repost function inspired by TikTok and X (formerly Twitter).
The Instagram Map allows users to broadcast their latest location to friends, though sharing remains optional and updates only when the app is open, unlike Snapchat’s real-time tracking option. Privacy is a priority, with location data never updating in the background. For those who prefer temporary sharing, Instagram already offers one-hour real-time location sharing in direct messages.
Beyond coordination, the map helps users explore trending spots based on posts from friends and creators. If someone shares a story from a concert or a reel about a new café, it appears on the map for others to discover. Users can also drop short “Notes”, previously limited to DMs, directly onto locations, adding a social layer to real-world places.
This move isn’t just about challenging Snapchat. Instagram may also attract former fans of Zenly, a location-sharing app Snap acquired and later discontinued. The feature is launching first in the U.S., with plans for a wider rollout soon.
In another update, Instagram’s new repost feature mimics TikTok’s sharing mechanics while borrowing from X’s retweet function. Users can reshare public reels and feed posts, which then appear in friends’ feeds and a dedicated “Reposts” tab on their profile. Creators stand to benefit from increased visibility, while users gain a streamlined way to share content they love.
Meanwhile, the global expansion of the “Friends” tab in Reels lets users browse videos liked, commented on, or reposted by people they follow. For those who prefer privacy, Instagram now allows hiding engagement activity from this section or muting specific accounts.
These updates reflect Instagram’s strategy of borrowing successful features from rivals while refining them for its massive user base. Whether it’s location sharing, content resharing, or personalized feeds, the platform continues evolving to keep users engaged, and competitors on their toes.
Image Credits: Instagram
(Source: TechCrunch)
