This week, Instagram introduced a new snapshot-like feature called Instagram Maps. This allows users to share their latest active locations with others and discover location-based content.
If you decide to turn on Instagram map locations, the locations will only be updated when you open the app, or only if you are running in the background. This means that no continuous real-time location updates are provided. This is different from a snapmap. This allows users to choose whether the location will be updated or in real time only when the app is opened.
Meta says that position sharing is turned off by default on Instagram maps. Following safety concerns, Instagram head Adam Mosseri reassured users that the feature is opt-in, noting that some people are “confusing” about how it works.
For example, people are accessing this feature and looking at a map that contains location information for some users. This is because this feature automatically pulls location tags from recently posted stories or reels that contain tagged locations.
Please note that this is not new as Instagram already shows location tags that are visible to users in the map view. However, the new Instagram Map feature makes this information much easier to access. The new feature could potentially rethink whether to post stories or reels with location tags (especially if you’re still in the location).
For those who want to turn off their locations on Instagram maps, here are the steps below:
How to access Instagram Maps
To access the new features, you will need to go to the DMS page (direct message) and tap on the new “map” option at the top. If you are accessing the feature for the first time, you may receive a pop-up message informing you about the new map.
The pop-ups tell you that no one will see your location until you share it with them, and that you can change the settings at any time.
How to set your preference for sharing position
When you first open the map, you will see a page with the words “Who can see your location.” From there, you can choose to share it with your friends (followers you follow), your close friends list, your selected users, or no one else.
To change settings, you will need to click on your profile, tap on the settings options in the top right corner, select the Story, Live, Location option, and tap the (Share Position) button. You can change the settings here.
Please note that if location sharing is turned off, others can share their location with you. This means that you can see them on the map.
How to use Instagram maps
When you open the app, you will see the location of a friend who shares his location. It also displays location-based stories and reels from people you follow.
For example, if a friend attends a nearby music festival and posts a story there, it will appear on the map. Similarly, when the creator posts a reel about your city’s new restaurants, you can discover it on Instagram maps.
Location-based content will still be displayed on the map even if the location is off.
You can also leave short, short-lived messages or “notes” on the map for others to see. Instagram notes are short messages that are currently displayed at the top of your direct messaging feed, but with the launch of Instagram Maps, if these posts are shared with locations, these posts will appear on the map.
