Instagram has introduced a new Instagram Map in the US, similar to Snapchat’s Snap Map, letting users share their recent location with friends and explore Stories and Reels tagged in specific places.
Instagram head Adam Mosseri says location sharing is off by default and only works if you turn it on. Even then, the app asks for confirmation before sharing.
How it works
- Access it from your DMs by tapping Map at the top.
- You’ll see your own location, but no one else can see it unless you choose to share.
- The map also shows posts from others who’ve tagged locations — something Instagram has done before, but now in a more accessible way.
- Location updates only happen when you use the app, not in real time.
Privacy tips
- Don’t tag your current location until after you’ve left.
- Regularly check who can see your shared location.
- Keep sharing off if you don’t need it.
Bottom line: Instagram Map is for finding location-based content, not live-tracking friends — and you control what’s shared.
