Instagram, which is owned by Meta, has started rolling out a new feature called Instagram Map. This feature allows users to share their recently active locations with friends, as well as explore content that is related to specific places.

This step coincides with the launch of the repost feature, and the expansion of the Friends tab in the Reels section to become available globally.

Strong competition with Snap Map

Instagram enters this feature into a direct competition arena with the famous Snap Map map, which is one of the most prominent features of the Snapchat application, which recently exceeded the barrier of 400 million monthly active users.

This scene is reminiscent of 2016, when Instagram took inspiration from Snapchat and successfully integrated it into its platform, later becoming one of the most used functions. Today, it seems that the company is seeking to grab a part of Snapchat's audience by offering its premium service in a modified way.

Privacy and Data

Protection Settings Instagram confirms that location sharing on Instagram Map is turned off by default, and the location is only updated when the app is opened, which means that the service does not provide real-time location tracking. SnapMap, by contrast, gives users the freedom to choose between updating the location only when the app is opened or directly in real-time.

It should be noted that Instagram offers the option to share location in direct messages, but it is limited to a period of time not exceeding one hour, unlike services such as Apple's Find My iPhone or SnapMap, which allow sharing for open periods.

A new

social experience Instagram Map is not limited to sharing the site, but also extends to enhancing social interaction and facilitating meetings between friends.

On the map, users can see content related to a specific location, whether it's a story posted by a friend while at a nearby music festival, or a Reel of a content creator showing off a new restaurant in the city. The app becomes an interactive tool that connects the digital world with real life.