Instagram recently introduced a new feature called Instagram Map, similar to Snapchat’s Snap Map, allowing users in the U.S. to share their most recent active location with others and discover location-based content. Adam Mosseri, the head of Instagram, has been reassuring users that their location is only visible to others if they choose to share it. Despite Meta’s clarification that location sharing is off by default, there have been concerns raised on social media about the feature.
In a Threads post, Mosseri addressed the confusion among users regarding the feature. Some users mistakenly believe that their location is automatically shared, but Mosseri emphasized that explicit consent is required to share location information. He also mentioned that the feature pulls in location tags from recently posted Stories or Reels that include a tagged location, making it easier for users to access this information.
While Instagram previously had visible location tags on its map view, the new Instagram Map feature streamlines the process of accessing this information. Users may reconsider posting Stories and Reels with location tags, especially if they are still at that location. Unlike Snap Map, which offers real-time location updates, Instagram Map only updates your location when you open the app or have it running in the background.
For those who want to ensure their location is turned off on Instagram Map, there are steps to follow. To access the feature, users need to navigate to their DMs page and tap the “Map” option at the top. A pop-up message will inform users that their location is not visible until shared and that settings can be changed at any time.
Users can set their location-sharing preferences by selecting who can see their location – Friends, Close Friends, select users, or no one. Changing preferences is possible by clicking on the profile, accessing settings, selecting “Story, live and location,” and tapping the “Location sharing” button.
Even if a user has location sharing turned off, they can still see the locations of others who have shared their location. On Instagram Map, users can view the locations of friends who have shared their location, as well as location-based Stories and Reels from people they follow. Additionally, users can leave ephemeral messages, or “Notes,” on the map for others to see.
Instagram Map offers a new way for users to connect and discover location-based content. By understanding how the feature works and adjusting privacy settings accordingly, users can make the most of this new addition to the platform.
