Instagram is launching a suite of new features aimed at enhancing real-world connections and content discovery, starting with Instagram Map, a tool that lets users share their most recent active location and explore location-based posts. Alongside the map rollout, Instagram is globally launching Reposts and expanding its Friends tab in Reels to users worldwide.
With Instagram Map, the Meta-owned app takes a direct swing at Snapchat’s Snap Map, offering users the ability to see where friends have posted stories, reels, or shared content in real time, well, almost. Unlike Snap Map, Instagram’s version does not provide live location tracking. Location sharing is off by default, and your position only updates when you open the app. While Instagram already supports real-time location sharing via DMs, it’s limited to one hour, unlike Snap Map or Apple’s Find My, which allow longer or indefinite sharing.
Instagram says this feature will help friends coordinate meetups, explore trending spots, and discover content tied to real-world locations. For example, if a friend posts from a music festival or a creator highlights a new restaurant, you’ll see it pinned on the map. Users can also leave short messages called “Notes” on the map for others to see, bringing more context to specific locations.
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The feature may also appeal to former users of Zenly, the popular social map app Snap shut down in 2023, offering a new home for social map enthusiasts.
Instagram Map launches in the United States starting Wednesday, with international availability to follow. Users can access it at the top of their DM inbox.
Reposts Go Global
In another major update, Instagram is officially rolling out “Reposts”, a long-awaited feature that allows users to share public Reels and feed posts with their followers. These reposts will appear in your friends’ feeds and will also have a dedicated “Reposts” tab on your profile.
Borrowing inspiration from TikTok’s reposts and Twitter’s retweet function, Instagram’s version lets users add Notes to reposts before sharing, providing room for commentary or thoughts.
Friends Tab in Reels Goes Global
Also making a global debut is the Friends tab in Reels, which allows users to see the Reels their friends have liked, commented on, reposted, or created. Originally launched in the U.S., the feature is now available to users worldwide.
For privacy-conscious users, Instagram now offers the option to hide engagement activity from the Friends tab, including likes, comments, and reposts. Users can also mute activity from specific friends, allowing for greater control over how their interactions appear across the platform.
With these updates, Instagram is doubling down on its strategy to become the go-to platform for both content discovery and personal connection, challenging Snapchat, TikTok, and even X in the race for social media dominance.
