Instagram’s new map feature allows you to share your location with friends in real time, but adds attention to privacy and security.
Added for US users on Wednesday, a tool similar to SNAP maps allows you to view nearby friends on the map, which can be accessed through the Messages tab. You can also see posts related to a specific location if they have selected location sharing (by default, by default).
Instagram’s new map feature allows you to track friends in real time
Aside from the fun and practicality of all this, there is always another aspect to the location sharing tool. Location Sharing can provide third-party advertisers with solid images of where and how often you visit. However, location sharing can also be selected by creep and can even be used in domestic digital abuse cases.
Instagram has taken steps to curb this. As Crystal Bell, digital culture editor at Mashable, wrote: “While location sharing has become a common tool for tracking loved ones, planning face-to-face events or viewing what your ex does (we don’t recommend), Instagram’s new features offer powerful controls and flexible privacy settings.”
But how does all this work? Let’s solve it in all parts.
How does location sharing work on Instagram?
Before the launch of the map feature, Instagram added location sharing specifically for DMS in November 2024.
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According to Meta, location sharing will not be on Instagram by default unless you turn it on, which may be a relief for many people. The company stipulates that if you do return to the application on “Open the application” or an application running in the background returns to the application, your location will be shared on “Your location is updated or returned.” ”
In a simple process, we can go into details below, where you can customize the people you want to share your location with, whether it’s a friend or a follower, you follow, close friends, friends of your choice or no one. You can only share your location with the account you are following, and you can also pick out specific people who don’t share your location with you.
According to Instagram, if you share your location, it will be updated every time you open the app, and if you haven’t opened the app, it will disappear after 24 hours.
How does location sharing work with Instagram maps?
If you share your location with someone, they can view it on the map via tagged posts and posts in chat. You can also see where other people share their locations (you can swipe up to see a list of everyone who shares their locations with you). You can click on a person’s icon on the map to DM.
You will find the map in DMS.
Credit: Instagram
Even if your location is shared, you can still view the map and see anyone who shares the location with you.
According to Instagram, in the map, there are various shapes that indicate your settings:
Blue Arrow: You are sharing your location with selected audiences.
Red Dot: You don’t have a shared location.
Orange triangle: You need to enable location permissions on your device to share your location.
Of course, if you turn it on, you can turn off location sharing at any time. This is the method.
How to turn off location sharing on Instagram
Step 2: Click the arrow icon in the upper right corner to open the message.
Step 3: Click on the map feature at the top of your inbox.
Step 4: Click the COG icon in the upper right corner to open the settings.
Step 5: Select your location to share preferences.
Here you can customize the people you want to share your location with, whether it’s a friend or a follower, you’ll follow, close friends, friends of choice or no one. You can only share your location with the account you are following, and you can also pick out specific people who don’t share your location with you.
As for teenagers on Instagram, Meta said parents can decide whether their children can enter the location to share and can see who they share with. Parents will also receive notifications if their teenagers start sharing their location. “If you are a parent who sets up supervision for teenagers, you can control their location on the map to share experiences,” the company wrote.
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