Instagram takes on Snapchat with new ‘Instagram Map'
With its new map feature, Instagram is copying yet another popular feature from Snapchat, after cloning the app's core Stories functionality back in 2016. Instagram is coming for Snap Map's crown, a feature that recently surpassed 400 million monthly active users and remains one of the app's core offerings.
Instagram notes that location sharing is off by default on Instagram Map, and a user's location only updates when they open the app, meaning it doesn't provide real-time location updates. Snap Map, on the other hand, allows users to choose whether their location is updated only when they open the app or in real time.
It's worth noting that Instagram does offer real-time location sharing via DMs (direct messages). However, unlike Apple's Find My and Snap Map, which let you share your location with others indefinitely, Instagram only lets users do so for up to one hour.
Instagram says the new map feature will make it easier for friends to coordinate and link up for hangouts. It also lets users explore location-based content that their friends and favorite creators have shared or engaged with. For example, if your friend attends a nearby music festival and posts a story while there, it will appear on the map. Similarly, if a creator posts a reel about a new restaurant in your city, you'll be able to discover it on Instagram Map.
Regardless of whether you choose to share your location, you can use the map to explore location-based content, Instagram says.
The map also allows users to leave short messages, or 'Notes,' on the map for others to see. Instagram Notes are currently the short messages that appear at the top of your direct messaging feed, but with the launch of Instagram Map, users can now post these short updates on the map.
Although Instagram is certainly taking on Snapchat with this new feature, it also has the opportunity to appeal to people who were fans of Zenly, a social map app that Snap acquired and then shut down in 2023.
The new map feature is launching in the United States starting Wednesday, with broader global availability coming soon. Users can find the Instagram Map at the top of their DM inbox.
The launch doesn't come as a surprise, as Instagram was spotted developing the map feature last year.
As for the new 'Reposts' feature, Instagram is taking a page out of TikTok's book while also creating its own version of the popular 'retweet' function from Twitter (now X).
This feature lets Instagram users repost public reels and feed posts. These reposts may show up in their friends' feeds and will also be displayed in a new 'Reposts' tab on their profile. Instagram says the new feature gives users a way to share their interests with others and also offers creators the opportunity to reach a wider audience.
To repost a reel or post, users tap the repost icon. Users can also choose to add a note to the repost by typing into the thought bubble that appears on screen and pressing save.
Regarding the new 'Friends' tab in Reels, Instagram launched it in the United States earlier this year and is now making it available globally. The tab lets you see public reels that your friends have liked, commented on, reposted, and created.
For users who want to browse and interact with content privately, Instagram is rolling out the ability to opt out of having content you've engaged with shown in the friends tab.
Users can hide their likes, comments, and reposts from the tab. Additionally, they can choose to mute likes, comments, and reposts from specific people they follow.
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