Instagram reposting and new location-sharing map features explained
The launch from the social giants went global on August 6, with the aim of boosting engagement for creators, businesses, and brands, Meta says.
The reposts will appear on friends' and followers' feeds, as well as a separate reposting tab added to users' profiles to ensure the shared content can easily be tracked.
The repost feature allows users to reshare public posts and Reels with added personal text, appearing in followers' feeds like regular posts.
What does this mean for content creators?
For influencers it broadens their audience and reach as it means celebrities or brands can repost their content.
Though feeds could cluttered with second-hand content due to the overuse of this function which could lead to a loss of a audience.
So it will be a balancing act on how often and for what this function should be used as if its over used it could feel like Twitter.
1
What does it mean for Brands?
For brands it create a new area of lost-cost revenue.
Any fan, partner or employee can repost branded content into their own network and it will no longer have a 24-hour expiry date with original links preserving.
Reposted content is also eligible to be recommended to new audiences outside the brand's followers base.
This function has a low plagiarism risk with logos and handles credited and visible.
Though the platform has emphasised the importance's of respecting the original creators' rights to avoid copyright issues.
What is the location and Instagram map function?
In the US, Instagram users can share their location on the Instagram Map, which will allow users to share their last location with specific accounts they desire to share it with.
Meta have said there is an option to turn it off at anytime.
Another element of the shared location is user can explore location-based content which could be restaurant spots that are in friends Instagram reels.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Independent
3 hours ago
- The Independent
Best free VPN 2025, tried and tested by a tech expert
I get the appeal of free VPNs. Why pay for something if you don't have to? But when it comes to virtual private network services, history has taught me that free almost never means free. I've seen so-called free VPNs log your activity and inject ads into your browser sessions. Worse, some will sell your browsing data to advertisers, which kind of defeats the whole point of using a VPN in the first place. That's why I've been very, very picky when it comes to selecting and reviewing the best free VPNs. While you can find hundreds of free VPNs littered throughout the internet, hardly any of them pass muster. In the past, some have been caught hijacking browser traffic and redirecting users to partner websites, while others haven't published a transparency report or audit in years. A few of the top free VPNs on the charts right now don't even say who owns them. They don't have a developer website, never mind a privacy policy. The best VPNs usually cost money. Not just because servers are expensive to run, but because they don't rely on ads or trackers to fund their business model. While I always recommend opting for a VPN you pay for (because it should offer better privacy), after testing tens of free services, I've found just three that I've tried, tested and actually trust. That said, they all come with trade-offs, whether that's slower speeds, data caps or a lack of features you'd get with a full paid-for subscription. The best paid-for VPNs in 2025 Before I get into how I picked the best free VPNs, it's worth flagging the top paid options too. These cost money, but you're getting faster speeds, more features and better reliability, all for just a few quid a month. If you're after the best overall VPN experience, these are the ones I'd go for. If you want a VPN that does everything well, NordVPN is my pick of the bunch – it took the top spot in my review of the best VPNs. It's fast, secure and has some really neat features. Things such as Double VPN, which routes your traffic through two servers instead of one for an extra layer of privacy, and Onion over VPN, which adds the anonymity of the Tor network, without needing a separate browser, are two standouts. I also really like Meshnet, which lets you create secure, encrypted connections between your own devices to help you securely access your files or share a private network when you're away from home. It's also incredibly fast. NordLynx, the provider's custom protocol built on WireGuard, gave me near-identical speeds to my regular connection, even when testing long-distance servers. I could stream UK content without buffering, and there are more than 7,100 servers across 118 countries to choose from. It's kind of everything I need and want from a VPN. This is a really good VPN if you want a service with loads of features, but don't want to pay extortionate prices. It's owned by the same parent company as NordVPN but operates independently. The interface is nice and tidy, speeds are fast, and it's got loads of features for which you'd expect to pay more. You get unlimited device connections on a single plan, plus split tunnelling, MultiHop and an effective kill switch. It also recently added split tunnelling to iOS, fixing one of my main gripes with the service. My speeds only dropped by about 5 per cent on UK servers and 11 per cent on international ones. I also really like the camouflage mode, which enabled me to hide my VPN usage from my ISP, while the broader Surfshark One suite includes lots of add-ons, such as antivirus and breach alerts. The easiest VPN I've ever used, this is the best option for beginners. The interface is the same across every device, with a big 'on' button and a short server list that's easy to follow. Speeds are really fast, too. The new Lightway Turbo protocol meant no slow-loading pages or buffering while streaming. There aren't as many features as NordVPN, but it's just so simple to use. In early 2025, it also added post-quantum encryption to its protocol, future-proofing security in a way few others have. There's also a built-in password manager, ad blocker and an 'identity defender' tool that helps you remove your personal data from broker sites – these features are reflected in the price, however. While Proton is my pick for the best free VPN, I think its paid-for tier is also worth the money. If you care about your privacy, Proton is the one to go for. It's open-source, independently audited and based in Switzerland. On the paid plan, you get access to full-speed servers in more than 100 countries, streaming service support, secure core multi-hop routing, and advanced features such as split tunnelling, port forwarding and custom connection profiles. It also includes services such as Proton Mail, Drive and Proton Pass, so it's more than just a VPN subscription. But the best part is it's much more transparent in terms of pricing than NordVPN and Surfshark. Unlike its competitors, Proton doesn't increase the price astronomically when your plan renews, so while it might be more expensive at the start, it more than makes up for it when it comes to renewal. How I tested the best free VPNs Before even downloading a single VPN, it was important that I looked closely at each provider's website, privacy policy, no-logs claims and any independent audits or transparency reports. If a VPN didn't clearly state what it did (or didn't) collect, or hadn't been independently audited, it was immediately a red flag, meaning it was struck off my shortlist. I also checked whether the service had ever been caught injecting ads, tracking users or been involved in any data scandals. Anything shady in its past made for a hard no. I then tested each free VPN on an iPhone, MacBook, PC and Android phone, focusing on the following: Ease of use: Whether the apps were clear and easy to navigate was a consideration. Speed: I ran multiple speed tests using both with and without a VPN active, to see how much of a hit my connection took. Reliability: A stable connection is still a must, even for free VPNs, so I looked for services that automatically reconnect if the connection drops. Extra features: I considered whether ad blocking, split tunnelling or kill switches were available, and whether they were restricted behind a paywall. Why you can trust us Alex Lee is The Independent 's senior tech critic and has been reporting on internet security, privacy and digital rights since 2017, investigating everything from surveillance capitalism to online scams, as well as reviewing the best VPNs and more. He's personally used VPNs for everything from streaming UK shows while travelling abroad to keeping his online activity private, so he understands which features actually matter. His recommendations are based on hands-on testing, detailed research and comparisons of key essentials such as speed, security and pricing. Having also written extensively about cybersecurity, he knows all the complicated tech to look out for beyond superficial user interfaces. The best free VPNs for 2025 are:
The Independent
3 hours ago
- The Independent
I tried this wearable air conditioner during a heatwave – it was a total saviour
The reon pocket pro works similarly to its predecessor: it sits in the base of your neck and uses thermoelectric cooling or heating to regulate your body temperature. Instead of blowing cold air or pumping heat, the plate gets cold or warm on contact with your skin. The idea is that by cooling or heating your upper spine – where blood flows close to the surface – the device helps your whole body feel more comfortable. It kind of feels like an ice pack moulded against your skin, or a warm compress. What sets the pro apart is the upgraded hardware. It's larger than the pocket 5 and has a new curved design with a better fit. It's still light at 194g, but the extra surface area means more of your skin stays in contact with the cooling plate to improve heat transfer. There are now two heating and cooling modules – what Sony calls 'dual thermo modules' – inside instead of one, which effectively doubles the surface area and makes the temperature changes more noticeable. Rather than simply running both at once, the modules alternate with varying intensity to maintain more consistent cooling over time. Interestingly, Sony says that the newly developed fan delivers roughly twice the airflow of the reon pocket 5, helping to dissipate heat more effectively while keeping noise levels low. The pro ships with a single adjustable neckband that bends to fit the contour of your neck, making it more comfortable and secure than before. Sony says it's added a flexible silicone extension at the tips and a thicker tube around the wire frame to improve comfort and support during longer wear. You also get two airflow covers in the box. There's a shorter one for T-shirts and a longer one for collared shirts to help direct heat and airflow, depending on what you're wearing. While there's no official IP rating, the device is splash-resistant, with a rubber cap covering the USB-C charging port. You can control it manually via the device itself or use the reon app. Both let you switch between cooling and warming modes, as well as choose your preferred intensity. But the pro also supports a smart auto mode that reacts to your body and environment. It comes bundled with the reon Ttg, a small wearable sensor that clips onto your shirt, feeding environmental data back to the app. Together, the system can adjust the temperature depending on the degrees outside, the humidity, and whether you're indoors or out. It even knows when you're wearing it, automatically switching on or off when it detects contact with your neck, like how wireless earbuds pause when you take them out of your ears. Sony's also tweaked the smart cool mode to react more smoothly to changes in temperature and humidity, so it feels less like a setting and more like something that's just quietly working in the background. Sony claims the pro can last up to 15 hours on smart mode and up to 34 hours at the first level of the cooling setting. In my limited time with the device so far, with use over a couple of days, the cooling kicks in fast within a few seconds of turning it on. The plate started to chill my upper back almost immediately, giving some cool relief to my body. The fan is quiet – Sony says it's 50 per cent quieter than the pocket 5. It was barely audible even in a silent room, and the curved design makes it feel more stable and natural than I expected. It's also surprisingly discreet. It sits flush under a shirt or T-shirt and stays put thanks to the malleable neckband that's included in the box. I pulled it out in the pictures just so you can easily see it, but it can be tucked under your shirt so it's not seen. It's not going to cool your whole body like a proper air conditioner, but for targeted comfort while commuting, working, or even just sitting around at home, it makes a noticeable difference, and is way more effective than a fan that just blows hot air at my face. This one actually cooled my body. I've got the new reon pocket pro to hand right now, and I'll be taking it on the sweaty Jubilee Line to continue to test its effectiveness. Will it be better than one of those dorky wearable neck fans? My full review is coming soon.
The Sun
6 hours ago
- The Sun
Iconic carmaker slammed over ‘chaotic' recall which left 120,000 customers unable to drive their motors
AN ICONIC carmaker has been slammed over a "chaotic" recall which left 120,000 customers unable to drive their vehicles. An immediate rare "strop-drive" order was put in place on certain models of their cars around the world. 2 Parent firm of Citroen, Stellantis, urgently recalled its motors which had been equipped with Takata airbags on June 20. The " stop-drive" order was issued due to a potentially fatal airbag safety fault, as chemicals in them were found likely to deteriorate over time. These airbag inflators could as a result rupture or lead to serious injury. Consumer protection organisation, Which?, slammed Stellantis for their "chaotic" handling of the recall, and called on them to make urgent improvements. 120,000 customers have been left unable to drive their cars, with many having no alternative modes of transport, according to Which?. No incidents are yet to be reported in the UK. However, the consumer group has expressed its concern for the lack of clarity around available compensation for customers. They outlined how "major upheaval" had been caused for customers who were reliant on their cars. The organisation also reported the "many distressed drivers" who have been impacted by the recall. This included one mother of a premature baby who had to attend regular hospital visits, as well as a woman caring for her terminally ill husband. All UK car dealerships will STOP selling 10,000s of iconic brand's used models impacted by lethal airbag flaw People have been forced to incur significant expenses for car hire, taxis or insurance. Others have continued to drive their cars despite the risk, due to having no other choice. Some owners who have taken their cars to the garage to be fixed have been left with confusing advise from their insurers, who have said they are covered to drive despite the manufacturer's advise. Head of consumer protection policy at Which?, Sue Davies, said: 'From people left stranded with no means of transport, to those paying out a fortune to hire cars and taxis, the emotional and financial burden of this recall has fallen squarely on those least able to absorb it. 'Stellantis must urgently confirm it will pay compensation for alternative transport as well as offer practical solutions such as offering at-home repairs or towing affected cars to garages. "If not, many people will see no alternative but to continue driving cars that are potentially very dangerous." She added: 'The Government needs to step in and hold them to account to ensure UK consumers have much greater clarity of what they need to do and what they are entitled to – and are never left in this position again.' Stellantis has indicated they will review providing alternative transport for customers on a "case-by-case basis", prioritising those greatest in need. Some have received a maximum compensation rate of £22.50 per day, that Which? consider to be far below the general cost of hiring a car around the country. They added that Stellantis need to immediately address helpline issues and outline a formal compensation scheme. Citroen have stated they expect all airbags to have been replaced by the end of next month. "Our Citroen network is fully engaged in maximising the number of cars that can be completed every day and, to increase our repair capacity even further and minimise as much as possible the impact on customers, our Peugeot network is now authorised to replace airbags on these cars in addition to at-home options. 'It is inevitable, with such a large number of vehicles affected, that customers could be inconvenienced in the short term." 'For each and every customer, we discuss options to support mobility, recognising that every driver has specific requirements." Replacement airbags at a dealership or at home, courtesy car, support for other mobility options and recovery have been offered as options. Citroen customers are also advised to to check if their vehicle is affected and what actions are advised by using the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) check tool on the Citroen UK website. If affected, owners can register their vehicle for repair or contact the recall helpline on 0800 917 9285, Citroen Customer Care on 0800 093 9393 or via Citroen's website. A Department for Transport spokesperson said: 'We understand how frustrating these recalls are for those affected. 'The safety of those drivers and their families remains the Transport Secretary's top priority. She and the Future of Roads Minister are actively engaging with manufacturers and industry leaders to ensure any disruption is kept to an absolute minimum.'
