Instagram Launches Instagram Map, Reposts, and Global “Friends” Tab in Reels – Taking on Snapchat and TikTok

Instagram is launching a brand-new feature called Instagram Map, which will enable users to share their most up-to-date active location with friends and browse location-based content. In addition to this, the Meta-owned service is launching Reposts and opening up its "Friends" tab in Reels globally. All these updates reflect Instagram's ongoing efforts to merge popular features from competitors such as Snapchat, TikTok, and even Twitter (now X), into its own platform.

Instagram Map

With the introduction of Instagram Map, the social media giant is obviously gunning for Snap Map, a central Snapchat feature with more than 400 million monthly active users. Similar to its rival, Instagram Map lets you view and engage with location-based stories, reels, and posts from friends and creators. For example, if a friend shares a story from a nearby concert or a creator posts a reel about a trending café in your city, you’ll be able to discover it directly on the map.

Image Credits: Instagram

But there's a crucial difference location sharing on Instagram Map is turned off by default, and the location of a user only updates when you open the app. That means there's no real-time tracking going on unless you manually share your location through Instagram's Direct Messages. Snap Map, on the other hand, lets users decide between updating their location only when opened or in real-time.

Location Sharing

Instagram already has real-time location sharing through DMs, but it is limited to a period of one hour. This is less than Apple's Find My and Snap Map both of which have indefinite sharing of locations. Meta explains that this way, users have greater control while still facilitating how easily get-togethers or meetups are coordinated.

Image Credits: Instagram

Interestingly, Instagram Map isn't merely about showing where you are but also about finding places and events. People can search through location-tagged posts from friends or influencers without turning their own location sharing on. This might be a major boon to local merchants, event planners, and travel writers who want to reach people in certain locales.

Instagram Notes Now Show Up on the Map

The innovative spin on the update is the inclusion of Instagram Notes on the map. Notes were once short text messages that popped up on top of your DM screen. Now, you can pin them to places on the map and let friends get quick reports like "Meet me here" or "The coffee here is amazing."

This step also places Instagram in a position to court erstwhile users of Zenly, a hit social map app acquired by Snap and discontinued in 2023. With Zenly out of the way, Instagram Map may be able to scoop up that audience in search of an engaging, entertaining location-sharing experience.

Rollout Details

Instagram Map is available initially in the US, with worldwide rollout to follow. People can find it from the top of their DM inbox, so it's an easy and intuitive spot to begin. The feature was seen in development during last year, so its release isn't unexpected but it may be a game-changer in terms of how Instagram combines social interaction with real-world exploration.

Instagram Reposts

Instagram's latest Reposts feature functions exactly like TikTok's repost feature and Twitter's old-fashioned retweet. It allows users to repost public reels and feed posts, which will subsequently show up in friends' feeds and in a special "Reposts" tab on your own profile.

To repost, you simply tap the repost icon, include a note if you like, and save. Not only does this enable users to re-share content they love, but it also enables creators to reach more people organically.

Instagram explains that this function is a means for individuals to convey their passions, curate their beloved content, and build a more social experience. For influencers and brands, this may translate into greater visibility and an elevated likelihood of being viral.

"Friends" Tab in Reels Goes Global

Following its launch in the United States a few months ago, the Friends tab in Reels is now rolling out globally. The tab provides a personalized feed with public reels your friends have liked, commented on, shared, or posted.

Image Credits: Instagram

It's programmed to make you more engaged by presenting you with content your inner circle is actively consuming. Yet, Instagram also recognizes that some users may not want their activity publicly shared so it's making users the masters of their own destiny when it comes to privacy.

You can:

• Suppress your likes, comments, and reposts from the Friends tab.

• Mute activity from specific individuals you follow.

This allows users to continue browsing socially curated content without needing to broadcast every interaction to the world.

Why These Updates Are Important to Instagram Users

These three updates Instagram Map, Reposts, and the Friends tab in Reels together cement Instagram as one-stop-shop social platform. By bringing together real-world location sharing, customized social feeds, and seamless content resharing, Instagram is creating a space that benefits both casual users and creators.

For Snapchat users, Instagram Map provides a similar but slightly more privacy-centric option. For TikTok enthusiasts, Reposts simplify sharing amazing content without downloading or republishing elsewhere. And for those who prefer carefully curated content from friends, the Friends tab on Reels provides a more social, community-based experience.

As these features spread across the world, they might redefine how people on Instagram find locations, share experiences, and interact online and offline.