Instagram Map Feature Launch Explained with Privacy Tips and How to Use It Safely

Instagram has now launched its new Instagram Map feature in the United States, and it's already generating buzz and confusion on the app. The feature, similar to Snapchat's Snap Map, is meant to allow users to share their most current active location with friends and see location-based content such as Stories and Reels.

But only one day after release, Instagram CEO Adam Mosseri had to get in there and set the record straight. Numerous social media posts have been asking people to disable the feature, saying it's turned on by default but that is not the case. Meta has assured that location sharing is turned off by default, and you will only show up on someone's Instagram Map if you opt to share your location.

Misconceptions Surrounding Location Sharing

As per Mosseri, the misunderstanding arises from users viewing themselves on the map when they have opened the feature and think others can see them too. Actually, it is private until you opt to share your location. Instagram has also introduced double consent by design that is, after you decide to share your location, you will still be prompted to confirm before others will see you.

Others are also confused when they see other people's location pins. This is not a privacy violation Instagram Map is simply pulling in location tags from Stories and Reels that were tagged with locations. That feature has been around, but the new Instagram Map makes it much more convenient and user-friendly to use.

How Instagram Map Is Different From Snap Map

While Snap Map enables you to mark your location in real time, Instagram Map only updates your shared location when you launch the app or if it's running in the background. What this means is that there's no continuous monitoring of your movements, which makes it a better option for users who are conscious about their privacy.

Even if you choose not to share your location, you can still view friends' shared locations and location-based content from accounts you follow.

How to Access Instagram Map

To test the feature, open your Instagram app and go to your DMs page. You will see a new "Map" option at the top. On your first visit, Instagram will show you a pop-up message stating that no one is able to see your location until you share it, and you can switch this at any time in your settings.

How to Set Your Location Sharing Preferences

When you first open Instagram Map, you’ll be prompted to choose who can see your location:

• Friends (people you follow who follow you back)

• Close Friends list

• Select users

• No one

To adjust these settings later:

1. Go to your profile

2. Tap the settings icon in the top-right corner

3. Select Story, live and location

4. Tap Location sharing and update your preferences

Even if your location is turned off, others who share theirs with you will still appear on your map.

Using Instagram Map to Discover Content

Once inside the map, you’ll see pins for friends’ shared locations and Stories/Reels tagged with a location. This opens up new ways to discover events, restaurants, and happenings around you. For example:

• A friend at a nearby concert posts a Story → It appears on your map

• A creator shares a Reel reviewing a new café → You can spot it on the map instantly

You can also leave Instagram Notes on the map short, temporary messages tied to a location, similar to the Notes feature in your DMs.

The Instagram Map feature is opt-in and has several safeguards built in. It doesn't share your location without you saying so, and you can restrict who can see it or turn it off completely. The only location data visibly shared automatically is from Stories/Reels you opt to post with a location tagged.

With its combination of social discovery and privacy controls, Instagram Map has the potential to be an incredibly powerful means of connecting with friends and discovering your city if you exercise some care in what you post and where you geotag it.