Instagram Introduces Location Sharing Map & New Content Features

Meta has announced several updates for Instagram, including a new location-sharing feature that allows users’ last active locations to be visible to their followers, similar to Snapchat’s existing functionality. The changes were unveiled on August 6 and include the ability to repost content and a “Friends” tab within Reels, according to Meta’s official announcement.

The newly introduced Friends map enables users to discover location-based content shared by friends, such as Reels associated with specific venues like restaurants or concert locations. While the feature offers a way to explore local experiences, it has also raised privacy concerns regarding the sharing of personal location data.

Parents monitoring their children’s Instagram accounts will receive notifications if minors begin sharing their location and have control over whether their teens can participate in the map-sharing functionality. Users who wish to disable this feature can do so through their account settings at any time.

Beyond the mapping update, Instagram now allows users to repost content directly to their feeds, attributing the original creator with the republished material displayed in a dedicated section of their profile. These reposts are automatically shared with followers’ networks via recommendations within their feeds. Additionally, a “Friends” tab has been added to Reels, allowing viewers to discover public Reels that their friends have engaged with on the platform.

Instagram’s data policies outline how user information is collected and utilized. This includes content provided by users, metadata, location details derived from device settings or IP addresses, and activity such as check-ins and events attended. Meta shares this data with advertisers, third-party websites, and law enforcement agencies when legally required.

Addressing common user inquiries, Instagram does not currently offer a feature that displays who has viewed individual profiles, although users can opt to create private accounts, restricting feed visibility to approved followers only.

USA Today reporter Melina Khan contributed to this report.