On August 6, 2025, Instagram announced three major features to enhance social connection: a Reposts tool, a “Friends” tab in Reels, and the Instagram Map feature, available globally starting today.
The Instagram Map feature functions like Instagram’s version of Snap Map:
- Letting users opt in to share their last active location in DMs with selected friends.TechCrunch
- Showing nearby content (Reels, posts, stories, Notes) posted at specific locations.
- Updating location only when the app is opened, not in the background.
Users access the Map via a map icon at the top of their DM inbox, making it easy to coordinate meetups or explore local content.
🔒 Privacy & Control Features
Instagram emphasizes user control and privacy:
- Location sharing is disabled by default and must be turned on by the user.
- Users can customize who sees their location—options include Close Friends, mutual followers, or selected individuals.
- Parental controls are available to oversee teen usage, and notifications alert parents when teens start sharing.
👥 Related Features: Reposts & Friends Tab
- Reposts lets users reshare public Reels and feed posts with attribution, and adds a dedicated “Reposts” tab to user profiles.
- The Friends tab in Reels highlights content your friends have interacted with—liked, commented on, or reposted—with options to hide your own activity or mute others.
Together, these features aim to make Instagram more participatory and socially interactive
✨ Why This Matters
- Maps for real-world coordination: Enables casual hangouts or discovering new spots with geo-tagged posts.
- Content discovery based on location: Explore local experiences shared by friends and content creators.
- Privacy-first approach: Full opt-in design with robust sharing controls.
🗂️ Summary Table
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Instagram Map | Opt-in map showing user’s last active location and content |
| Location Privacy | Users choose who sees location; updates only when app opens |
| Repost Feature | Share public content with credit and add notes |
| Friends Tab (Reels) | Shows friend interactions with controls to hide/mute content |
