Instagram just announced an update with some long-requested features. The most notable is the introduction of a location-sharing tool for friends. Once opted into, the map shares a user’s last active location with chosen contacts. The location sharing feature is turned off until selected and there are numerous customization controls.
For instance, Instagram users can choose to share location data with all friends, Close Friends, selected accounts or nobody at all. This data can be restricted when at certain locations or when with specific people.
The location sharing feature.
(Meta)
It sounds and looks a whole lot like Snapchat’s Snap Map, just without the cute emoji animations. This isn’t the first time Meta’s Instagram has looked toward Snapchat for inspiration. The platform introduced Snapchat-like tags for adding friends and a Stories slideshow carousel that was nearly identical to the one found on Snapchat.
Instagram’s update, however, brings more than just location sharing. The platform has finally introduced reposts, which it first teased all the way back in 2022 and then again earlier this year. This lets people repost public Reels and feed posts. These reposts will be recommended to friends and followers and they’re housed in a separate profile tab. Reposts are also automatically credited to the original poster, though users can add personalized notes.
Finally, Instagram is rolling out a new Friends tab in Reels. This lets people see public content that friends have interacted with. Meta began experimenting with this feature earlier this year, but now it’s launching globally. I have no interest in knowing what my friends are looking at unless they specifically share something, but maybe that’s just me.
These tools are rolling out today and should be available to most users right now. Just check the app for an update.
