Instagram Map: Stepping on Snapchat’s Turf
Notably Instagram’s new Map feature lets users share their real-time location with select group such as Close Friends or mutual followers via an opt-in map interface. This design stands in contrast to Snapchat’s broader public map sharing.
Addiionally the Map highlights location-based content from other users and creators such as local Stories or posts tagged at nearby spots.Tech Briefly
Clearly the move mirrors Snapchat’s Snap Map a feature launched in 2017 but with more restrictive privacy controls and limited visibility.
Similarities & Differences at a Glance
Similarities:
- Both feature maps: with user avatars representing real-time locations.
- Specifically: both Snapchat and Instagram let users post location-tagged text or video updates Snaps or Stories that appear on the map at the location they were captured visible to chosen friends or followers.
- Specifically: both features require explicit opt‑in consent users must choose to enable location sharing before any data is shared or displayed. For Snapchat’s Snap Map users must explicitly grant location access select sharing groups and can opt out via Ghost Mode. Similarly Instagram’s Map feature remains off by default until the user enables it and chooses who sees their location.
Location Sharing and Discovery
With Instagram Map, you can:
- Explore trending locations.
- Specifically: Instagram lets you see where your friends are hanging out but only if they opt in to share their live location through the Map feature.
- Specifically: share your own real-time location within Instagram Stories and Direct Messages DMs to let friends know where you are.
This feature allows users to find businesses events and points of interest directly within the Instagram app. It’s designed to encourage real-world interaction and discovery. If a user shares their location their friends can see it. Privacy settings allow you to control who can view your location.
Competition with Snapchat
Snap Map debuted in June 2017 letting Snapchat users share their location with friends via an interactive global map. The feature also surfaces public Snaps from local events. It now boasts over 400 million monthly users making it a core part of Snapchat’s social experience. The design allows public map posts and broad content discovery.
Meanwhile Instagram Map launches in August 2025 as part of a broader innovation update including reposts and the Friends tab. The feature is fully opt-in privacy-forward, and available initially in the U.S.
