Instagram is enhancing its location-sharing capabilities while also increasing options for sharing posts and Reels with acquaintances.
What you should know:
– Meta has revealed a significant update for Instagram that introduces “Instagram Map” for users in their DMs.
– Users have the option to share their location with others, allowing friends and family to see where you are upon opening the app and uploading location-tagged content.
– Instagram’s update incorporates a “repost” feature for posts and Reels, akin to other social media platforms.
Meta is helping you get through the midweek with an announcement regarding the latest Instagram features.
A blog entry discussing Instagram’s recent updates this week emphasizes three key features that users are likely to observe shortly. The first relates to Instagram’s Map feature, which enables users to share “their last active location” with friends. Essentially, users will soon be able to view the Instagram Map and find out where their friends are sharing new content from. Clicking the DMs icon at the upper right of the app and accessing the side-scrolling menu will reveal the new “Map” icon.
From there, Meta indicates that users can explore “location-based” Instagram content by seeing everyone’s position on a map (if they are sharing their location). If someone has uploaded a fresh Reel, Story, or post with active location-sharing, users will notice their circular icon along with a thumbnail of their content.
This content must be “location-tagged” to show up on Instagram Map, and it will stay visible for 24 hours. Newly created Notes will also be accessible from within Maps, letting you know where users were at the time of posting. This feature evokes strong memories of Snapchat when it launched location-sharing and a map for users last year.
As this feature is introduced, Meta specifies that location-sharing will be disabled by default. Furthermore, you can select who sees your location. Users will have choices for “friends” (those who follow you back), Close Friends, Only Selected Friends, and “no one.” If you opt to share your location, Meta states that your location will only refresh when you open or return to the app.
Instagram Map is being made available to users in the U.S. starting today (Aug 6). Instagram had previously launched a location-sharing feature, but that was restricted to DMs and did not include a comprehensive map with multiple users.
Further features for Reels:
Similar to other social media platforms (Threads, X), Instagram is finally introducing its own “repost” button for posts and Reels.
The blog entry mentions that when you repost a Reel or post, it will be credited to the original uploader of that content. However, your icon will appear in the bottom left corner with a purple repost icon, informing your followers that you’ve shared something new. Meta suggests that this could be an excellent opportunity for content creators to connect with new audiences, as their posts might be recommended more broadly.
Additionally, while reposting, Instagram will provide you with a small speech bubble to add a note.
The Reels update continues, as Instagram is finally launching its new “Friends” tab globally. Through this tab, Meta states users can discover the Reels their friends have posted or engaged with in some manner. Recommendations through your “Blend” with a friend will also show up in this new tab.
This tab will be positioned at the top of Reels. Instagram emphasizes new controls for users in the Friends tab, including the option to conceal your likes and comments.
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