Instagram releases new location-based feature for all users

SAN FRANCISCO — Instagram’s latest update included a few new features for app users to access this week, prompting some concerns and confusion about privacy. 

The new update features a world map that allows users to share their location with followers, “Close Friends” list, select people, or no one at all; reposts on Reels (Instagram’s short form videos) and a “friends” tab for Reels. 

These new features were rolled out to some users earlier this week but launched app-wide Wednesday. Here’s what to know about the new update.

The feature is similar to Snapchat’s “Snap Map” in that your posts will be available to view for 24 hours on a map with your location to those you’re willing to share it with. 

Meta, Instagram and Facebook’s parent company, says users must opt in to use the new feature and share their location. Parents with supervision set up on their child’s account have access to adjusting location-based features. 

“You can choose to not share location in specific places or with specific people,” a press release about the update said. 

When using location sharing, the users location is updated whenever they open the app or return to the app if it’s been running in the background. 

The feature prompted concern from some creators and users on the platform. Some say they didn’t opt in, but their location — down to their street — was shared on the map to followers when the feature was rolled out. 

Adam Mosseri, the head of Instagram and Threads, responded to the concern and echoed the company press release about the update, saying “your location will only be shared *if* you decide to share it, and if you do, it can only shared with a limited group of people you choose.”

The comments on his Instagram post are now limited, but overwhelmingly against the new feature. 

For those not wanting to opt in and share their location, the feature can be turned off in two ways: in the app and in your phones settings. 

To turn off your location in Instagram, follow these steps:

• Navigate in the app to your direct message folder
• Click on the new “Map” icon at the top of your messages (among where the Instagram notes are)
• If prompted, choose “share with no one” to opt out. 
• If you are not prompted from opening the map, click the gear cog in the top right corner of the screen and choose “share with no one” if you’d like to opt out entirely. 

To turn off your location in your iPhone iOS settings, follow these steps: 

• Open settings
• Search “location services” in the search bar at the top of the settings page (you may need to scroll down for it to appear)
• In location services, navigate through your apps to Instagram and choose when the app has access to your location. Your options should be “never,” “ask next time or when I share,” “while using the app,” and “always.”

To turn off your location in your Android settings, follow these steps: 

• Open settings
• Tap “Location”
• Tap Instagram and adjust your privacy settings. If you’re not prompted with anything, tap and hold the Instagram app icon, go to App info, then to Permissions and finally to Location.

The new Reels features follow in TikTok’s footsteps. While Reels are a competitor to the app, the two have similar features now. 

Instagram just rolled out a “repost” feature and “Friends” tab in the Reels section. 

Now users can repost public reels and feed posts which the company says makes “it easier for you to share your interests with your friends.” Reposts will be recommended to friends’ and followers’ feeds. 

To repost a reel or feed post, click the repost icon which looks like two arrows in a circle. On feed posts, it will be besides likes and comments, but before share and save. On Reels posts, it will be below likes and comments, but above share and additional options. 

To find the new Friends tab, click the little video button at the bottom of your Instagram home screen, then click “Friends” at the top to see the content you and your friends repost.