Meta adds Instagram Map, a location-sharing feature, and Friends tab for recommendations

Meta has unveiled new updates to Instagram designed to improve user interactions within their social circles.

One of the key features is the Instagram Map, a Snapchat-style friend map which lets users share their last active location with specific groups such as friends or mutual followers, with the option to turn off location sharing at any time. To ensure safety, particularly for teenagers, parents managing teen accounts will receive notifications when location sharing is activated and can control who can view these updates. The Instagram Map also allows users to explore posts, stories, and Reels tagged with locations by people they follow, visible for 24 hours, providing insights into popular spots. Initially launching in the US, this feature will soon be available globally and can be accessed at the top of users' DM inboxes.

Additionally, Instagram introduces the Friends tab in Reels, which showcases public content that friends engage with and offers recommendations through Blends for discussing shared interests. Users can customize their privacy settings by hiding likes, comments, or notifications from specific accounts.