1. Meet the “Instagram Map”—Instagram’s Answer to Snap Map

Instagram Map allows users to share their most recent active location and explore location-based content—from friends and creators alike—right from their DM inbox TechCrunchLifewireBusiness Insider.

Key highlights:

• Opt-in only: Location sharing is off by default; you must actively choose to enable it TechCrunchTeen Vogue.

• Updates on app launch: The map updates your location only when the app is opened—not in real time—unlike Snapchat’s continuous tracking TechCrunchAInvestLifewire.

• Customized sharing: Easily choose who sees your location—mutual followers, Close Friends, a custom list, or no one TechCrunchTeen VogueBusiness Insider.

• Discover nearby posts: Browse Reels, stories, and notes tagged with locations from friends and favorite creators (visible for 24 hours) TechCrunchLifewireWDIV.

• Parental controls: Parents overseeing a teen account will get notifications if their teen begins sharing location—and can manage what’s shared and with whom About FacebookBusiness InsiderLifewire.

2. Reposts: Sharing, with Style

Instagram now offers an official repost feature—think of it as a refined “retweet” for Reels and feed posts. You can add your own commentary in a thought bubble, and reposted content gets its own tab on your profile for easy access TechCrunch9to5MacIndiatimes.

Creators benefit from increased visibility as their content may appear in followers’ feeds, even among those who don’t follow the original creator TechCrunchIndiatimes.

3. Friends Tab in Reels: What’s In Your Circle

Instagram’s Friends tab in Reels, now available globally, curates content based on your friends’ activity—what they create, like, repost, or comment on 9to5MacBusiness Insider.

Privacy settings allow nuanced control: hide your engagement, mute activity from specific people, or keep your favorites private About FacebookCinco DíasBusiness Insider.

Should You Opt In—Or Out?

While Instagram builds new ways to foster connection, the Instagram Map has sparked notable concern—especially around safety and surveillance.

• Millions of users are speaking up, particularly women, who fear the risks of being tracked or stalked via the map GlamourTeen VogueNew York Post.

• Some users report being visible on the map without consent, although Meta insists that sharing is strictly opt-in GlamourNew York Post.

• TechCrunch and Meta leadership affirm that sharing is completely off by default, with granular controls allowing you to share only with trusted people GlamourNew York PostEntrepreneurAbout FacebookBusiness Insider.

If you prefer privacy, you can turn off location sharing easily via the Map settings in your DM inbox EntrepreneurNew York Post.