Instagram is currently testing a new feature that bears a striking resemblance to Snapchat’s popular Snap Maps. This new addition allows Instagram users to share text and video updates on a map, pinpointing the location where they were captured. The map is shared exclusively with a pre-selected group of friends, showcasing their updates alongside yours. In essence, it’s a familiar concept borrowed from Snap Maps, which debuted back in 2017.
The key distinction, at least for now, appears to be Instagram’s stricter privacy settings. Users must choose a specific group of people to share their location with, such as close friends or mutual followers. This contrasts with Snapchat’s option for public posts on Snap Maps.
According to Meta spokesperson Christine Pai, Instagram’s map feature is currently a “small test” limited to a few markets. It’s entirely opt-in, and users retain control over their location sharing. Pai emphasized that the feature is being developed with safety in mind, although further details about potential public sharing options and post durations remain unclear.
This new feature was first spotted in development earlier this year under the name “Friend Map.” Recently, screenshots of the feature in action began circulating online, although the specific test markets remain undisclosed.
Interestingly, Instagram had a similar photo feature back in 2012 that displayed all of your images on a map, but it was entirely private and couldn’t be shared with friends. Despite its unique perspective on your photo collection, it was discontinued four years later due to low usage.
If Instagram’s map feature sees a wider release, it would mark another instance of the platform drawing inspiration from its competitors. Stories, Reels, and Threads all have their origins in other popular apps like Snapchat, TikTok, and Twitter, respectively. Now, it seems Instagram is circling back to Snapchat for its next big idea.
