Multiple current Instagram features appeared first on other social platforms. Adopting options from theoretically unrelated apps made it a much more complete service and probably helped its success. Now, it seems that Instagram will borrow another feature from a third-party app: Snap Maps.
Snapchat is one of the most used messaging services in the United States. Its evanescent messages and feeling of total privacy in chats especially caught the attention of the young public. Snapchat also has some social features such as Snap Maps. The latter basically allows you to appear on a map for other Snapchat users, sharing your location and Snaps according to your privacy settings.
Instagram testing a Snap Maps-like feature
Now, Instagram will get a similar feature called Friend Map. Christine Pai, spokesperson for Meta, confirmed that they are testing it on a “specific group of people.” So, it seems that the first tests have a very limited scope. She did not confirm whether testing is being carried out in a specific region or country. The feature was initially detected in February, although no further news had emerged about it.
Currently, Instagram’s Friend Map only allows users to share their location and text/video updates with mutual followers or with their Close Friends list. There’s no option to make your location and updates available to everyone. Even if there was, it wouldn’t be a good idea to use it if you’re concerned about privacy.
Interestingly, Instagram offered a feature that showed your posts on a map based on location over a decade ago. However, the map was totally private, with no option to share anything. The company removed the feature due to low usage, although something similar with sharing options would likely be more appealing to people.
It’s not yet known when Instagram’s Friend Map will be rolling out to everyone. Meta usually takes its sweet time testing new features before a mass rollout. So, you’ll probably have to wait a few months to get it.
2024-08-13 15:06:46