Instagram is working on a Snap Map like feature named Friend Map; Here's what we know

Instagram, in order to stay relevant in the social media domain, keeps adding new features for better user experience. Keeping up with the same trend, now the meta-owned platform has started testing a feature similar to Snapchat’s Snap Map named ‘Friend Map.’ Christine Pai, Meta spokesperson, stated that the feature is in development as of now. The Friend Map will allow Instagram users to choose who they share location with – close friends, mutual followers, etc. Currently, the feature is being released for a limited number of users as reported by The Verge. Also Read: Google Gemini’s Retro AI Portraits Are Going Viral: How To Try The Trend Yourself Using Nano Banana

The feature will also let people share videos and text updates pinned to the location of posting. Here the catch is that the location will only be visible to your followers or close friends based on your preferences. And similar notes uploaded by your connections on Instagram will be available on the map as well. Another major highlight is that the feature will not activated by default for the users. Also Read: How To Create Instagram's Viral Vintage Saree AI Photo With ChatGPT And Google's Gemini Nano Banana: Prompt Here

Instagram Friend Map: Not first of its kind

Locations-based features were something that Instagram has been trying to roll out for a long time now. Previously in 2012, Snapchat introduced a map-based photo feature. However, the platform discarded the feature due to super-low engagement rates. Now, the introduction of Fiend Map could help Instagram compete with Snapchat without giving the latter an upper hand. Furthermore, this move by Instagram is to hold the younger audience without losing them to TikTok or Snapchat. Also Read: Instagram Reels Beat TV And YouTube to Become India’s Top Daily Video Platform

A major differentiator between Snapchat’s Snap Map and Instagram’s Friend Map is that in Snapchat the location shared by you is public. Nonetheless, here on Instagram, the location will only be visible to your connections on the platform or your close friends list. The officials from Instagram have not confirmed the time frame for which the updates will be viewable. Expectations are that we will get to know more about the same as soon as it is ready for rollout on the stable version.