What to know

  • Instagram has launched Instagram Map, a new interactive map feature for discovering posts and Stories by location.
  • The feature closely mirrors Snapchat’s Snap Map, allowing users to explore trending spots and see what’s happening nearby.
  • Instagram Map is rolling out globally, starting with select regions before expanding further.
  • Users can search, filter, and interact with public content based on location directly within the app.

Instagram is stepping up its competition with Snapchat by launching a brand new feature called Instagram Map. This interactive map lets you explore public Stories and posts based on location, making it easier to discover what’s happening around you or in any part of the world. The move is a direct challenge to Snapchat’s popular Snap Map, which has been a favorite among users for finding trending places and local events.

With Instagram Map, you can zoom in and out to browse different areas, tap on hotspots to see popular posts, and even search for specific locations or types of places like restaurants, parks, or tourist attractions. The map highlights trending spots with clusters of posts, so you can quickly see where the buzz is. If you’re curious about what’s happening at a certain location, just tap to view public Stories and posts shared from that spot.

Instagram has also added filters to make your search more personalized. You can filter by categories such as cafes, landmarks, or events, and see what’s trending in real time. If you find a place you like, you can save it for later or share it with friends directly through Instagram’s messaging features.

The rollout of Instagram Map is starting in select regions, with a global expansion planned over the coming weeks. Instagram says the feature is designed to help users discover new places, connect with local communities, and stay updated on what’s happening nearby. Privacy remains a focus, as only public posts and Stories with location tags will appear on the map. If your account is private, your content won’t be visible to others on Instagram Map.

This update marks one of Instagram’s biggest changes to location-based discovery in years. By bringing a map experience similar to Snapchat’s Snap Map, Instagram is hoping to keep users engaged and encourage more real-world exploration through its platform. If you haven’t seen Instagram Map in your app yet, keep an eye out for updates as the feature continues to roll out worldwide.