Instagram Launches Reposts, Location Sharing Features US-Wide

Instagram has introduced several new features aimed at enhancing user connectivity and content sharing, including the long-awaited Reposts function, a location-sharing option, and a Friends tab in Reels. The Reposts feature allows users to share public posts and Reels, which are credited to the original creators and displayed in a separate tab on the profile rather than the main feed, helping creators increase their content's reach. Location sharing, currently available only to US users, lets people opt in to share their last active location with selected friends via an interactive map, with controls for privacy and parental supervision. The Friends tab in Reels shows public content that friends have interacted with, creating a more curated and community-focused browsing experience. While these updates align Instagram more closely with platforms like TikTok and Snapchat, reactions have been mixed, with some users welcoming the new sharing options and others concerned about potential feed clutter and changes to their curated experience. Instagram emphasizes user control with customizable privacy settings for these features, reflecting ongoing efforts to balance engagement with user preferences and safety.