Instagram Launches Location-Based Map, Reposts in US Rollout

Instagram has launched several new features aimed at enhancing social interaction and content discovery, including the Instagram Map, reposting capabilities, and a Friends tab in Reels. The Instagram Map allows users to share their last active location and explore location-based content such as posts, stories, and Reels from friends and creators, with location sharing turned off by default and customizable privacy controls. This feature closely mirrors Snapchat's Snap Map but differs by updating location only when the app is opened, rather than in real-time, and limits real-time location sharing in direct messages to one hour. Additionally, Instagram introduced reposting public reels and posts, which appear in a new Reposts tab and help amplify content while crediting the original creators. The Friends tab in Reels shows videos friends have interacted with, fostering content discovery within close circles. Instagram is also testing a new 'Picks' feature that enables users to highlight interests through inbox Notes to find commonalities with friends, further promoting connection and engagement within the app.