Real-time location on Instagram: what's new, privacy, and how to enable it

Instagram has activated a new map with real-time location option that lets you see where your friends are and explore posts and stories tagged by location. The function is optional and seeks to facilitate meetings and the discovery of nearby places within the app.

The rollout has begun in the United States and will gradually reach more regions., with enhanced privacy controls, notifications for supervised accounts, and the ability to turn off location tracking at any time from your settings.

What exactly does the new map offer and how does it work?

The map is located at the top of your direct message inbox and focuses two layers: location-tagged content (reels, posts and stories visible for 24 hours) and the option to share your last active location with contacts of your choice.

The real-time location is voluntary and is disabled by default; it's only shared if you enable it, and when you do, it's updated while you use the app and for as long as you determine.

Sending real-time location has a 1 hour duration limit per session; you can stop it earlier whenever you want, and no one will see it once the selected time expires.

In addition to the map, tagged content reinforces the context of what you see: from stories from friends who've been to a concert to recommendations for places from local creators. Just keep in mind that This feature is not available on computers; access and management is done through the Instagram mobile app.

How to share your location on Instagram step by step

Sharing your location from a chat is quick and under your control.Before you get started, make sure your phone's location services are enabled for Instagram.

• Open a conversation and press "Add" on the bottom.
• Toca "Location" and choose the real-time option (duration: 1 hour).
• When you have it clear, press “Share your location”. It will be sent as a message within the chat.
• Below your message, tap “View location” to open the map in full screen and check the remaining time.
• To finish whenever you want, press “Stop sharing location”. Otherwise, it will be deactivated when the time runs out.

The other person can also return their location from that same map., tapping “Share Location” under the received message.

If you have never turned on sharing, it will remain off. until you explicitly turn it on from chat or settings.

Privacy, visibility, and settings to review

You can decide who you share your location with: Followers you follow (friends), close friends, a custom list of people, or no one at all. You can also exclude specific locations or users, so that even if you share, it won't appear in certain areas or to certain people.

To iPhone, system control is in Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services; search for Instagram and choose “Never” or “While using the app,” whichever you prefer.

La Location is disabled by default and is never sent without your permissionIf you change your mind, you can turn it off from the inbox map or from your phone's settings.

Parental supervision and safety for minors

Family-supervised accounts have specific warnings and controls. If a teen activates the feature, their guardian will receive a notification. so I can talk to him and adjust the settings.

Guardians can decide whether the minor can use the location on the map and check who you share it with, adding an extra layer of security in everyday use.

Reactions, criticisms and the debate on security

The novelty has ignited Conflicting opinions on social media and among public officials, with users warning of the potential risk of exposing real-time movements and asking to deactivate it. But Meta emphasizes that the map and real-time location are opt-in, with visibility limited to people you also follow or a private list you select, and which you can turn off at any time.

Organizations and representatives have asked caution due to the impact on minors, demanding guarantees to prevent malicious use and greater transparency regarding safeguards.