Instagram Users In India Can Now Use Map Feature: Here's How It Works

Meta-owned Instagram is expanding its Instagram Map feature to India, bringing along several interface improvements and privacy updates. First introduced globally in August, the feature is designed to help users stay connected with friends through real-time location sharing and location-tagged content. With this rollout, Instagram aims to make the feature clearer and easier to use for Indian users.What Is Instagram Map?Instagram Map lets you share your last active location with friends you choose, if you decide to opt in. You can also open the Map to explore content shared by your friends and favourite creators from interesting or trending locations around the world. Whether you're looking to keep up with friends or discover new spots, the Map provides

a lightweight way to stay socially connected. Importantly, you have full control over this feature and can turn it off at any time.Improved Location Indicators For Better ClarityWith the India rollout, Instagram has added a more prominent and persistent indicator at the top of the Map. This lets you know clearly whether your location is being shared or if location services are turned off on your device. There’s also a new indicator under your profile photo in the Notes tray, which makes it easier to tell when you're not sharing your location with anyone.Addressing User Confusion Around Location TagsInstagram says it received feedback from users who assumed that simply tagging a location in their posts meant they were also sharing their live location on the Map. To fix this, the platform has removed profile photos from appearing on top of location-tagged content, making it clear that location tags and Map sharing are two separate things. Additionally, the app now shows an educational reminder every time you add a location tag to a Story, Reel, or post, explaining that the content will appear on the Map.ALSO READ: AI-Only Social Network Sora 2 Is Heating Up The Debate Of AI Vs HumansNew Preview Option For Tagged ContentTo further reduce confusion, Instagram has introduced a preview feature. When you add a location to any content, you’ll now see how it will appear on the Map before you post it. This gives users a clearer idea of how their content is displayed to others.