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Instagram is modernize a “ Friend Map ” feature , a Meta voice confirmed to TechCrunch on Monday . The opt - in feature , which is similar to Snapchat ’s Snap Map , would allow user to see their supporter ’ locations in real time . The company says the feature is an internal prototype and is not being tested externally . The feature was first spotted by reverse engineerAlessandro Paluzzi , who often discovers societal media features in growing ahead of their official launching .
If Instagram be after to formally launch the Friend Map , it would be copy yet another popular characteristic from Snapchat , after cloning the app ’s inwardness Stories functionalityback in 2016 . Instagram would also be coming for Apple and its “ Find My ” lineament that get users see where their friends and family are presently located . With this Modern feature , Instagram would be giving its user another reason to spend more time on its app , and less on other companionship ’ service .
Instagram also has an opportunity to invoke to people who were fan ofZenly , a social map app that Snap acquired and then shut down last twelvemonth .
According toscreenshotsposted on Threads by Paluzzi , Instagram ’s Friend Map would allow user to choose who can see their location . The screenshots also suggest that location data would be terminate - to - ending inscribe . You could choose to divvy up your location with follower who follow you back , your “ Close Friends ” list or no one at all . The mapping would also feature a “ Ghost Mode ” place setting that would hide your last dynamic location .
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The Friend Map would grant users to leave short content , or “ Notes , ” on the function for others to see . Instagram Notes are presently the short subject matter that appear at the top of your verbatim messaging feed , but if the Friend Map flap out , substance abuser would have the choice to carry these short updates on the mathematical function . The Notes functionality on the map could be used to do things like notify your protagonist about a fun pop - up shop you came across or a new eatery that you ’re presently eat at .
The news comes as Instagram has been working to enhance its in - app function oblation . In late 2022 , the companyintroduced a searchable mapexperience that allowed user to research popular tagged locations around them and filter positioning outcome by specific categories , including restaurants , cafes and dish salons . The launch of the searchable map get along a workweek after Google ’s senior frailty President of the United States Prabhakar Raghavan stated that unseasoned userswere turning to apps like Instagram and TikTokinstead of Google Search or Maps when looking to discover new places .
After cutting into one of Google ’s core businesses , Instagram may now be look to take on Snapchat and Apple with its Friend Map .
