Instagram is at it again—rolling out a new batch of features that might feel a little familiar if you’ve used Snapchat, TikTok, or even Twitter. Starting this week, users will see a new map feature, an official repost button, and global access to the “Friends” tab in Reels. These changes mark Instagram’s ongoing effort to evolve from a simple photo-sharing app into a more dynamic and interactive platform.
Here’s a closer look at what’s new and how it might change the way you use Instagram.
Instagram Map: A New Way to Share and Discover Locations
Let’s start with the biggest addition—Instagram Map. This new feature lets you share your most recent active location with friends and explore content based on where people are posting from. Think of it as Instagram’s version of Snap Map, but with its own twist.
Location sharing is off by default, so you don’t need to worry about automatically broadcasting where you are. If you do choose to turn it on, your location will only update when you open the app—not in real-time. This adds a bit of privacy while still allowing for spontaneous meetups or content discovery based on location.
You’ll find Instagram Map at the top of your DM inbox, and it’s starting to roll out in the U.S. first, with other regions to follow.
Notes on the Map: Tiny Updates in a New Place
In addition to location pins, the Instagram Map lets you leave Notes—short messages visible to friends. These are similar to the little text bubbles you might already be using in DMs, but now they’re getting a geographical twist. Whether you’re letting friends know you’re at a coffee shop downtown or just leaving a casual update at a music festival, it’s a lightweight way to add context to your location.
This feature could also appeal to those who used Zenly, the now-defunct social map app Snap shut down in 2023. Instagram seems to be stepping into that space, offering a new option for those who still miss that kind of social mapping.
Reposts Are Finally Official
Next up, Instagram is introducing reposts. Until now, if you wanted to share someone else’s post, you had to either screenshot it, add it to your story, or use a third-party app. Now, with an official repost button, Instagram is catching up to what TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), and even Facebook already offer.
You’ll be able to repost public Reels and feed posts, and they’ll appear in a new “Reposts” tab on your profile. These reposts will also show up in your followers’ feeds, so you can share content without having to recreate it yourself.
There’s also a thoughtful touch—you can add a note or comment to your repost. Just tap the thought bubble when reposting and type out your message before saving. It’s kind of like Instagram’s version of a quote tweet.
The Friends Tab Goes Global
Instagram’s “Friends” tab in Reels, which launched in the U.S. earlier this year, is now available globally. This tab gives you a look at the Reels your friends have interacted with—whether they liked, commented, reposted, or created them.
When the feature first launched, some users weren’t thrilled about their activity being so visible. To address those concerns, Instagram is now giving users more control. You can choose to hide your likes, comments, and reposts from the Friends tab, or even mute certain people’s activity if you’re not interested in what they’re engaging with.
This is especially helpful for people who want to keep their interactions more private or just want a cleaner feed.
A Familiar Strategy, With Some Adjustments
If all of this sounds a bit like Instagram is borrowing from other apps—you’re not wrong. The platform has long followed the lead of its competitors, from introducing Stories (borrowed from Snapchat) to pushing Reels (inspired by TikTok).
Still, Instagram is putting its own spin on these features. The opt-in approach for location sharing, the ability to leave Notes on the map, and the new controls over interaction visibility show that Meta is at least trying to be mindful of user preferences.
So, What Does This Mean for Instagram Users?
These changes may not reinvent the platform, but they do make Instagram feel more social again. The Map feature encourages more spontaneous connection. Reposts make it easier to share what you like without having to add it to your story. And the Friends tab creates another layer of interaction—without forcing it on users who prefer privacy.
At the same time, some long-time Instagram users may see this as yet another example of the app drifting away from its roots. As the main feed becomes more driven by algorithmic recommendations and non-photo content, creators and users alike continue to debate what Instagram is actually for these days.
Still, for those who enjoy sharing moments, discovering new spots, and staying in the loop with friends and creators, these updates are worth checking out.
Final Thoughts
Instagram’s latest update might not be groundbreaking, but it’s another step in its broader evolution. Whether you’re someone who wants to meet up with friends via location pins, discover popular spots in your city, or simply reshare a great reel you found, these new features bring something useful to the table.
And while it’s easy to criticize Instagram for copying others, the real test will be how these tools feel in everyday use. If they make the platform more enjoyable and social again, they might just stick around.
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