Instagram head Adam Mosseri is reassuring users that their location is only visible to others if they decide to share it, amid confusion over the social media platform’s new Snap Map-like feature, Instagram Map. The feature allows U.S. users to share their most recent active location with others and discover location-based content.
Mosseri stated in a Threads post that people are mostly confused about how the feature works, as they assume that because they can see themselves on the map when they open it, other people can also see them. However, Mosseri clarified that users must explicitly decide to share their location and require a double consent by design.
The new Instagram Map feature is similar to existing location tags visible in the platform’s map view but provides easier access to this information. Users who turn on their location on Instagram Map will only update when they open the app or have it running in the background, rather than continuously providing real-time updates.
To ensure users’ locations are turned off on Instagram Map, follow these steps: navigate to DMs, tap the “Map” option, and select your desired sharing preferences. This can be done by clicking on your profile, tapping settings, selecting “Story, live and location,” and then changing the “Location sharing” button.
When using Instagram Map, users will see locations of friends who have shared their location with them, as well as location-based Stories and Reels from people they follow. The feature also allows users to leave short messages, or “Notes,” on the map for others to see.
Note that if you have location sharing turned off, others can still share their location with you, and you’ll be able to see it on the Map.
Source: https://techcrunch.com/2025/08/08/how-to-use-instagram-map-and-protect-your-privacy