Instagram has expanded its Map feature to users in India, introducing updates aimed at improving user understanding and experience. The feature allows users to share their last active location with selected friends, with the option to disable it at any time. Users can also explore the map to view content posted by friends and creators from various locations.
Since its initial launch, Instagram has made several changes to address user feedback and enhance clarity. A new indicator at the top of the map now informs users whether they are sharing their location or if device location services are turned off. Additionally, an indicator under the profile photo in the Notes tray shows if a user is not sharing their location.
Instagram addressed confusion among users who believed that tagging a location in content meant their real-time location was being shared on the map. To clarify this, profile photos have been removed from appearing on top of tagged content. The platform now also provides an educational reminder when a location tag is added to stories, reels, or posts, explaining that this will make the content visible on the Map.
To further help users understand how their tagged content appears on the Map, Instagram has introduced a preview feature showing what content will look like once a location is added.
According to Instagram: "You can opt in to sharing your last active location with friends you choose, and you can turn it off anytime. You can also open the map to see content your friends and favorite creators are posting from interesting or fun locations. No matter how you use the map, you and your friends have a new, lightweight way to connect with each other."
The latest rollout includes improvements focused on user education and product experience since Instagram first announced the Map feature in August 2025.