Instagram Introduces Location Sharing and Reposting Features in Major Update
Instagram has rolled out a significant update, introducing long-awaited features including location sharing and reposting tools. The new location-sharing feature allows users to share their last active location with chosen contacts, offering customization options similar to Snapchat’s Snap Map.
The location-sharing tool is opt-in, meaning it remains off by default until users enable it. Once activated, individuals can choose who sees their location—whether it’s all friends, Close Friends, specific accounts, or no one at all. Additional controls let users restrict sharing when at certain places or with particular people. While the feature resembles Snapchat’s Snap Map, it lacks the playful emoji animations that define Snapchat’s version.
This isn’t the first time Instagram has taken inspiration from Snapchat. The platform previously adopted Snapchat-like tags for adding friends and introduced Stories, a near-identical replica of Snapchat’s slideshow format.
Beyond location sharing, Instagram has finally launched its reposting feature after teasing it since 2022. Users can now repost public Reels and feed posts, which then appear in a dedicated profile tab. Reposts are automatically credited to the original creator, though users can add personal notes. These reposts may also be recommended to friends and followers.
Another addition is the Friends tab in Reels, which displays public content that friends have engaged with. While some may find this feature useful for discovering new posts, others might prefer not to see what their connections are interacting with unless shared directly.
All these features are now available globally, with most users gaining access immediately. To check for the update, simply refresh the Instagram app.
The update marks another step in Instagram’s evolution, blending familiar social media mechanics with new tools to enhance user connectivity. Whether these features will be widely adopted remains to be seen, but they certainly expand the platform’s functionality.
