Meta spokesperson, [insert name here], has confirmed to TechCrunch that Instagram is developing a new feature called “Friend Map”. This opt-in functionality would allow users to view their friends’ live locations. Similar to Snapchat’s Snap Map, the feature is currently in its prototype stage and is not yet being tested externally. The discovery was first made by reverse engineer Alessandro Paluzzi, known for revealing social media features in development before their official launch.
If Instagram does decide to release the Friend Map officially, it would be following in the footsteps of its previous cloning of Snapchat’s core Stories feature back in 2016. Additionally, Instagram would be competing with Apple’s “Find My” map feature, which displays the real-time locations of friends and family. This new addition to Instagram would undoubtedly encourage users to spend more time on the app, and potentially less time on other companies’ services.
On another note, Instagram also has the chance to appeal to former fans of the now-shutdown social map app Zenly, which was acquired by Snapchat last year.
According to screenshots shared by Paluzzi on Threads, the Friend Map feature would allow users to select who can view their location. The screenshots also reveal that the location data would be end-to-end encrypted. Users can choose to share their location with followers who also follow them, their “Close Friends” list, or no one at all. The map would also offer a “Ghost Mode” setting, giving users the option to hide their last known location.
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The Friend Map would also include a feature called “Notes”. These are short messages that can be left on the map for others to see. Currently, Instagram Notes appear at the top of the direct messaging feed, but if the Friend Map is released, users will have the option to post these updates on the map. This functionality can be used to share exciting discoveries such as a new pop-up shop or a delicious restaurant.
Instagram has been working to enhance its in-app map experience. In late 2022, the company introduced a searchable map feature that allows users to explore popular tagged locations around them and filter results by specific categories, including restaurants, cafes, and beauty salons. This launch came shortly after Google’s Senior Vice President, Prabhakar Raghavan, stated that young users are no longer turning to Google Search or Maps for new discoveries, but instead to apps like Instagram and TikTok.
After successfully cutting into one of Google’s core businesses, Instagram may now be setting its sights on competing with Snapchat and Apple through its Friend Map feature.
