Instagram Map shows where you’ve been.
Your friends can see it.
Even people you might not want—like an ex—could see it too.
It tracks your locations if you’re not careful.
Instagram just launched a new map feature.
It shows your real-time location to your friends.
Sounds cool? Maybe.
But there are a few things you should know before turning it on.
This week in the U.S., Instagram added a map view.
You’ll find it at the top of your DMs (direct messages).
It shows two types of locations:
1. Places you’ve tagged in your posts or stories.
2. Where you were the last time you opened the app — even if you were just scrolling.
Yep, it can quietly share your location without you realizing.
A lot of people were surprised to see their own spots on the map.
So before you do, think twice.
And check your settings
Sharing your live location with friends might sound fun.
It’s especially popular with younger people.
Apps like Apple’s Find My and Snapchat’s Snap Map make it easy.
But experts are raising red flags.
Some say it can lead to stress—or even danger.
In some relationships, it’s used to control or track someone.
So it’s not always as harmless as it seems.
Instagram is changing in a big way.
Instagram calls it “a lightweight way to connect.”
But really, it means less privacy.
How to turn it off:
Don’t want to be on the Instagram Map? Here’s what to do:
1. Go to Instagram’s settings.
2. Find “Who can see your location” — choose “No one.”
3. Avoid tagging your location in posts, stories, or reels.
4. Want to be extra safe?
Go to your phone’s Privacy settings.
Tap on Location.
Turn off location access for Instagram completely.
Instagram Map does give you some control.
You can choose who sees your location:
All your friends (people you follow and who follow you back)
Just your Close Friends
Or specific people you pick
You can also stop sharing:
In certain places
With certain people
Or for a certain amount of time
An ex
A coworker
Or even a friend who feels hurt you didn’t invite them out
Some good news:
Instagram says it only keeps your shared location for 3 days.
And they say they don’t use it for ads.
You could accidentally share things you’d never post about—
like going to a doctor’s appointment, or being on a date.
How location sharing could go wrong
The biggest risk?
You might share things you never meant to—
like being at a doctor’s appointment
or going on a date.
Tracy Chou, who made an app called Block Party to help people clean up their social media settings, explains it like this:
“This feels like the same trick we’ve seen before.
They say you’re in control…
But the settings are so annoying to manage,
most people end up oversharing without realizing it.”
Common Sense Media, a group that looks out for kids and families, says we should be careful with both Instagram Map and Snap Map.
Why? Because sharing your location comes with real safety risks.
Location data can show where someone goes often—
like their home, school, or work.
That’s private info.
Robbie Torney from Common Sense explains:
“When teens share their exact location,
they might be telling strangers where they are right now.
That can lead to harassment, stalking, or even worse.”
It’s not just about safety either.
Location sharing can also make teens feel social pressure—
about where they go and who they’re with.
In fact, a 2023 report from Common Sense found this:
Girls said location sharing was one of the worst parts of social media.