The development of the Friend Map feature comes as Instagram aims to expand its in-app map offerings and compete with traditional mapping services like Google Maps. The feature is inspired by Snapchat's Snap Map and Apple's "Find My" map feature. The goal is to enhance the social aspect of the platform and encourage more engagement among users. The new feature is seen as a way to keep Instagram users on the platform and provide a unique way to connect with friends.
Key takeaways:
- Instagram is reportedly developing a "Friend Map" feature that will allow users to track the real-time locations of their friends and choose who can see their location.
- The feature will also include end-to-end encryption for added security and a "Ghost Mode" setting to hide the user’s last active location.
- Users will be able to leave short messages, called “Notes,” on the map for others to see, which could be used to share discoveries like a new restaurant or pop-up shop.
- Instagram's development of the Friend Map feature is seen as a move to compete with traditional mapping services like Google Maps and cater to the preferences of younger users.