Instagram has launched a live test of its new ‘Friend Map’ tool, which allows users to share their real-time locations. 

The feature, which is currently in testing with a small group of users, closely resembles Snapchat’s ‘Snap Map’ feature. 

However, it offers more privacy controls, as users must select the group of people who can view their location, choosing from either their ‘close friends’ list or mutual followers.

Public location sharing and content tagging will not be an option.

The feature also allows users to post text and video updates to a map, showing the location where they were made to their chosen, selected group.

Additionally, it provides the ability to view updates from friends, which appear alongside the user’s own posts on the map.

This function is likely designed to retain younger users, a demographic Instagram is keen to maintain amid intense competition from TikTok and Snapchat.

As younger users increasingly prefer interacting through DMs rather than posting to feeds, stories, or reels, Instagram has introduced features like Notes, which have resonated well with this demographic.

The new ‘Friend Map’ feature can also be integrated with Instagram Notes, allowing users to leave Notes at specific locations.

For businesses, the tool could prove to be a game-changer, depending on the level of engagement with followers. 

If mutual following is in place, it’s a potential avenue to drive foot traffic to events or venues by sharing real-time updates.

There is no official word on when the feature will roll out widely, or which regions are currently part of the test. 

Additionally, the duration of visibility for Friend Map updates remains unclear, raising potential concerns about long-term privacy and the possibility of leaving a digital trail that could reveal predictable patterns.