Instagram introduces real-time location sharing feature

Instagram expands its functionality for users by introducing the option to share the location in real time, a very useful tool for safety and coordinating meetings with friends.

The new option allows users to share their location for up to an hour, exclusively through direct messages.

Unlike other platforms, this option is designed to be private and limited to those directly involved in the conversation to ensure privacy and control.

How it works

To enable it, users just need to go to the desired chat and select the location sharing option through the “+” menu.

The feature is disabled by default, and users can stop sharing at any time, even before all 60 minutes expire.

A visual indicator at the top of the conversation reminds them that the location is active, preventing those situations where users forget to share this sensitive information.

Instagram says that the shared location cannot be passed on to other chats, thus ensuring an increased degree of security.

The functionality is currently not available in Romania, and the platform did not provide details about the global expansion.

What’s new in Instagram messaging

Apart from location sharing, other interesting features have been added in the direct messages or DMs section.

Users can now personalize their conversations by creating nicknames for either themselves or friends. These nicknames are only visible in the chat where they were set.

In addition, each user can decide who is allowed to change all these nicknames.

Another novelty is the launch of 17 new sticker packs, with over 300 creative options. These can be marked as favorites for easy reuse.

Moreover, Instagram now allows the creation of personalized stickers, either through manual cutouts or through automatic generation with the help of AI

Reconfiguring the interface

Adam Mosseri, the director of Instagram, revealed that messaging has become one of the most used features of the platform, surpassing the content creation button.

That’s why the team thought of a new location for the messaging icon, placing it centrally at the bottom of the app.

Source: Instagram