📍 Instagram Map Is Not Tracking You — Here's What You Need to Know
Instagram recently introduced a new feature called the Instagram Map, designed to help users "keep up with friends and see what's happening nearby." But as with any feature involving location, privacy concerns quickly began to circulate online. Some users feared that Instagram might automatically share their real-time location with others.
Let’s clear things up: Instagram is not automatically sharing your location with anyone. In fact, it’s an opt-in feature — meaning nothing is shared unless you explicitly choose to.
What Instagram Says
When the Instagram Map prompt pops up, it clearly states:
“No one can see your location unless you share it.”
This means by default, location sharing is turned off. The map is simply a new way to connect and engage, but without compromising your privacy unless you choose to enable it.
A Word from Instagram's Head
Adam Mosseri, the head of Instagram, also chimed in to clarify the confusion. In a post (see screenshot), he wrote:
“Your location will only be shared if you decide to share it, and if you do, it can only be shared with a limited group of people you choose. To start, location sharing is completely off.”
He went on to explain that if you do opt in, you can choose between:
Friends (followers you follow back)
Close Friends
Only These Friends (a custom list you create)
No one (default setting)
So, even if you do enable it, Instagram gives you complete control over who can see your location.
Story Location Tags Work Differently
Mosseri also clarified another point of confusion: stories with tagged locations.
“If you tag a location in your story, that story will show up on the map for 24 hours... it does not share your real-time or live location.”
In other words, tagging your story with a location (like “Central Park”) will pin that story on the map for 24 hours — not your actual movements or GPS coordinates.
Final Thoughts: No Need to Panic
While it’s completely fair to be cautious about new features involving personal data, Instagram’s new map is not a hidden location tracker. You are in full control. Unless you specifically opt in and choose who sees your location, your privacy remains intact.
As always, it’s worth reviewing your app settings and choosing what you’re comfortable sharing. But rest assured — the Instagram map is opt-in, customisable, and privacy-conscious by design.
Edited for clarification: Meta has always known your approximate location using your WiFi connection and exif data from your photos they just were not sharing it with your friends.