Instagram just can’t stop adding features (that nobody asked for)—and now it wants to share our EXACT location with followers and friends in real time via a new Instagram Map. Yep, Instagram really be doing everything but showing who unfollowed us—the only feature we want! While the idea might sound handy for finding your pals or proving you really are at that famous hawker stall—people worldwide are furious. As of August 2025, social media is buzzing with angry voices warning that Instagram’s new map feature is a privacy nightmare, with some even saying it’s “trying to get us killed” by making it way too easy for stalkers or worse. So yeah, Instagram’s latest move has us all asking WHAT THE HELL. There’s a lot of myths online about the feature so here’s the key information you need to know.
How does the new Instagram Map really work?
There are several myths swirling around Instagram’s new map feature. The most common being that it turns on automatically and shares your exact location without your content. However, this is not true. Here’s factual information on the new Instagram Map.
Meta (the tech giant that owns Instagram and Facebook) stated the real-time map is off by default and requires users to opt in. Those who activate it can choose exactly who among their followers can see their last active location, including all friends, close friends, specific people, or no one. Plus, parents with supervision controls are in control of their children’s account locations.
Meanwhile, the location updates each time the user opens the Instagram app or returns to it after it has run in the background. In fact, users can zoom right into the building of where that person is if the location is shared almost like Snapchat Maps. Interestingly, users can also leave short messages on the map for others to see.
Additionally, users can see location-based content posted by friends or creators, such as stories and reels tagged with a location, which appear on the map for 24 hours.
Why are Instagram users angry?
The real-time map has sparked significant outrage and backlash worldwide. Possibly due to the feature’s confusing design where location-tagged content is more visible on the map—blurring perceptions about what is shared automatically.
Meanwhile, people express concerns about privacy and safety, fearing that sharing precise location data—even with just friends—could expose them to risks such as stalking, burglary, or other harms. Others critique Instagram’s push towards oversharing which is dangerous. Similarly, several users reported their Instagram location was shared without consent.
How to turn off map feature on Instagram
The Instagram Map can be switched off anytime from the DM Map icon via the direct messaging inbox. But there is another main way via the Settings icon. Here’s how to turn it off:
- Go into Settings & Activity
- Scroll down and click Story, Live & Location
- Tap Location Sharing Instagram Map
- Select “Who Can See Your Location” and click on “No One”
Currently, it is only available in the United States. However, a global rollout of this location-sharing Instagram Map feature is coming soon including to Singapore.
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