[LoginTech] Instagram Launches 'Friend Map' Service in Korea

Pilot Service of 'Friend Map' Begins on the 11th
Share Real-Time Location with Friends
Exchange Useful Tips on Pop-Ups and Hot Restaurants Expected

Instagram began a pilot service of the 'Friend Map' in South Korea on the 11th. Users can share their real-time location, allowing acquaintances to see where they are. It is expected to become a feature for recommending personal favorite spots like restaurants and cafes to friends in the future.

The view that appears when clicking the 'Message' icon at the top right corner of the Instagram main screen. Provided by the reader.

The Friend Map is a feature Meta has been secretly developing since early last year and is similar to the Snap Map of the U.S. mobile messenger 'Snapchat.' A Meta representative said, "The Friend Map feature was launched first in other countries, and testing has now begun in South Korea. It is currently applied only to some users, and when they share their location, it can be shared with acquaintances for one hour."

Users can select other users who can see their location on the Friend Map feature. They can choose the visibility range such as mutual followers, close friends, specific accounts, or hidden targets. A 'Hide Mode' is also provided, which does not reveal the last active location.

When sharing their location, users can leave a short message using Instagram's memo feature. The memo is displayed along with the location for 24 hours. Once the Friend Map feature becomes active domestically, it is expected to conveniently share information such as discovering pop-up stores or recommending new restaurants with acquaintances. Instagram is reportedly planning to use this feature to encourage users to spend more time within the application.

Instagram 'Friend Map' feature. Courtesy of the reader

Previously, Instagram has been working to improve its in-app map service. At the end of 2023, it introduced a map feature that shows search results by category, such as restaurants and cafes, when users look for popular nearby places. This was designed so that users of Instagram do not need to switch to other search engines like Google or Naver when finding new locations.