Instagram, the popular Meta social network, has introduced a new feature that will surely become one of the most used from now on: the possibility of sharing your real time location via direct messages. This new step is part of a broader update that improves the communication between users, either to coordinate meetings more precisely or to ensure that you arrive safely at your destination. It also brings with it, as we pointed out, other news related to stickers and nicknames! We'll tell you everything.
How does this new tool work?
The new feature of location on Instagram It is similar to the one that WhatsApp, also owned by Meta, has been offering for some time, but with some differences. To use it, users steps to follow they are very simple:
- Access the desired chat with the contact you are interested in communicating with
- Choose the option to share location.
- A pinned notification at the top of the chat will remind you that you are sharing your location.
Needless to say, the inclusion of this tool respect your privacy: Shared location cannot be forwarded to other chats or accessible to outsiders, ensuring a more secure experience. However, we recommend that you only use this option with people you trust, especially when you are in group chats.
The feature (which by the way is disabled by default) is designed to offer a maximum duration of 60 minutes, time at which it is dynamically updated on the map. In addition, You can stop location sharing at any time you want, so you always have complete control over the information you share.
Beyond geolocation: What other surprises does this update bring?
The update, as we mentioned, It is not only limited to the location function, but includes other innovations that promise to make direct messages much more entertaining and personalized. One of the most striking is the incorporation of 17 sticker packs, adding over 300 new options to bring your chats to life. The best part? You can now mark as favorites the stickers you like the most, making it easy to reuse them.
Another interesting novelty is the introduction of custom nicknames. Do you want your best friend to now appear as an “adventure buddy” or for your group of friends to have a unique name of your own? Now you can do it. These nicknames are only visible in the private cats, allowing for a more casual and intimate experience without affecting public usernames.
Users also have the option to decide Who can change nicknames? in chats. By default, this action is restricted to people you both follow mutually, though you can adjust the settings so that only you have that privilege.
Availability and gradual expansion
At the moment, the real-time location sharing feature is only available on certain devices. countries. Instagram has chosen, as usual, to release this and other new features in a staggered manner to ensure optimal operation. As the weeks go by, it is expected to reach more users on both mobile and tablet devices. iOS , the Android devices.
This update continues to consolidate Instagram as something more than a social network to share photos. The new features in direct messages, from real-time location to personalization with stickers and nicknames, are a clear example of how the platform continues evolving to offer a richer and more useful experience that the user does not need to leave - with all that this also entails, be careful with this.
And you, do you use Instagram for anything other than watching reels?