July 25, 2022, 11:32 am | Read time: 2 minutes
Attracting new users and retaining old ones–that’s the goal of major app providers. Instagram is trying to achieve this with ever-new features. One of them includes searchable maps, reminiscent of Google Maps in their application.
Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg personally announced the new feature in an Instagram story. Instagram users can now tag interesting places on the map and also view already tagged locations in their immediate vicinity. Not only is it possible to search for specific places and facilities via hashtag, but according to Zuckerberg, the results can also be filtered by various categories such as attractions, restaurants, cafes, and more.
Instagram now with searchable maps
Until now, the app only allowed searching for specific posts. The searchable maps on Instagram are intended to expand this capability and essentially make Google Maps obsolete. Users can, for example, plan their trips directly through Instagram and save interesting areas or venues in advance so they can easily find them later. Even when users are in an unexplored location, they can use Instagram maps to get tips on worthwhile spots nearby. To do this, simply tap the map and look for exciting places in the area.
To access the Instagram map, follow these steps:
- Enter the location you want to search in the search bar. Alternatively, you can search by hashtag.
- The search results will open. At the top of the tabs, you can switch to the location symbol, which also opens the map.
- Here, Instagram displays all tagged places. Users can get more information about them by clicking on the respective location.
The searchable maps benefit from an already existing feature on Instagram: Maps. Instagram Maps was initially tested in the U.S. and Australia, but has been available in Germany since June 2022. Business operators can tag their restaurants and stores via hashtag, making them accessible in the search–including important information such as opening hours, location, and price category. This is already familiar from Google Maps. For example, if you click on a restaurant, you will see all posts about this location that have been posted on Instagram so far. The new feature is now available on both the Android app and the iOS app.