Instagram Rolls Out 3 New Features: Map, Reposts, and Friends Tab in Reels

August 2025 has brought some of Instagram’s most significant updates in recent years. The platform is rolling out three new features globally:

1. Instagram Map – optional location sharing and discovery
2. Reposts – share public posts and Reels directly to your feed
3. Friends Tab in Reels – see what your friends are enjoying and engaging with

These tools aim to make Instagram more social, more discoverable, and more collaborative, giving users new ways to connect, share, and explore.

‍

Instagram Map: Location Sharing & Discovery

What It Is

Instagram Map is an opt-in location sharing feature found at the top of your Direct Messages (DM) inbox. It lets you:

• Share your last active location with selected friends
• Explore Reels, Stories, posts, and Notes tagged with locations
• See where friends are posting from—if they’ve chosen to share

How It Works

• Off by default — You must turn it on to share your location
• Choose your audience: Friends (followers you follow back), Close Friends, a custom list, or no one
• Location updates when you open or return to the app
• Parents of supervised teen accounts get alerts when location sharing is turned on

Privacy Controls

You can turn off location sharing anytime in:

• Instagram Map settings → No one
• Your phone’s Location Services → disable Instagram access

‍

‍

‍

Reposts: Share Content Directly to Your Feed

What It Is

The new Repost button lets you share someone else’s public Reel or feed post directly to your profile feed—without downloading, re-uploading, or using third-party apps.

Key Features

• Automatic credit to the original creator
• Reposts appear in a new “Reposts” tab on your profile
• Add an optional note or caption when reposting
• Works only with public accounts

How to Repost

1. Find a public post or Reel
2. Tap the Repost icon under the content
3. Add a note if you wish, then tap Save
4. The content now appears in your followers’ feeds and your Reposts tab

Why It Matters

• Creators gain extra reach when others repost their content
• Users can curate their feed with content they love
• Brands can amplify UGC (user-generated content) more easily

‍

‍

Friends Tab in Reels: Social Video Discovery

What It Is

The Friends tab in Reels surfaces:

• Public Reels your friends have liked, commented on, or posted
• Recommendations from Blends—shared curated feeds between friends
• Activity bubbles that highlight trending content in your circle

How It Works

• Find it at the top of the Reels page—tap “Friends” to switch from the standard Reels feed
• Privacy options let you hide your activity or mute specific friends
• Designed to spark conversation and show you what’s trending in your trusted network

‍

‍

How These Features Work Together

Instagram’s latest updates show a clear direction:

• Map = Real-world connection
• Reposts = Content amplification
• Friends Tab = Social discovery

Used together, they create an Instagram experience that’s more personal, more network-driven, and more interactive.

‍

Privacy & Control

Instagram emphasizes user choice in these updates:

• Map is off by default
• Reposts only work with public content
• Friends Tab lets you control what others see from your activity

Always check your Privacy Settings after updates to ensure they align with your preferences.

‍

Final Thoughts

With the launch of Instagram Map, Reposts, and the Friends Tab, Instagram is leaning heavily into connection, collaboration, and discovery. For users, it means more ways to keep up with friends, find new creators, and share what inspires you. For creators and brands, it opens fresh avenues for organic reach.

These tools are rolling out globally now—update your app to see which ones you already have.

‍

Turn Instagram Into Your Best Sales Channel

‍If you use Instagram to connect with customers, fans, or your community, you’re leaving opportunities on the table. That’s where Inrō comes in — it’s the all-in-one DM automation platform built for Instagram. Automatically reply to comments, Story mentions, and DMs in real time, send the right link when interest is highest, and grow your contact list without lifting a finger. Whether you sell products, promote events, or just want deeper engagement, Inrō makes sure no warm lead slips away.

‍

‍

‍

‍

FAQ

Where is Instagram Map?‍

At the top of your DM inbox—tap the map icon.

Can I turn off location sharing?‍

Yes, in Map settings or phone Location Services.

Where is the Repost button on Instagram?‍

Under any public post or Reel, next to the like and comment icons.

Can I remove a repost?‍

Yes—tap the repost icon again to remove it.

How do I access the Friends Tab in Reels?‍

Go to Reels → tap “Friends” at the top.

Can I hide my activity from the Friends Tab?‍

Yes—go to Privacy → Reels settings.