Attracting new users and keeping old users – that is the wish of the large app providers. Instagram tries to implement this with new functions. One of them includes searchable maps that are similar to 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, but they can also view locations in the immediate vicinity that have already been tagged. Not only is it possible to search for specific places and facilities via hashtag, according to Zuckerberg, the results can also be filtered according to various categories such as sights, restaurants, cafés and more.
Instagram now with searchable maps
So far, the app only allowed searching for specific posts. The searchable maps on Instagram are intended to expand this possibility and make Google Maps basically obsolete. Because users can, for example, prepare their travel directly via Instagram and save interesting areas or localities here in advance so that they can find them again quickly later. Even if users are in an unexplored place, they can use the Instagram maps to get tips about worthwhile locations nearby. All you have to do is tap directly on the map and look out for exciting places in the area.
To call up the Instagram card, proceed as follows:
- Enter the location you want to search in the search. Alternatively, you can also search using a hashtag.
- The search results open. At the top of the tabs you can now switch to the location symbol, which also opens the map.
- This is where Instagram shows all tagged places. Users can get more information about them by clicking on the respective location.
The searchable maps benefit from an existing feature on Instagram: Maps. Instagram Maps was initially tested in the USA and Australia, but has also been available in Germany since June 2022. Business operators can tag their restaurants and shops via hashtags and thus make them accessible in the search – including important information such as opening hours, location and price category. You already know this from Google Maps. For example, if you click on a restaurant, you get to all the posts about this location that have been posted on Instagram so far. The new function is now available on both the Android app and the app for iOS.