Instagram has announced a set of new features aimed at expanding how users share content and connect with friends, including a repost tool and a live location-sharing option, both of which seem to be taken straight from X and Snapchat.
Repost Feature
The newly introduced Repost feature allows users to share public Reels and feed posts, similar to the Retweet function on X (formerly Twitter). When a user reposts content, it will be visible to their followers and recommended in their feeds. Additionally, reposted content is stored in a separate tab on the user’s profile, making it easy to revisit or reference later.
Instagram confirms that original creators are always credited when their content is reposted. This offers users a new avenue to gain visibility, as their posts can be seen by people who do not follow them directly but are connected to someone who reposted the content. A short note can be added to any repost by typing into the “thought bubble” after tapping the repost icon.
Location Sharing
Borrowing a feature concept from Snapchat, Instagram is rolling out a location-sharing tool through the new Instagram Map. Users can opt in to share their last active location with selected friends or Close Friends. The feature is disabled by default, and users retain full control over who sees their location and when.
If enabled, Instagram updates your location when you open or return to the app. The map also highlights location-tagged content such as Reels, Stories, and posts from users you follow or have mutual follows with. This content remains visible for 24 hours and can be accessed at the top of the Direct Message (DM) inbox.
Parents with supervision settings activated will receive notifications when their teens begin sharing location data. They can review who the teen is sharing with and manage access to the feature entirely.
Friends Tab Expands Reels Discovery
Instagram is also launching a Friends tab within Reels. This tab will display public Reels that friends have interacted with, as well as content recommendations from active “Blends”, Instagram’s shared experience tool that combines preferences from users and their friends. Initially rolled out earlier in the year, the Friends tab is now available globally.
The location-sharing feature is currently live in the United States, with Instagram confirming plans for broader international availability soon.