Instagram launches map feature in Australia and New Zealand
Instagram has launched Map Search in Australia and New Zealand, as well as other markets, a feature that allows Instagram users to use a map to find tagged businesses.
Map Search can be accessed in-app via an icon in the Explore tab in the top right next to the search bar.
Instagram’s new Map feature
According to Instagram, more than 200 million businesses use Instagram each month around the world, and 90% of users on Instagram use a business.
The map will also be displayed for certain hashtags, such as #takeaway. The new function adds to existing Instagram features that support small businesses, such as the ‘Support Small Business’ sticker in Stories.
Donut Papi is a Sydney-based donut shop with 44,000+ followers on its Instagram account (@donutpapi).
Donut Papi’s founder and director, Kenneth Rodriguez, said of the new function: “The majority of our customers are on Instagram, so when we decided to change our whole operation from face-to-face to online-only during lockdown, Instagram allowed us to communicate with our customers in an efficient and visual way. Stories in particular provides quick updates for customers whenever there are specials, changes, and announcements.
“We’re excited about the launch of Map Search. Instagram is such a big platform that despite being a Redfern local of more than three years, we have some neighbours that are only just discovering us now. Map Search could also be a helpful tool to someone who just moved into a new neighbourhood for discovering cafes and restaurants around them.”
