Instagram’s August 2025 Update: Reposts, Location Sharing, and the New Friends Tab

This past week, Instagram rolled out one of its biggest updates of the year. The changes focus on making the app feel more personal, with new tools for sharing posts, showing your location to friends, and keeping track of what your circle is into.

Repost Feature

Instagram now has a built-in repost button for feed posts and Reels. You can tap it to share content from other creators directly to your followers, either as-is or with your caption. Reposts appear in your followers’ feeds and get their tab on your profile, so they are easy to find later. The original creator still gets full credit, which means reposting can help boost their reach.

Instagram Map and Location Sharing

The update also introduces the Instagram Map, an optional feature that lets you share your current or recent location with selected friends. You can choose to share with your “Close Friends” list, mutual followers, or a custom group. By default, location sharing is turned off. You can pause or stop sharing at any time and still use the map to see posts and stories tagged nearby. The feature is similar to Snapchat’s Snap Map, but with more control over who can see your location.

Friends Tab in Reels

There is now a Friends tab inside the Reels section. This lets you see the Reels your friends have liked, reposted, or commented on, alongside the ones they have created. You can hide your own activity from others if you prefer.

Why This Matters

These updates signal that Instagram is putting more emphasis on private, friend-focused interaction rather than only public content. The repost button makes it easier to share posts without resorting to screenshots. The map could help friends connect in person, though it has raised some privacy concerns, especially among parents and younger users. Since location sharing is off by default, it is worth checking your settings to make sure you are only sharing with people you trust.