When Instagram was launched in 2010, it was regarded as a platform to share photos. Later, video support was also added, and it has evolved far beyond just being a photo and video-sharing platform. Instagram now allows users to create and share short-form videos called Reels, connect with friends and family members via DMs (Direct Messages), voice or video calls, and interact with each other using stickers, emojis, comments, and much, much more. It has now become a communication hub that you can use to keep in touch with your loved ones and also share your doings with them.

Recently, Instagram added a new option that allows users to share live locations on Instagram DMs. Why not? The best part is that the live location that you have shared with anyone expires after an hour and can’t be forwarded to other chats. There are a few other features that have been recently added that let you add nicknames for your friends to give your chats a personal touch, which we will also be discussing in this guide. Let’s jump right into it.

Why should I share live location on Instagram DMs?

You might wonder why you would want to share live locations on Instagram DMs since there are other apps, such as WhatsApp, available. Here are a few reasons that make sharing live locations on Instagram DMs a compelling option:

• Meeting with friends: If you have to chat with your long-lost friend and want to meet up someplace, but you don’t have their number. No worries. You can share your live location with them and meet up to have fun.
• Locate your friends: If you are in a crowded place, then you can also check in with your friends and share your live location on Instagram DMs to find each other without having to message each other endlessly.
• You can coordinate plans: For users who have a group on Instagram, you can share the location with them through Instagram DMs, negating the need to share the location with each one of the members individually.

Do note that the live location-sharing feature works on both one-on-one and group chats on Instagram DMs.

How do I share live location on Instagram DMs?

• Open the Instagram app on your Android or iOS device.
• Tap on the Direct Message icon at the top right corner of the feeds page.
• Open a single or group chat with which you would like to share your live location.
• Tap the + or Plus button on the right-most side of the message bar.
• Select Location from the menu.
• You will see a pop-up asking you to Turn on your device location to share in the chat. Tap Continue.
• If you want to share the exact location, then tap on the Pin icon.
• If you wish to send a location by searching for an address, then you can type the location in the Find a place search bar.
• Choose Share your location option at the bottom of the menu. You will see your live location being shared to your chat as a message.
• The other party who has received the location can tap on View to see a larger map with your live location.
• The map will also show a duration remaining timer since the live location disappears after an hour.
• If you wish to stop sharing your live location, then you can tap on the Stop sharing location button, which will immediately stop location sharing.

A few tips to ensure safety when sharing location on Instagram

Before you excitedly make use of the live location-sharing feature on Instagram, we would like to give you a few tips that will ensure your safety and privacy.

• Make sure that you share contacts with trusted contacts. Avoid sharing location with people you don’t trust.
• Only share your permanent home, work, or school address with people you trust.
• Check those accounts that ask you for your location thoroughly. There are a lot of scammers online that may take ill advantage of your personal information.

How do I set nicknames for friends on Instagram?

Instagram has not only added the option to share live locations with an individual or group via Direct Message, but it has also added the option to set nicknames for friends. This feature adds a personal touch when messaging, letting you set nicknames for your loved ones. Similar to sharing live locations on the Instagram DMs feature, you can set nicknames for friends on Instagram for both individuals or groups. However, do note that setting a nickname doesn’t change the username of that profile on Instagram.

Here’s what you need to do to set nicknames for friends on Instagram:

• Open Instagram on your Android or iOS device.
• Open the Direct Message by tapping on the icon located on the top-right corner of your feeds page.
• Tap on a chat.
• Tap on the username of the chat name at the top.
• Select the Nicknames option.
• Select the user.
• Enter the nickname in the appropriate field and tap on Done.
• In groups, you can decide who can change your nickname: you or anyone in the group.

Final thoughts

These new changes have put Instagram in line with other communication platforms such as WhatsApp and Facebook. Since direct messages are a way for people on Instagram to connect, having the option to share live locations and set nicknames makes the space more enjoyable and personal. If you want to know who has viewed your Instagram profile, then you may want to check out our dedicated guide on it. We also have a complete guide that will walk you through the four popular ways to save disappearing media on Instagram. If you are tired of people finding you on Instagram and wanting to get in touch with you, then you can follow the steps in our guide that will help you hide your Instagram account.