INTERNATIONAL - Snapchat launched a new feature called Map Explore that will alert and update users about what’s happening on their Snap Map such as events, news and see friends' updates.
The feature will also show Explore updates for Our Story snaps, including breaking news and other events from around the world.
Snap says the travel and location updates will automatically appear on users’ Snap Maps when friends opt to share their location.
“We made Map Explore because we noticed that when you open the Map, you aren’t always sure where to start your journey,” the company said in a statement. “Unless you swiped outside your city, you might never see some of the amazing events our community is capturing," said Snap.
The company notes that Map Explore updates are generated by actions your friends make in real life.
This means that if your friend is sharing their location on the map but hasn’t opened the app in eight hours, their location will disappear.
How it works:
1. Zoom out from the camera screen when you launch the app.
2. Tap on new updates at the bottom of the screen, then swipe horizontally to scroll through updates from your friends and other content from Snap Map.
3. If you want to delete your status or turn on Ghost Mode (which hides your location) tap on the settings icon in the top right hand of the map.
The feature will be available globally over the next few weeks.
Additionally, Snapchat launched Snap Map in June 2017 as a tool to let users share their location with friends.
The feature initially led to concerns about privacy, but Snap says sharing your location details on Snap Map is always opt-in and won’t be shared unless you choose to do so.