Snapchat Launches Footsteps Feature

This week, Snapchat has officially launched its innovative “Footsteps” feature for all iOS users, marking a significant expansion from its previous availability to Snapchat+ subscribers. Confirmed by the company to TechCrunch, this cutting-edge tool utilizes Snap Map to help users keep track of their location history and revel in their travel adventures.

How It Works

On your initial use of the Footsteps feature, Snapchat will generate your journey starting from Snaps stored in your Memories, effectively giving credit to your past adventures. However, moving forward, the app will track your real-time movements using precise location data—provided you haven’t activated Ghost Mode, a setting that hides your location from friends.

Competition in the Social Media Space

This new addition arrives as Snapchat faces fierce competition from social media giants like Instagram and TikTok. By enhancing its Snap Map functionality, Snapchat aims to solidify its unique selling point, particularly with Instagram working on its own "Friends Map" feature that could alter the current landscape.

Exploring Your Journey

The Footsteps feature allows you to see the number of countries you've visited and how much of your local area you've explored. For example, users may discover they've ventured through 30.4% of their city, or perhaps explored 5% of iconic locations in Paris during a summer trip. The calculations are derived from the locations of saved Snaps, emphasizing the importance of being an active user for accurate percentage representation.

Sharing Your Adventures

Inserting a bit of social fun into the tracking experience, the app provides users with exclusive stickers to share their travel escapades with friends. Each user’s Footsteps remain private; however, you can easily toggle off the feature or delete your Footsteps history through your Profile settings.

A Comparison to Google Maps

Interestingly, this new tracking capability mirrors Google Maps’ “Timeline” feature, which shows users their travel history based on location data. It’s a feature that Snapchat believes enhances user engagement, as it allows for both personal reflection and sharing of travel experiences.

Looking Ahead

The announcement isn’t just for iOS. A spokesperson also hinted that the feature will soon reach Android users, ensuring that a wider audience can benefit from this intriguing, travel-focused experience. Don’t miss out on tracking your adventures—embrace the journey with Snapchat’s Footsteps feature today!

Stay Tuned

Stay tuned for more updates on Snapchat’s evolving features as they strive to redefine how we share our world!