Snapchat is quietly rolling out a new feature called “Footsteps” to all iOS users this week. Previously reserved for Snapchat+ subscribers, this option uses the Snap Map to show you what part of the world you’ve explored and track your movements.
Your memories are located
The first time you use Footsteps, your first steps will be based on the Snaps saved in your Memories. Your past trips will therefore be taken into account. Subsequently, Snapchat will no longer use your Memories but will use your location data to enrich your Footsteps history.
Please note, for Snapchat to be able to feed your Footsteps, Ghost Mode must be deactivated. This setting prevents the application from sharing your location with your friends.
Snapchat strengthens its Snap Map against Instagram and TikTok
With this new feature, Snapchat continues to stand out from its rivals Instagram and TikTok, which do not currently offer a similar functionality (even if Instagram is working on a “Friends Card”). The Snap Map thus becomes a key asset of the ghost application.
Concretely, the Snap Map will tell you how many countries you have visited and what percentage of an area you have explored. For example, the app could display that you have surveyed 30.4% of your city or 5% of Paris if you spent your summer vacation there.
Percentages based on your saved Snaps
These percentages are calculated based on the different locations where you took and saved Snaps. They will therefore only be accurate if you use the application diligently and regularly save your content.
In the future, the map will use location data to display your actual footprints based on your movements. Rest assured, your Footsteps are only visible to you. You can turn off the feature or clear your history at any time in Settings.
Snapchat sees this option as a way to keep track of your travels and also to share your adventures with your friends thanks to a personalized sticker. A way for Snap to tread on the toes of Google Maps and its “Timeline” even if we do not yet know how this functionality will be monetized.
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