What is Snap Map on Snapchat?

Snapchat has a cool feature called Snap Map, which allows you to share your location with your friends and see where they are in real time. You can also explore stories and snaps shared by people from different places worldwide. This feature works on both Android and iOS devices and is used by millions of people every day.

In this guide, we’ll explain how Snap Map works, how to use it, and how to adjust your privacy settings. We’ll also answer some frequently asked questions at the end.

What is Snap Map and How does it Work?

Snap Map is an interactive map that helps you see your friends’ locations (if they have enabled location sharing) and explore snaps from different places. Just like Yellow Dot on Snapchat, Snap Map helps users stay updated on real-time activities and notifications.

When you open the Snap Map, you’ll see different avatars representing your friends and can tap on them to check their location, stories, and more. This feature also has a Heat Map, which highlights areas where people are posting a lot of snaps. If an area is red, it means many people are sharing snaps there, indicating something interesting might be happening.

How to open Snap Map on your Phone?

If you’re new to Snap Map, follow these simple steps to access it:

1. Open the Snapchat app on your phone.
2. Look for the location icon at the bottom left of the screen and tap on it.
3. If you’re using it for the first time, Snapchat will ask for location access—grant permission.
4. You will now see the Snap Map, where you can check friends’ locations, public snaps, and more.

How to use Snap Map Features?

1. Find Your Friends on Snap Map

Once Snap Map is open, follow these steps to see your friends’ locations:

• Tap on the “Friends” option.
• A map will open, showing your friends’ locations as avatars.
• Tap on an avatar to view their status, stories, and snaps.
• You can also long-press on an avatar to open their profile and start a chat.

2. Search for a Specific Friend’s Location

Want to find out where a particular friend is?

• Click on the search icon at the top.
• Type in your friend’s name.
• If they have shared their location, their avatar will appear on the map.

3. View Memories on Snap Map

Snap Map allows you to see past snaps and videos taken at different locations.

• When you open Snap Map, look for the three icons in the top-right corner.
• Click on the gallery icon (third one).
• Here, you’ll find all your snaps and videos based on the location they were captured.

4. Explore Stories Using the Heat Map

Snapchat’s Heat Map helps you discover stories from different places.

• Blue areas mean fewer snaps have been posted.
• Red areas mean many people are posting snaps.
• Tap on any of these areas to view stories from that location.

5. Post Your Snaps on Snap Map

Want to share your snaps with everyone on Snap Map? Follow these steps:

1. Open Snapchat and take a snap.
2. Apply filters or effects if you want.
3. Click on “Send To” at the bottom.
4. Select “Snap Map” and tap the send button.
5. Your snap will now be visible on Snap Map for others to see.

Live Location Feature on Snap Map

Snapchat also allows you to share your live location with close friends or family for a certain period.

1. Open your friend’s profile.
2. Tap on the Live Location option.
3. Choose a time duration:
   • 15 minutes
   • 1 hour
   • 8 hours
4. Your friend will now be able to see your live location during the selected time.

How to change your Location Privacy Settings?

You may not always want to share your location with everyone. Thankfully, Snap Map has privacy settings that let you control who can see your location.

1. Open Snapchat and tap on your Bitmoji (profile icon).
2. Tap on the Settings icon.
3. Scroll down to the Privacy Control section and select “See My Location.”
4. Choose from the following options:
   • My Friends – Only friends can see your location.
   • My Friends Except – Select specific friends to hide your location from.
   • Only These Friends – Share your location with selected friends only.
   • Ghost Mode – Hide your location from everyone. You can also set a timer to automatically turn location sharing back on after:
     • 3 hours
     • 24 hours
     • Until turned off
     • If you also want to mute notifications while staying connected, you can learn more about DND on Snapchat.

Note: If your mobile location setting is turned off, Snapchat won’t be able to update your location.

How to change your Avatar on Snap Map?

Your Bitmoji avatar represents you on Snap Map. If you want to change it:

1. Open Snapchat and tap on the location icon.
2. Tap on “My Bitmoji” at the bottom left.
3. Scroll through the Bitmoji options and choose the one you like.
4. If you want to customize it further, click on “Change Outfit” to style your avatar.

How to use Snap Map on a Computer?

Snap Map is also available on PC, laptop, or Mac. To use it:

1. Open a web browser and visit Snapchat’s official website.
2. Click on “Snap Map” in the menu.
3. You can now explore snaps, stories, and locations from your computer.

Conclusion

Snap Map is a fantastic feature for staying connected with friends and exploring interesting places through shared snaps. Whether you want to find a friend, check out trending locations, or relive past memories, Snap Map has something for everyone.

However, always be mindful of your privacy settings and share your location only with trusted friends. Have fun exploring Snap Map and make the most out of your Snapchat experience.