Snapchat's new 'Footsteps' feature lets you track your travel history
Snapchat has rolled out a cool new feature called "Footsteps," letting users keep tabs on their location history. The company confirmed this feature is now available for all iOS users, as per TechCrunch. Originally just for Snapchat+ subscribers, Footsteps now uses Snap Map to help everyone track their global adventures and travel history.
A unique blend of memories and location data
When you first use Footsteps, it'll pull info from Snaps in your Memories. This way, all your past trips are included in your travel history. But after that, any updates to Footsteps will only use location data, not your Memories. Also, the feature can only update your Footsteps if Ghost Mode is turned off. Ghost Mode is a setting that keeps your location hidden from your friends on Snapchat.
Snapchat's competitive edge with Footsteps
Snapchat's new Footsteps feature is its latest attempt to stay in the game against rivals like Instagram and TikTok. The company is looking to boost its Snap Map product, which is something its competitors haven't really matched yet. But hold on, Instagram's already announced plans for a similar "Friends Map" feature, so things could get interesting.
It offers detailed exploration insights
The Footsteps feature gives users a closer look at their travel adventures. It can reveal how many countries you've hit up and how much of a place you've actually explored. For instance, it might tell you that you've checked out 30.4% of your city or 5% of Paris during a summer getaway. These percentages come from the spots where you've taken and saved Snaps in your Memories.
Footsteps: A user-controlled feature with privacy settings
The Footsteps feature is all about keeping your privacy intact. Only you can see your Footsteps, and if you want, you can turn off the feature or delete your Footsteps data altogether. Just head to your Profile and Settings, then tweak your preferences under "Account Actions" by tapping "Map." And good news for Android users: the company plans to roll out this feature to you soon.
