Snapchat, known for its innovative and fun features, recently introduced a new addition to its popular Snap Map called “Footsteps.” This feature has stirred interest, especially among privacy-conscious users, as it tracks your movements and shows a detailed history of where you’ve been. Available initially to Snapchat+ subscribers, “Footsteps” is now rolling out to all iOS users, giving users an exciting new way to explore and log their travels. In this blog, we will dive into how this feature works, what it means for Snapchat users, and the implications on privacy and social connectivity.
What is the Footsteps Feature?
Snapchat’s Footsteps feature is an enhancement of the Snap Map, a tool that already allows users to share their location with friends in real-time. Footsteps, however, takes this a step further by tracking and displaying your historical travel data. This feature uses your location to log where you’ve been, showing a visual representation of your movements on the Snap Map. Only you can see your footsteps, and it offers insights such as how many countries or cities you’ve visited, or even how much of your hometown you’ve explored(Yahoo Finance Canada)(The Financial Bureau).
Snapchat initially launched the feature exclusively for Snapchat+ subscribers, offering them early access to try out this personalized travel log. However, as of September 2024, the feature is gradually being made available to all users on iOS.
How Does It Work?
When you activate Footsteps, Snapchat uses the location tags from your saved Snaps and Memories to backfill your past travels. This means that even if you just started using the feature, it can display a log of your previous journeys based on the Snaps you’ve saved that had location data attached to them(Snapchat Support). After this initial setup, Footsteps will continue to track your movements using real-time location data from your phone.
One important thing to note is that Footsteps can only track your location if you have Ghost Mode turned off. Ghost Mode is a setting that allows you to hide your location from others on the Snap Map, and it must be disabled for Footsteps to work properly/
Once activated, the feature displays your movements as dotted lines, or “footsteps,” on the map. It gives users a detailed look at their travel history, showing exactly where they’ve been. For example, if you traveled to Paris over the summer, Footsteps might tell you that you explored 5% of the city.
How to Use and Customize Footsteps
Using the Footsteps feature is easy and intuitive. Simply open Snap Map and tap on the pop-up notification that introduces Footsteps. From there, the feature will start logging your location data. As mentioned, your travel history is only visible to you, so there’s no need to worry about your friends seeing your every move.
Additionally, Snapchat provides full control over this feature. If you prefer not to have your location logged, you can disable the Footsteps feature at any time by going into your profile, opening settings, and navigating to the “Account Actions” section. Here, you can toggle off the option to save your footsteps or even clear your entire Footsteps history.
Competing with Other Social Media Platforms
Snapchat’s Footsteps feature is part of the company’s strategy to differentiate itself from competitors like Instagram and TikTok. While Instagram is reportedly developing its own version of a location-tracking feature called “Friends Map,” Snapchat’s move is ahead of the curve. The Snap Map has always been a unique feature, allowing users to explore and share their travels, and the addition of Footsteps takes this capability even further. By turning Snap Map into a personal travel log, Snapchat offers something that no other platform currently provides.
In terms of user engagement, Footsteps also adds an element of personalization and fun. Users can create custom travel stickers to share with friends, showcasing where they’ve been and what they’ve explored. This kind of personalization has always been a strength for Snapchat, and Footsteps further enhances the interactive experience.
Privacy Concerns and Control
As with any feature that involves location tracking, privacy concerns are a significant issue. Snapchat has made efforts to ensure that users have control over their data. As previously mentioned, Footsteps are only visible to the user, and Snapchat gives users the ability to turn off the feature or clear their history altogether.
However, it’s important for users to be aware that Footsteps relies on location data, which means that if you’re not in Ghost Mode, Snapchat will continuously track your movements. While this can be a fun and engaging way to log your travels, it also raises concerns about how much data Snapchat is collecting and what it could potentially do with that information.
As with any social media platform, users need to strike a balance between enjoying the app’s features and being mindful of their privacy. Snapchat’s Ghost Mode provides an option for those who want to use Snap Map and Footsteps without constantly broadcasting their location(Dexerto).
Conclusion
Snapchat’s Footsteps feature is an exciting addition to the platform, offering users a unique way to log and visualize their travels. By building on the existing Snap Map, Snapchat has created a personalized experience that allows users to explore the world while maintaining control over their privacy.
While it remains to be seen how this feature will evolve, especially as competitors like Instagram develop their own location-based tools, Footsteps provides a fresh, engaging way to interact with the Snap Map. Whether you’re an avid traveler or someone who simply wants to keep track of their local adventures, Footsteps offers a fun and visually appealing way to map out your journey. However, as with any location-based tool, users should be cautious and make sure they fully understand how their data is being used and shared.
Snapchat continues to innovate with features that set it apart from other platforms, and Footsteps is yet another example of how the company is pushing the envelope in the world of social media.