Snapchat has rolled out a new feature called “Footsteps” for iOS users, expanding a feature that was previously available only to Snapchat+ subscribers. This tool lets users track their travel history via Snap Map, offering a visual representation of the places they’ve explored and snapped from. The feature also allows Snapchat users to keep a log of their travel activity in real time.
Travel History Made Private
Footsteps works by combining location data with previously saved Snaps to build a user’s travel history. Initially, the feature pulls from past Snaps saved in Memories to create a travel log of the places users have visited. Afterward, it uses real-time location tracking to update their movements. The good news for privacy-conscious users is that this feature is entirely private, meaning only the account holder can see their travel data.
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Snapchat has also incorporated several privacy options, such as ‘Ghost Mode,’ which can be activated to hide a user’s location and prevent the app from tracking their travel movements. Users can turn off the Footsteps feature or clear their travel data at any time under the “Map” section of the app’s settings.
Personalized Travel Stickers and Sharing Options
In addition to tracking travel history, Snapchat’s Footsteps feature allows users to share their adventures with friends. A custom sticker tool can be used to highlight recent travels, adding a personalized touch to their stories and Snap Map interactions.
For users who enjoy chronicling their journeys, the app calculates how much of a city or country they’ve explored based on their Snaps. For example, it can show what percentage of a city or landmark a user has explored, though the accuracy of this depends on how frequently they save Snaps to Memories.
Privacy and Control Features Address Concerns
Snapchat has addressed concerns about potential privacy risks by ensuring that travel history is only visible to the user. Additional control is given to users, who can turn the feature off or erase their travel data. By offering Ghost Mode and location control, Snapchat is balancing user excitement for this new feature with necessary privacy protections.
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Although currently exclusive to iOS users, Snapchat has confirmed plans to introduce Footsteps for Android soon. This launch comes amid a series of AI-based updates, including new AI-enhanced lenses and a feature that allows creators to generate videos using text prompts.