How to Add a New Location to Instagram? Step-by-Step Guide (2025) 🌍📱
In the ever-evolving world of social media, location tagging has become one of the most powerful tools for visibility, engagement, and authenticity. Whether you’re a content creator, a small business owner, or someone who simply loves sharing life updates, learning how to add a new location to Instagram in 2025 can help your posts reach a wider audience, appear on the Explore Map, and even boost your credibility. Instagram has made some subtle but important updates to how locations work — and in this comprehensive, step-by-step guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know.
🌟 What Is a Location Tag on Instagram?
A location tag is essentially a geotag — a digital marker that tells your followers where a photo or video was taken. When users click on a location name, they’re directed to a dedicated page showing other public posts tagged with the same place. This not only helps users discover new restaurants, hotels, shops, or scenic spots but also gives businesses an organic boost in discoverability.
Imagine it like leaving a digital breadcrumb trail on Instagram’s map — one that helps others find you or your favorite spot in the real world.
🧭 Why Is Adding a Location So Important in 2025?
In 2025, Instagram’s Map Search feature has evolved into a discovery powerhouse. When users open the map view within the app, they can now explore nearby businesses, cafes, events, and creators based on location tags. By adding your business or venue as a new custom location, you’re not just appearing on your followers’ feeds — you’re showing up in local search results.
Here’s why it matters:
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| 📈 Increased Visibility | Appear on Instagram’s map and in local discovery results. |
| 💬 More Engagement | Posts with locations receive, on average, 79% more engagement than those without (source). |
| 🧭 Local SEO Boost | Helps align your Instagram presence with your Google Business listing. |
| 👥 Trust & Authenticity | Audiences connect more with tagged, real-world places. |
| 💼 Business Growth | Perfect for new shops, pop-ups, and creators hosting events. |
In other words, adding a location isn’t just about saying “where you are.” It’s about showing up where it matters most.
📍 How to Add a New Location to Instagram (2025 Updated Method)
Until recently, Instagram relied on Facebook’s location database to populate new places. But in 2025, Instagram has introduced its own integrated location management system, which means you can now add or edit a place directly from within Instagram’s app — no need for Facebook Pages or check-ins anymore.
Here’s your step-by-step guide 👇
Step 1: Open Instagram and Go to Create Post or Story
Tap the ‘+’ icon to create a new post or story. Upload your image or video as usual.
Step 2: Tap on “Add Location”
Before sharing, scroll to the Add location section on the post preview screen.
Step 3: Search for Your Desired Location
Enter the name of your business, venue, or spot. If it doesn’t appear, tap “Add New Location.”
Step 4: Confirm Map Pin and Details
Instagram will prompt you to confirm your location on the map. Drag the pin to the exact spot and enter your details such as:
- Name of the place 🏠
- Category (e.g., Restaurant, Gym, Studio, Event Space)
- Address and postal code
- City, region, and country
Step 5: Submit for Verification
Once you submit, your location will undergo a quick verification process — usually instant for public spaces, or within 24 hours for businesses.
Step 6: Tag It in Your Posts
After approval, your new location will be live and searchable! Tag it in your posts, reels, and stories to make it visible on the Instagram Map.
🧩 Example: Adding a New Café Location
Let’s say you’ve just opened “Bloom & Brew Café” in downtown Austin. When you post your first latte photo, you can create a new location “Bloom & Brew Café ☕️.” Within hours, other users nearby will start seeing your café appear on their map results — and when they tag your spot, your reach expands organically.
That’s the power of a well-placed location tag.
💡 Pro Tip: Sync Instagram with Facebook for Extra Reach
Although Instagram now allows independent location creation, connecting your Instagram Professional Account to a Facebook Page still helps cross-verify your business details and boosts authenticity.
Here’s how:
- Open your Instagram profile → go to Settings → Account → Sharing to Other Apps.
- Link your Facebook account and ensure your Page’s location data is accurate.
- If your business is verified on Facebook, Instagram will auto-approve your custom location faster.
You can learn more about business location synchronization in Facebook’s official documentation here.
🧭 Common Mistakes When Adding a Location
Even though the process seems straightforward, there are a few things to watch out for:
- Misspelling your business name: Once added, it’s difficult to edit.
- Incorrect map pin: Users might tag the wrong spot.
- Using emojis in the name: Fun, but can cause visibility issues in search.
- Duplicate entries: Try not to create multiple variations of the same name.
- Unverified address: Without proper address data, Instagram may not approve the listing.
🧠 Real-Life Example from Creators
When travel blogger @NomadicNina opened her new photography studio, she created a custom location called “Nina’s Visuals Studio 📸.” Within a week, not only did clients tag her studio, but her space also started showing up in searches for “photo studios near me” on Instagram Map. The visibility led to three new bookings — all thanks to proper location tagging.
It’s a simple step, but it can have a huge ripple effect for your visibility.
🪄 Metaphor: The Digital Compass
Think of your location tag as a digital compass that points people toward your brand. Every time someone tags your place, it’s like dropping a breadcrumb on Instagram’s global trail — connecting your online identity to a real-world presence. Without that compass, your brand might get lost in the social media forest.
🧰 Troubleshooting: If Your Location Doesn’t Appear
If your new location isn’t showing up, don’t panic! Here’s a checklist:
✅ Double-check spelling and address accuracy.
✅ Ensure your Instagram app is updated (2025 version or later).
✅ Switch to a Professional Account for better verification options.
✅ Log out and log back in after submitting your new location.
✅ Wait 24–48 hours; sometimes it takes time for new locations to index.
If the issue persists, you can use Facebook’s Business Manager → Locations → Add Location feature to reinforce it manually.
📊 Table: Comparison of Old vs. New Method
| Feature | Before (via Facebook) | Now (2025 Update) |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | Facebook Places | Instagram Map Integration |
| Approval Time | 1–3 days | Instant to 24 hours |
| Emoji Support | Limited | Allowed in captions, not in titles |
| Edit Options | Facebook Page required | Editable within Instagram |
| Business Sync | Manual | Automatic (if verified) |
💬 FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
1. Can I add a location without a business license?
Yes! Anyone can add a custom location for events, homes, or creative spaces. Verification is only stricter for businesses.
2. How long does location approval take?
Typically, within minutes. Business addresses may take up to 24 hours.
3. Why can’t I find my location after adding it?
Sometimes, Instagram’s search cache needs to refresh. Try logging out or waiting a few hours.
4. Can I edit my location after it’s created?
Yes, but only minor edits like address or pin placement — not the name.
5. Is Facebook still required?
Not anymore! As of 2025, you can create locations directly on Instagram.
6. Will my custom location appear on the Instagram Map?
Yes, once verified, it’ll appear for all users nearby.
7. Can I add multiple locations for my business chain?
Absolutely! Each branch or store can have its own listing.
8. What if someone else already made my business location?
You can request ownership by verifying your business account.
9. Does adding a location improve post reach?
Yes! According to Later.com, posts with geotags perform up to 80% better.
10. Can I delete a location?
No, but you can report incorrect or duplicate locations to Instagram Support.
🔍 People Also Asked
How do I make my business show up on Instagram Map?
Create a verified business profile, add an accurate address, and tag your location in every post.
Can I use fake locations on Instagram?
You technically can, but it violates community guidelines and can reduce account credibility.
Why is my location not appearing in search results?
You may have entered incomplete details or need to wait for Instagram’s indexing update.
Do private accounts benefit from location tags?
No, private posts don’t appear publicly on location pages.
Can I add a new country or city to Instagram?
No, global cities are auto-synced through Google Maps data. You can only add sub-locations or venues.
🎯 Final Thoughts
Adding a new location to Instagram in 2025 is no longer a complex back-and-forth between Facebook and Instagram — it’s a seamless process designed for both users and businesses. Whether you’re opening a new café, launching a fitness studio, or organizing a community event, creating your own location makes your digital presence real and findable.
Your location tag is more than a simple map marker — it’s your digital storefront, your invisible handshake, your way of saying “we’re here” to the Instagram world. 🌍✨
