Snapchat is rolling out its new “Footsteps” feature to all iOS users this week, offering an exciting enhancement to the app’s popular Snap Map. Previously exclusive to Snapchat+ subscribers, this feature allows users to see how much of the world they’ve explored and track their travels in a fun and engaging way.
When you activate Footsteps for the first time, your past travels are included based on Snaps in your Memories, so your previous adventures won’t go unnoticed. After the initial setup, future journeys will be tracked using real-time location data instead of Memories.
It’s important to note that Footsteps won’t work if you have Ghost Mode enabled, as this setting hides your location from friends on Snapchat.
As Snapchat continues to vie for user engagement against giants like Instagram and TikTok, unique features like Footsteps help set it apart. Unlike its competitors, which don’t currently offer a comparable feature (though Instagram has indicated it’s working on a similar “Friends Map”), Snapchat’s Snap Map delivers a distinct and valuable experience.
With Footsteps, Snap Map will reveal how many countries you’ve visited and how extensively you’ve explored specific areas. For instance, you might discover you’ve explored 30.4% of your city or 5% of Paris if you recently took a vacation there. These exploration percentages are based on locations where you’ve taken and saved Snaps, making it a fun way to reflect on your travels.
Footsteps data is visible only to you, ensuring your privacy. If you decide you no longer want to use the feature or wish to clear your travel history, it’s easy to manage. Simply go to your Profile, tap the “Settings” button, scroll down to the “Account Actions” section, tap “Map,” then toggle off “Save new Footsteps as my location updates on the map” to disable Footsteps. To clear your history, select “Clear Footsteps History.”
The Footsteps feature bears some resemblance to Google Maps’ “Timeline,” which tracks trips and places based on Location History. However, Snapchat adds a social twist by allowing you to share your adventures with friends through custom stickers celebrating your travels.
Snapchat has confirmed that the Footsteps feature will soon be available to Android users as well, ensuring everyone can enjoy this new way of documenting their journeys. Keep an eye out for updates and start exploring your world with Snapchat’s Footsteps!
