Instagram keeps changing. And if the recent updates of the social network were mainly aimed at making it a video platform comparable to TikTok, the latest innovation should rather overshadow Google Maps.
In a recent story, Mark Zuckerberg announced a major update for Instagram’s map. Whereas previously, it only allowed you to discover publications, now the Instagram map will also allow you to discover places.
“Today we are introducing a new map viewable on IG”said the boss of Meta. “You can now discover popular local businesses near you and filter by category. »
I like the instagram update on the maps search pic.twitter.com/tdrf5qOine
— Ani. (@sele_lailailai) July 20, 2022
According to the explanations of the TechCrunch site, the new map allows you to search for places, use filters, and move around on this map.
In essence, instead of looking for a restaurant or activity on Google Maps, the user will now be able to use Instagram’s map to discover popular places nearby.
Social networks become competitors of Google
Google is already in competition with social networks, since its YouTube platform provides services similar to those of TikTok, Instagram, etc. However, these social networks are also increasingly in competition with the flagship products of the Mountain View firm, including Google Search and Google Maps.
This was recently mentioned by Prabhakar Raghavan, during a conference. In essence, young users are increasingly turning to social networks like TikTok or Instagram to discover things, instead of going to Google Search or Google Maps.
“We keep learning, over and over again, that new internet users don’t have the expectations and mindset that we’ve grown accustomed to”explained Raghavan.
The way of searching would also be different, young people not using keywords too much, but preferring to discover content through more immersive formats.
“In our studies, something like almost 40% of young people, when looking for a place to have lunch, they don’t go to Google Maps or Search”also indicated the head of Google. “They go on TikTok or Instagram. »
This data was obtained via a survey conducted in the United States by Google among American Internet users aged 18 to 24.
