October 1, 2024 – Snapchat has unveiled an exciting new feature called "Footsteps," enabling users to track their travel history on the Snap Map. Currently available for iOS users, the feature is expected to extend to Android users soon, as reported by TechCrunch.
The "Footsteps" feature allows users to visualize their movements, showcasing how much of their city or country they have explored. For instance, it could reveal that a user has explored 30% of their city or 5% of Paris if they visited there over the summer. Initially, the feature compiles past Snaps saved in users’ Memories to create their travel history, but it will eventually update in real-time using location data to track users’ movements continuously.
To use "Footsteps," users must turn off Ghost Mode—a setting that hides location from friends—enabling Snapchat to access their real-time location. However, the information collected is private and visible only to the individual user.
In addition to tracking personal travel history, Snapchat allows users to share their adventures with friends by creating custom stickers that highlight their travels. If users choose to stop using the feature, they can easily turn it off or clear their travel history through the app’s settings in the “Map” section.
While many users may find the feature engaging for keeping track of their adventures, it also raises potential privacy concerns. Users are encouraged to consider how their location data is utilized and the implications of real-time tracking as Snapchat continues to enhance its social platform.
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