Snapchat Launches ‘Footsteps’ Travel Tracking for iOS Users

Snapchat has introduced a new ‘Footsteps’ feature for iOS users, previously available only to Snapchat+ subscribers. The tool leverages Snap Map to track users’ travel history, displaying the places they’ve visited and how much of the world they’ve explored. Initially, Footsteps pulls data from Snaps saved in Memories but will use real-time location data moving forward.

This update is part of Snapchat’s effort to enhance Snap Map and set itself apart from competitors like Instagram and TikTok, neither of which offer similar travel tracking features—though Instagram is reportedly developing a ‘Friends Map’ tool. Footsteps provides users with a percentage breakdown of their visited locations, such as cities or countries, based on saved Snaps.

The feature offers privacy control, with users able to turn it off or delete data in the app’s settings. Footsteps will not function if Ghost Mode is enabled, as this hides location data from friends. Snapchat also plans to roll out a custom sticker allowing users to share their travel history with others.

Initially, Footsteps pulls data from Snaps saved in Memories but will use real-time location data moving forward. While this might just be a minor feature to many users, its introduction sets the groundwork for further expansion of the same idea in the future – and it’s something that very few social apps have done successfully.