Snapchat Rolls Out New “Footsteps” Feature for iOS Users, Now Track As You Move

Highlights

• Snapchat is introducing a new movement tracker feature called “Footsteps” for iOS users.
• Will track travels and movement through Snap Map.
• The feature uses data from saved Snaps to track movements.
• The feature will roll out to Android users soon.

The footsteps feature, earlier available only to Snapchat+ subscribers, now getting a wider release. (Image –  KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV/AFP / Getty Images)

Gadgets counting your footsteps isn’t something new. We have had devices and apps that can do that for a long time now. However, it appears one of the popular social media platforms may soon be able to help you track your movement. Yes, one of your favourite social media apps, Snapchat is reportedly getting a movement tracker feature. Here’s what we know.

According to a recent TechCrunch report, Snapchat is rolling out a new feature called “Footsteps” for all iOS device users this week. The instant messaging app has confirmed the update to TechCrunch.

 Snapchat Introduces Footsteps to iOS Users, will roll out for the rest of the users soon. (Image credit – TechCrunch)

But if you think this is a brand-new feature, you are mistaken.

Footsteps was previously available only to Snapchat+ subscribers. This feature uses Snap Map to allow users to track how much of the world they’ve explored.

The feature pulls data from your saved Snaps in Memories when used for the first. It allows your past trips to count. However, after the first time, the app uses location data to track movements.

This feature only works when the Ghost Mode is off. Ghost Mode is a setting that lets you hide your location from friends.

This feature strengthens Snapchat’s Snap Map product. It also sets Snapchat apart from its many competitor social media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok. Other social media apps currently don’t offer a similar function. This might change soon as Instagram is reportedly developing a “Friends Map” feature.

With Footsteps, Snap Map will show you how many countries you’ve visited and how much area you’ve travelled. For example, the app might will reportedly display something like you’ve explored 30.4% of your city or 5% of Paris.

What’s interesting to note is how these updates are entirely based on where the user has taken and saved the Snaps. This means the accuracy depends on how regularly the app is used and the content is saved on the app.

As per the TechCrunch report, the Footsteps data will remain private and visible only to the users.

Users would also be able to turn the footsteps feature off. To do this, you can go to the Profile, tap on  Settings, and scroll down to the “Account Actions” section under “Map.” You can then toggle off the option to save new Footsteps or also clear your existing Footsteps history in the process.

As per reports, Snapchat approaching the new Footsteps feature as a fun way to track travels and also share your adventures with friends using a custom sticker.

The feature is similar to Google Maps’ “Timeline.” However, it focuses more on Snap Memories instead of full location history.

Snapchat plans to roll out the feature to Android users soon.

FAQs

Q1. What is the new “Footsteps” feature on Snapchat?

Answer. The “Footsteps” feature on Snapchat tracks users’ movements and shows how much of the world they’ve explored using Snap Map.

Q2. How does the Footsteps feature ensure user privacy?

Answer. Footsteps data remains private and is only visible to the user. Users can also turn off the feature by going to their Profile, tapping on Settings, scrolling down to “Account Actions” under “Map,” and toggling off the option to save new Footsteps or clearing their existing Footsteps history.

Q3. What are the benefits of the Footsteps feature on Snapchat?

Answer. The Footsteps feature allows users to track their travels, see how many countries they’ve visited, and share their adventures with friends using custom stickers. It enhances the Snap Map experience and sets Snapchat apart from other social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok.

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