Snapchat’s Snap Map feature allows you to view and connect with friends and other Snapchatters near your location. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use Snap Map to view nearby friends and make new connections:
Table of Contents
What Is Snap Map?
Snap Map is an interactive map within Snapchat that shows you where your friends are located in real-time ([1]). It also allows you to view public snaps and stories posted by Snapchat users in various locations.
When you open Snap Map for the first time, your Bitmoji will appear on the map at your current location. As you move around, your Bitmoji will move as well to reflect your latest location.
How To Access Snap Map
There are a few ways to access Snap Map:
- On mobile: Tap the location pin icon in the bottom left corner of the Snapchat camera screen.
- On desktop: Go to map.snapchat.com and allow location access in your browser.
- On Snapchat web: Click on the “Map” link in the left sidebar.
View Friends’ Locations
To see your friends’ locations:
- On mobile / desktop: Find friend icons on the Snap Map. Their Bitmojis will appear in their latest shared locations.
- On web: Hover over friend icons to see their username and how long ago their location was updated.
You can tap on a friend’s Bitmoji to view their public story or send them a chat ([2]).
See What’s Happening Around You
The Snap Map also lets you explore what’s happening around you:
- Tap on the map to view public snaps and stories posted by Snapchatters in that area. This gives you an idea of popular events and happenings nearby.
- Look for heat map areas – these show regions where many Snapchatters are posting from one location.
Connect With Nearby Friends
Here’s how to find and add new nearby friends on Snapchat using Snap Map:
- Tap a heatmap area on the map to open the public stories from that location.
- Swipe up on a story and tap on the “Add” button to send a friend request to that user.
- Once they accept, you’ll be connected on Snapchat!
You can also subscribe to creators you discover via Snap Map this way. Subscribing lets you see some of their public stories without needing to be friends.
Customize Your Map Privacy Settings
Snap Map lets you control exactly who can view your location. To update your privacy settings:
- On mobile: Tap the ⚙️ button > See My Location > choose an option:
- My Friends
- My Friends Except…
- Only These Friends…
- Ghost Mode (hide map location)
- On web: Click your Bitmoji > Settings > Who Can See My Location
I recommend frequently checking in on these Snap Map privacy settings. Select only trusted friends or Ghost Mode if you wish to hide your location entirely.
Conclusion
I hope this guide gave you a good overview of how to use Snapchat’s Snap Map feature. View nearby friends, explore your surroundings, and make new connections safely. But be sure to customize your location sharing settings appropriately as location privacy is very important.
Let me know if you have any other questions!
