Creating a location on Instagram puts your business, venue, or event on the map so people can find and tag it

Instagram lets you create a location page if one doesn't already exist for your business, restaurant, event space, or landmark. When you create a location, other users can tag posts there, follow the location, and see everything posted from that spot. The location appears on your profile and in search results when people look for places nearby.

You create a location through the tagging system when you post a photo or video. Instagram will show you existing locations first, but if yours isn't listed, you can add it right then. The process takes less than a minute and requires only a location name and address.

Key Takeaways

  • You create a location by posting a photo or video, tapping the location tag, and selecting "Add a New Place" if your location doesn't appear in the search results.
  • Instagram requires a location name and address to create a new location page, and the information must be accurate enough for people to find the place.
  • Once created, your location page will show all posts tagged there, and other users can follow the location to see updates from that venue.
  • Instagram reviews new locations to prevent duplicates and spam, so approval can take a few hours to a few days depending on the information you provide.

How to add a location when you post

Open Instagram and create a new post with a photo or video. After you add a caption and any other details, tap "Add location" near the bottom of the screen. A search box will appear where you can type the name of your business, restaurant, park, or event space.

If your location appears in the dropdown list, tap it to select it. If it doesn't show up, keep scrolling or type a more specific name. When nothing matches what you're looking for, you'll see an option that says "Add a New Place" — tap that to create the location yourself.

What information Instagram needs to create a location

When you tap "Add a New Place," Instagram will ask for the location name and address. Type the exact name of your business or venue as you want it to appear on Instagram. For the address, include the street address, city, and state or country — the more complete the address, the easier it is for people to find you.

You can also add a phone number and website URL if you want, though these are optional. Instagram uses this information to verify that your location is real and to prevent duplicate pages for the same place. If you're creating a location for an event rather than a permanent venue, use the event name and the venue's address.

How Instagram reviews new locations

After you submit a new location, Instagram's systems review it to make sure it's legitimate and doesn't duplicate an existing page. This review usually takes a few hours, but can take up to a few days if Instagram needs to verify the information. During this time, the location may not appear in search results or be available for other users to tag.

Instagram may reject a location if the address is incomplete, if a similar location already exists, or if the information appears to be spam. If your location is rejected, you'll see a notification and can try again with corrected information. Make sure the name and address match what appears on Google Maps or your business registration, since Instagram often cross-checks against those sources.

Managing your location page after it's created

Once your location is live, you don't need to do anything to maintain it. Other users can tag posts there, and the location page will automatically collect all those posts in one place. People can follow your location to see updates from that venue, and the location will appear on your profile under the Posts tab.

If you notice incorrect information on your location page — a wrong address, a duplicate page, or a location that shouldn't exist — you can report it to Instagram. Tap the three dots on the location page and select "Report Location." Instagram reviews reports and can merge duplicate pages or remove locations that violate its guidelines.

What happens to the information you provide

The location name and address you provide become public information on Instagram. Anyone can see the location page, the posts tagged there, and the details you entered. This information is visible in search results, on user profiles, and on the location page itself.

Instagram may also use location data to show the location in Maps features, in location suggestions when other users post, and in location-based advertising. Your location information is tied to your account, so if you delete your account, the location page may remain but will no longer be associated with you. If you created a location for a business you no longer run, you can report it so Instagram can review whether it should stay active.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I create a location for a place that already has a page?

No — Instagram will show you the existing location when you search for it. If the existing page has incorrect information, you can report it and suggest corrections, but you cannot create a duplicate. If the location name is slightly different from what you're searching for, try different search terms to find the existing page.

What if I create a location by mistake?

You cannot delete a location you created, but you can report it to Instagram and explain that it was created in error. Instagram reviews reports and can remove locations that don't represent real places or were created as spam. Include as much detail as possible about why the location should be removed.

Do I need to own the business to create its location?

No — anyone can create a location on Instagram. However, if you own or manage the business, you can claim the location page later through Instagram's business tools to gain more control over how it appears and what information is shown.

Will creating a location help my business get more followers?

Creating a location makes your posts discoverable to people searching for that place, which can increase visibility. However, the location page itself doesn't automatically bring followers — people have to find your posts through the location and choose to follow your account. Using location tags consistently in your posts is more effective than creating the location alone.