Why you might want to add location information to Instagram

Adding a location to an Instagram post lets people know where you were when you took the photo. Instagram displays this as a clickable tag below your caption, and anyone viewing your post can tap it to see other posts from that same location. You can also add a location to your profile itself, which appears in your bio and tells visitors where you're based.

People add locations for different reasons. A business might tag their storefront so customers can find them. A photographer might tag a scenic spot to help others discover it. A friend might tag a restaurant to share where they had dinner. The location appears publicly unless you change your privacy settings, so think about what you're comfortable sharing before you add it.

Key Takeaways

  • You can add a location to a post while you're creating it, or edit it afterward by tapping the three dots and selecting Edit.
  • Instagram's location feature searches for existing places — if the exact spot doesn't exist, you can create a custom location with a name you choose.
  • Adding a location to your profile goes in your bio settings and shows in your profile header, separate from individual post locations.
  • Location tags are public by default, but you can control who sees them through your privacy settings and by choosing not to tag sensitive locations.
  • You can remove a location from a post anytime after posting by editing the post and deleting the location tag.

Adding a location while creating a new post

When you're composing a new post, the location option appears in the same screen where you add your caption. After you've selected your photo or video and written what you want to say, look for the row of buttons below your caption. You'll see options for tagging people, adding a location, and adding music. Tap the location button — it looks like a map pin.

A search box will open. Type the name of the place where you took the photo. Instagram will show you matching locations as you type. If you see the place you want, tap it. Instagram will add it to your post. If the exact location doesn't appear in the list, you can create a custom location by typing the name and tapping "Add [location name]" at the bottom of the search results. Once you've selected or created the location, it will appear on your post when you share it.

Editing the location on a post you've already shared

You don't have to add a location when you first post. If you want to add one later, or change the location you tagged, open the post and tap the three dots in the top right corner. Select "Edit" from the menu. The same editing screen will open where you can change your caption, and you'll see the location section there too.

Tap the location field to search for a new place or remove the existing one. Make your changes and tap "Done" when you're finished. The updated location will show on your post right away. If you want to remove a location entirely, tap the location field and clear it, then save your changes.

Adding a location to your profile

Your profile location is different from post locations. It appears in your bio area and tells people where you're based or where you work. To add it, go to your profile and tap "Edit profile." Scroll down until you see the "Location" field. Tap it and type where you want to appear to be located — this could be a city, a neighborhood, a business address, or anywhere else you choose.

Unlike post locations, your profile location doesn't search Instagram's database of places. You can type anything you want. Some people put their city, others put their business name, and some leave it blank. Once you've typed your location, tap "Done" or the checkmark to save it. Your location will now appear on your profile for anyone to see.

Understanding who can see your location tags

Location tags on posts are public by default. Anyone on Instagram — whether they follow you or not — can see where you tagged a post and click through to see other posts from that location. If your account is private, only your followers can see your posts and their location tags, but the location itself is still public information.

If you're concerned about sharing your exact location, you have options. You can avoid tagging sensitive places like your home address or your workplace. You can also create a vague custom location — for example, tagging "Downtown" instead of a specific street address, or "Coffee shop" instead of the exact business name. Another approach is to tag a nearby landmark or neighborhood rather than your precise spot. Think about what information you're comfortable with before you post.

Creating a custom location when the place doesn't exist

If you're at a small business, a friend's house, or a lesser-known spot, Instagram might not have it in their database. When you search for the location and it doesn't appear, you can create one. Type the name you want to use and look for the option that says "Add [your text]" at the bottom of the search results. Tap it to create a new location.

Once you create a custom location, it becomes available for other Instagram users to tag as well. If you create "Sarah's Backyard" or "The Old Barn on Route 5," other people can search for and use that same location tag on their posts. This means the location you create is public and permanent, so choose a name that you're comfortable with others using. You can't delete a custom location you've created, but you can remove it from your own posts.

Removing a location from a post

If you've tagged a location but want to remove it, the process is straightforward. Open the post, tap the three dots, and select "Edit." Find the location field and tap it. You'll see the current location listed. Tap the X or clear button next to it to remove the tag. Tap "Done" to save your changes. The location will disappear from your post when ready.

You might remove a location if you realize you've shared more specific information than you wanted, or if you tagged the wrong place by accident. Removing it is just as straightforward as adding it, and you can do this anytime after you've posted.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can people see my exact address if I tag a location?

Instagram shows the location name you tagged, not your precise coordinates. If you tag "123 Main Street," people see that address. If you tag "Downtown Park," they see only that general area. You control how specific your location is by choosing what you tag.

What happens if I create a custom location with a fake name?

You can create any custom location name you want, and other users will be able to find and use it. Instagram doesn't verify that custom locations are real places. If you create a fake location, it stays in the system and others can tag it, so only create custom locations you're comfortable being public.

Does adding a location affect who sees my post?

No. Your privacy settings determine who sees your post — whether it's public or only visible to followers. Adding a location doesn't change that. The location tag is just additional information that appears on the post itself.

Can I add a location to a post after I've already shared it?

Yes. Tap the three dots on your post, select "Edit," and add or change the location. The updated location will show when ready. You can also remove a location from an old post the same way.

Is my profile location the same as my post locations?

No. Your profile location appears in your bio and is text you type yourself. Post locations are tags you add to individual photos and come from Instagram's database of places or custom locations you create. They're separate and don't affect each other.