What a location is and why you might create one
A location on Instagram is a place tag that appears on posts and stories. When you create a location, you are adding a new place to Instagram's map that other users can tag in their content. Instagram comes with thousands of pre-made locations — coffee shops, parks, restaurants, landmarks — but if a place does not exist yet, you can create it yourself.
Creating a location makes sense if you run a small business, own a venue, or want to tag a specific neighborhood or landmark that Instagram has not yet mapped. Once the location exists, anyone can tag it on their posts and stories, which means your business or place can start appearing in location-based searches and on the location's page.
Instagram reviews new locations before they go live. The review process usually takes a few days to a week. During that time, the location is not visible to other users, and you cannot tag it on posts yet.
Key Takeaways
- You create a location by tagging a post or story at a place that does not yet exist in Instagram's system, then filling in the location name and address.
- Instagram requires a real street address and will not accept locations that are too vague, fictional, or duplicates of existing places.
- New locations go through a review process that takes several days to a week before they appear on Instagram's map.
- Once approved, any Instagram user can tag that location on their posts and stories, and the location gets its own page showing all tagged content.
How to create a location from a post
Open Instagram and create a new post or select an existing photo from your camera roll. After you have written your caption and chosen your filters, tap the location button — it looks like a map pin and sits below the caption field. Tap "Add location."
Type the name of the place you want to tag. If the location already exists, Instagram will show it in the dropdown list. If it does not exist, you will see an option that says "Add [location name]" at the bottom of the list. Tap that option.
A form will appear asking for the location name and street address. Fill in both fields with accurate information. Instagram requires a real, specific address — not a neighborhood name, a cross street, or a description like "my backyard." Once you have entered the details, tap "Add" or "Create." Your post will now tag this new location, and it will be sent to Instagram for review.
How to create a location from a story
The process is nearly identical for stories. After you have taken or uploaded your story photo or video, swipe up or tap the sticker icon at the top of the screen. Look for the location sticker (it looks like a map pin) and tap it.
Type the name of the place. If it does not exist, select "Add [location name]" from the dropdown. Fill in the location name and street address in the form that appears, then tap "Add." The location will be added to your story and sent for review.
One difference: story locations are visible to your followers when ready, even while the location is under review. However, the location will not appear on Instagram's map or be searchable by other users until Instagram approves it.
What information Instagram needs from you
Instagram requires two pieces of information: the location name and the street address. The name should be what people actually call the place — "The Corner Café" or "Riverside Dog Park," not "My Favorite Spot" or "Best Pizza Ever." The address must be a real, specific street address that can be verified on a map.
Do not include phone numbers, website URLs, or business hours in the location name or address field. Instagram has separate fields for that information if you later convert the location into a business profile, but the initial creation form only accepts the name and address.
If the location is a private residence, a home office, or a place that does not have a public street address, Instagram will likely reject it during review. Locations must be places that other people can actually visit or that are recognized landmarks.
What happens during Instagram's review process
After you submit a new location, Instagram's systems check whether the address is real, whether a similar location already exists, and whether the information matches what is on the map. This is mostly automated, but Instagram also has human reviewers who look at flagged submissions.
The review usually takes three to seven days. During this time, you can still see the location on your own post or story, but other users cannot search for it or tag it. If Instagram approves the location, it becomes visible on the map and searchable. If Instagram rejects it, the location will be removed from your post, and you will not be able to tag it again unless you resubmit with different information.
Instagram rejects locations most often because they are duplicates of existing places, the address is incomplete or incorrect, or the name is too vague or promotional. If your location is rejected, check whether a similar place already exists on the map — Instagram may have it listed under a slightly different name.
What happens after your location is approved
Once Instagram approves your location, it appears on the map and gets its own page. That page shows all posts and stories tagged with that location, sorted by most recent. Users can follow the location to see new posts tagged there, and they can search for it by name.
You do not own or manage the location page — Instagram does. You cannot delete posts that other people tag at your location, and you cannot control what appears on the location's page. If you run a business and want more control over how your location appears, you can convert it to a business profile later, which gives you access to insights and the ability to add business information like hours and a phone number.
Other users can now tag this location on their posts and stories. This means your business, venue, or landmark can start appearing in location-based searches and on the location's page. The more people who tag the location, the more visible it becomes.
Troubleshooting: why your location might not have been approved
If you tried to create a location and it was rejected or disappeared from your post, the most common reason is that a similar location already exists. Search Instagram's map for variations of the name — "The Corner Café," "Corner Cafe," "Corner Coffee," or just "Café" — to see if another version is already there. If it is, tag that location instead of creating a new one.
Other reasons for rejection include an incomplete or incorrect address, a name that is too vague or promotional (like "Best Pizza in Town"), or a location that is not a real, publicly accessible place. If you believe your location was rejected in error, you can try submitting it again with a more specific address or a clearer name.
If you are trying to create a location for a business you own, make sure the address matches what appears on Google Maps or your business registration. Instagram cross-checks addresses against public records, and mismatches cause rejections.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I edit a location after it has been approved?
No. Once Instagram approves a location, you cannot edit the name or address. If the information is wrong, you would need to contact Instagram directly through the app's help center to request a correction. For most users, this is a slow process, so it is worth double-checking your information before you submit.
What if someone else creates a location for my business before I do?
If another user creates a location for your business, you can claim it by converting it to a business profile. Go to your Instagram settings, tap "Account," then "Switch to Professional Account," and choose "Business." Instagram will walk you through linking your business to an existing location. Once you claim it, you can add business information like hours, a phone number, and a website.
Do I need a business account to create a location?
No. Any Instagram user can create a location from a personal account. You do not need a business profile or a verified account. However, if you want to manage the location's business information or see insights about how many people visit the location page, you will need to convert to a business account later.
Can I create a location for a place that is not a business?
Yes. You can create locations for parks, neighborhoods, landmarks, hiking trails, beaches, or any other real place that people visit. The location just needs to have a real street address or a recognizable geographic location that Instagram can verify on a map.
How long does it take for a location to show up on the map after approval?
Once Instagram approves the location, it usually appears on the map within a few hours. However, it may take up to 24 hours for the location to become fully searchable and for other users to be able to tag it. If it has been more than a day and the location still is not showing up, try searching for it by name or checking your own post to see if the tag is live.