If you’ve been on Instagram long enough, chances are you’ve seen some friends ”check in” to a coffee shop, park, or some trendy hangout.
And if you’re like me, you’ve probably clicked at least one of those geotags.
Because you have to admit: nothing stirs up envy more than seeing friends lounge by the beach while you’re stuck at your desk.
As a business owner or marketer, I’m sure you’re seeing the potential here.
How do you use location tags effectively to create Instagram content that makes your audience sit up and take notice?
Keep reading to learn more.
- What are Instagram locations?
- Why your Instagram location is important
- How to add a location to an Instagram post
- How to add a location to an Instagram Story
- How to add a location to an Instagram Reel
- How to create your own Instagram location
- Best Instagram location ideas to use in 2024
- Final thoughts
Simplify Instagram Business
Management with One Tool
- Manage & reply to comments and DMs in one place.
- Monitor ad comments from multiple accounts.
- Automate answers to repetitive questions.
- Schedule posts to multiple accounts, on desktop.
- Analyze performance and monitor hashtags.
- Keep track of your competition.
- Create or schedule in-depth reports in seconds.
What are Instagram locations?
The Instagram location feature enables you to add a geotagged location to an Instagram post, story, or reel.
When you publish Instagram content and tag a location, it appears as a clickable link that takes users to a page showing all public posts tagged with the same location.
That page also shows the location’s place on a map. Similar to how Google Maps pinpoints locations, an Instagram location page helps users explore the area visually and see posts associated with it.
The Instagram location feature is made possible by geotagging, which is the process of adding geographic coordinates to media based on the location of a mobile device at the time of capturing the content.
Why your Instagram location is important
Tagging locations into your Instagram content offers significant benefits for your branding and audience building efforts. Let us count the ways.
Increased discoverability
Many users search for places on Instagram. Given the platform’s focus on visuals, that’s not so surprising. After all, we’d rather see with our own eyes if a location is worth checking out.
By sharing content on Instagram and tagging your location, you’re creating opportunities for your brand to show up in searches, thus increasing your reach on Instagram. Add a FOMO-inducing photo and an engaging caption to your geotagged post or story, and you’re bound to attract new followers who are looking for their next stop or destination.
Increased engagement
Instagram posts with a location tag receive up to 79% higher engagement than posts without it.
That makes sense. After all, more engagement means more trust signals sent to the Instagram algorithm. And once that algorithm favors your Instagram content, the better likelihood that your posts will be shown to a wider audience.
Besides, we’re naturally curious about new places. Show me an Instagram post showcasing a scenic sunset view or a perfectly grilled steak, and I’ll be totally incapable of not liking it.
Besides, when a destination catches our eye, we’re naturally inclined to ask questions like “Where is this?” “How do I get there?” and “Is it crowded?”
We also love to engage with content that showcases a place we’re already familiar with. When we stumble on an Instagram post showing your favorite local café, we can’t stop ourselves from sharing our own experiences simply for the strong sense of community or ownership it gives us.
Encourages user-generated content
When users see a brand or influencer tagging a location, it can inspire them to share their own experiences at that same spot. This not only amplifies the brand’s reach but also creates a sense of community around that location.
For instance, if a trendy restaurant posts about a new dish while tagging their location, it might motivate diners to snap their own photos and tag the restaurant, creating a chain reaction of content. This user-generated content acts as organic marketing, showcasing real experiences that can attract even more visitors.
Protect your Instagram from spam bots
Automatically hide or delete comments from Instagram spam bots under your organic posts and ads, for all your IG profiles at once – with an all-in-one social media tool.
How to add a location to an Instagram post
Adding a location (or “checking in”) to an Instagram post is pretty straightforward, especially when you’re using a mobile phone with GPS tracking. Let me show you how it’s done.
Step 1: Upload and edit your post
Tap the plus sign at the bottom of the Instagram app. Choose the type of content you want to post and upload it. Once uploaded, you can edit the image or video to your liking.
Step 2: Click on “Add Location”
After editing the post, tap the “Add location” option just below the caption field.
Step 3: Select a location
Instagram will suggest locations based on your GPS. Browse through these suggestions to find the right one. If you can’t find it in the list, you can also search for a specific location using the search bar.
Step 4: Select the desired location
Once you find the location you want to tag, tap on it to link the post to that location.
Step 5: Make final edits
Make any final edits to your caption or any other details you wish to include.
Step 6: Click Share
Once you’re satisfied with your post, hit the ‘Share’ button. Your post will now go live with the tagged location!
How to add a location to an Instagram Story
Adding a location to an Instagram Story is just as easy. Here’s how.
Step 1: Upload and edit your Story
Begin by tapping the plus sign at the bottom of the Instagram app and selecting “Story.” Then choose the content you want to upload and make any edits you desire (e.g., applying filters, cropping the image).
Step 2: Apply filters and add extras
Add some flair to your Story by applying filters, adding text, or inserting other elements to make it more engaging.
Step 3: Click the Sticker icon
Once you’re satisfied with your edits, tap the sticker icon located at the top of the screen.
Step 4: Choose “Location”
From the sticker options, select “Location.” This will allow you to search for or browse suggested locations.
Step 5: Select your desired Location
After searching or browsing, tap on the location you want to tag. The location will then be added to your Story.
Step 6: Finalize and share your Story
Once everything looks good, click “Share your story” to share it with your followers. Your location will now be clickable to viewers who want to see more posts from that destination.
How to add a location to an Instagram Reel
Step 1: Create your Reel
Tap the plus sign at the bottom of the Instagram app and select “Reel.” Record your video or upload an existing one from your gallery. You can edit your clip using the app’s available tools, like trimming or adding music.
Step 2: Access the Sticker menu
Once you’re satisfied with your Reel, click on the sticker icon at the top of the screen.
Step 3: Select “Location”
From the sticker options, select the “Location” sticker. You’ll be prompted to search for or browse suggested locations based on your current GPS.
Step 4: Choose your desired location
After searching or browsing, tap on the location you want to tag. The location sticker will appear on your Reel, and you can move, resize, or rotate it to fit your video.
Step 5: Finalize your Reel
Make any final edits to your Reel by adding text, music, or effects. Make sure everything looks good and is aligned with your content theme.
Step 6: Share your Reel
Once you’re happy with your Reel, tap the “Share” button. Once published, your Reel will go live with the tagged location, and viewers can click it to learn more about the place.
How to create your own Instagram location
First, the bad news: You can’t create your own Instagram location. At least not anymore.
The platform allowed it before. Heck, there was a time when you could create made-up locations. You can tag Atlantis as your location when you’re only dipping in your local public pool, and no one will bat an eyelash.
But for some mysterious reason, our Instagram overlords removed the feature without explanation.
The good news is that you can still tag bogus locations that were made before.
For example, Arrakis (you watched Dune?) is a real place on the map, according to Instagram.
Best Instagram location ideas to use in 2024
Now, everybody, get this: You don’t have to tag a real location on Instagram if you don’t want to.
That’s right, you can tag a bogus location just because.
The point is not to hoodwink your followers into believing that you’re sipping coffee in Paris when you’re actually on your couch.
The point is to inject some humor into your Instagram content. You’ll be surprised at how many users are in on the joke. The best part is that those who play along might just become your new followers.
So, without further ado, here are some Instagram location ideas for you to try.
Witty location ideas
One of the fun ways to inject humor into your Instagram content is to tag a location that adds a playful twist to your post.
And why not? It pays to be witty on social media. After all, no user will want to engage with your brand if you have the personality of a brick wall.
If you’re feeling witty, here are location ideas that might make your audience clap and howl.
- Couch Crusader’s HQ: For days spent lounging like a superhero.
- Procrastination Palace: Where putting things off is an art form.
- Remote Control Kingdom: For those epic binge-watching sessions.
- Snack City: A destination for all the food lovers out there.
- Nap Zone: Perfect for those mid-afternoon dozing moments.
Fictional location ideas
We all love stories. Sometimes that love runs so deep that you get lost in a tale and believe that you’re actually in Middle-earth, or Hogwarts, or the 100 Acre Wood.
Until we wake up and are forced to face the cold reality of our actual location: the laundry room.
The great thing about Instagram locations is that they provide us with an avenue to keep deluding ourselves. The best part is that there might be other users out there who want to share your delusions—a great way to build a following, if you ask me.
Here are fictional location ideas you can use to connect with your fellow dreamers:
- Wonderland: For adventures that feel straight out of a fantasy.
- The Upside Down: Great for quirky, mysterious vibes.
- Asgard: Ideal for epic adventures and majestic landscapes.
- Neverland: Perfect for capturing childlike wonder.
- Wakanda Forever: For vibrant and culturally rich content.
Savage Instagram location ideas
If you want to add some edge to your Instagram content, consider tagging these savage locations. They’re sure to grab attention and spark some laughs (or maybe a little jealousy).
- Regretful Decisions Lounge: A funny spot for post-party recovery.
- Hangover Haven: For those mornings after a wild night.
- Lost in Thought Beach: Perfect for looking pensive while not really doing anything.
- I’m Just Here for the Snacks: A relatable nod to your priorities.
- Too Cool for School: A playful dig at adulting.
Cute Instagram location ideas
People adore cute things. In fact, a report by the Journal of Consumer Research shows that consumers will spend more money on items they find “cute” or “playful.” As if we needed a study to confirm that.
This is why you must incorporate cute location ideas into your Instagram content. Give users that warm fuzzy feeling and they won’t think twice about engaging and sharing with your content.
Here are cute location ideas you can try:
- Kawaii Café: A cute spot filled with pastel colors and delightful treats.
- Teddy Bear Village: A whimsical take on cuddly comfort.
- Butterfly Garden: A magical place for showcasing nature’s delicate beauty.
- Puppy Park: Capture the joy of furry friends and playful pups.
- Fairy Tale Forest: A dreamy escape into a world of enchantment.
Funny Instagram location ideas
Everyone loves a good laugh. It lightens the mood and keeps your audience eager for what you have to say next.
By tagging funny or clever locations, you can entertain your audience and build a stronger connection with them.
If you want to bring the laughs, try out these funny Instagram location ideas.
- Oops! I Did It Again Café: For those moments of repeating past mistakes.
- Silly Selfie Spot: Where every photo is a fun adventure.
- Laugh Factory: A nod to sharing joy and laughter with your followers.
- Punny Place: Perfect for showcasing your best dad jokes.
- Frog in My Throat Theater: A quirky way to express that voice crack.
“I Need Coffee” Instagram location ideas
If you love coffee (who doesn’t?), you’ll have fun tagging the “I Need Coffee” Instagram location. Better yet, your audience might enjoy it too.
The “I Need Coffee” Instagram location tag has been so popular that users came up with many variations.
Try these Instagram location tags to create content that will speak to your fellow coffee lovers.
- Brew-tiful Morning Spot
- Caffeine Corner
- Java Joint
- Coffee Oasis
- Espresso Yourself Café
Cultural and artistic Instagram location ideas
Instagram’s visual nature makes it the perfect platform for sharing cultural and artistic experiences.
So why not take advantage of that and tag locations that convey a sense of creativity, heritage, and artistry?
You can use the following cultural and artistic Instagram location tags to connect with fellow art lovers and culture seekers:
- Creative Collective: A space where artists come together to share their work.
- Cultural Heritage Center: Perfect for highlighting local traditions and history.
- Artist Alley: Ideal for showcasing murals, street art, and local creativity.
- Local Gallery: A great spot for sharing contemporary and classic art.
- Poetry Corner: A quaint corner for literary lovers and spoken word enthusiasts.
Wellness and tranquility Instagram location Ideas
The world is a mess, and every one of us could use some peace and quiet and self-care. Why not tag locations that inspire a little bit of zen?
Here are some Instagram location ideas that promote tranquility and mindfulness:
- Mindfulness Meadow: A serene spot to practice meditation outdoors.
- Crystal Cave Retreat: A calming space filled with beautiful stones and energy.
- Candlelit Sanctuary: Perfect for sharing moments of quiet reflection.
- Serenity Spa: A tranquil escape dedicated to relaxation and rejuvenation.
- Whispering Woods: Ideal for nature walks that soothe the soul
- Spa Day Retreat: Share your self-care routine in a relaxing setting.
- Quiet Lakeside: A beautiful spot to unwind and enjoy the stillness of water.
Final thoughts
Having a sense of place is important to the human experience, not just because it grounds us but also because it fosters connection with people who share similar experiences, values, and memories tied to that location.
That’s why tagging locations on Instagram is critical to audience building.
NapoleonCat’s Instagram management tools for business can help simplify your posting strategy (among many other things), ensuring that your audience can discover and engage with your content through the locations that matter most to them.
With NapoleonCat’s Publisher tool, you can easily schedule Instagram Reels, Stories, carousels, and regular posts, to multiple accounts and platforms at once – all while tagging the relevant locations to enhance your audience’s connection to your content.
We highly recommend you test NapoleonCat for free – no credit card required 😉
Simplify Instagram Business
Management with One Tool
- Manage & reply to comments and DMs in one place.
- Monitor ad comments from multiple accounts.
- Automate answers to repetitive questions.
- Schedule posts to multiple accounts, on desktop.
- Analyze performance and monitor hashtags.
- Keep track of your competition.
- Create or schedule in-depth reports in seconds.
You may also like:
- What are Instagram Gifts? (and are they worth the hype?)
- 225 Fun Instagram Notes Ideas (+Guide)
- Top Instagram Reels Trends Right Now
- The Best Instagram Reels Editing Apps
- How to Make Reels on Instagram: An Easy Guide For Beginners
- Here’s the Best Time to Post Reels on Instagram
- How to Get More Views On Instagram Reels
- How to Go Viral on Instagram – 8 Pro Tips
- How To Hide Likes On Instagram: A Step-By-Step Guide
- How to Comment GIFs on Instagram (because yes, you can!)
- How To Use Instagram Templates – Guide
