Instagram uses Facebook’s location database for every geotag on the platform. That means creating a custom location starts on Facebook, not Instagram. We tested the full process on both iPhone and Android, and a new location typically becomes searchable on Instagram within 24 hours of being created on Facebook.
- Custom locations on Instagram must be created through Facebook first, since Instagram relies entirely on Facebook’s location database for geotags.
- To create a custom location, open Facebook, start a post, tap “Check In,” type your location name, and select “Add a new place” if it does not already exist.
- New custom locations can take up to 24 to 48 hours to appear as a searchable option on Instagram after being created on Facebook.
- Posts tagged with a location receive up to 79% more engagement than untagged posts, making custom geotags a meaningful tool for brand visibility.
- You can claim ownership of a custom location on Facebook by searching for it and clicking “Claim this location,” which lets you edit its details later.
#Why Does Instagram Require Facebook for Custom Locations?
Instagram is owned by Meta (formerly Facebook), and its location infrastructure runs entirely on Facebook’s database. There’s no native location creation tool inside Instagram itself. When you search for a location in Instagram, you’re searching Facebook’s database.
This setup makes custom locations straightforward once you understand the connection. Any place you create on Facebook becomes available for tagging on Instagram, usually within one to two days.
According to Meta’s developer documentation on location services, the location database is shared across Meta platforms including Instagram, Facebook, and Threads. This centralization means a location created on Facebook becomes available to all Meta apps within 48 hours.
For context on how Instagram handles your location data, see our guide on how to hide your location on iPhone which covers the privacy controls across social apps.
#How to Create a Custom Location on Instagram (Step by Step)
#Step 1: Set Up Your Facebook Account
You need an active Facebook account with location services enabled on your device. Open the Facebook app settings and confirm the app has location access.
#Step 2: Create the Location on Facebook
Open Facebook and start a new post. Tap Check In below the text field. Type the name you want for your custom location. If it doesn’t exist yet, you’ll see Add a new place at the bottom of the search results.
Tap that option and fill in the details: place name (use proper capitalization), category (restaurant, shop, outdoor spot, etc.), and address. Drag the map pin to the exact spot. Save the location.
In our testing, the name you enter becomes searchable exactly as typed, so avoid abbreviations or internal codes that won’t mean anything to followers.
#Step 3: Claim Your Location
Search for your newly created location on Facebook. If you see a Claim this location option, tap it. Claiming lets you edit the details later and gives you ownership for business verification purposes.
#Step 4: Use the Location on Instagram
After 24 to 48 hours, open Instagram and create a new post. Tap Add Location during the editing step. Search for your custom location name. Select it to tag your post.
If the location doesn’t appear after 48 hours, go back to Facebook and verify the location was saved correctly. Sometimes mobile connectivity issues cause the save to fail silently.
#What Are the Benefits of Custom Locations?
Custom locations serve real strategic purposes beyond just organizing posts.
Brand visibility. Your business name becomes a searchable location tag, making it easier for users to find and follow your content. Event promotion lets you create a location for a pop-up or one-time gathering so attendees can tag their posts together. User-generated content multiplies when customers tag your custom location, creating organic promotion from real visitors.
According to Sprout Social’s Instagram engagement research, posts with location tags receive 79% more engagement than those without. That’s consistent with what we found in our testing with branded location tags. Our guide on how to view private Instagram accounts also covers how location tags affect post discoverability.
#Troubleshooting Custom Location Problems
#Location Not Appearing on Instagram
Verify that location services are enabled on your device for both Facebook and Instagram. Check the address you entered for errors. Try a different category. If everything looks correct, wait the full 48 hours before concluding it failed.
If you’re experiencing location detection issues more broadly, our guide on iPhone location being wrong covers GPS accuracy fixes that can also affect how apps find your position.
#Syncing Delays
New locations don’t appear on Instagram instantly. Meta’s systems sync periodically rather than in real time. Most locations sync within 24 hours, but busy weekends or high-volume creation periods can push this to 48 hours.
#Technical Glitches
If the location appears on Facebook but not Instagram after 48 hours, clear both apps’ caches. On iPhone, go to Settings > Instagram > Offload App. On Android, go to Settings > Apps > Instagram > Storage > Clear Cache. Restart both apps and search again.
If issues persist after cache clearing, Instagram’s Help Center has a dedicated location tagging support section with direct assistance options. For Snapchat users with similar location feature questions, check our guide on how to monitor Snapchat for free.
#Custom Locations and Local SEO
Custom locations contribute to local search visibility in two ways. First, they create a consistent digital footprint across Meta platforms. Second, user-generated content tagged to your location builds a cluster of posts that search engines can discover. Consistent location tagging builds a cluster of geotagged posts across Meta platforms, which can improve discoverability in local search results over time.
This works best when you encourage customers to tag your location consistently. A small sign at a physical location or a mention in your bio can drive adoption significantly. For businesses using Instagram for local marketing, pair your custom location with location-specific hashtags to amplify reach. Our guide on hiding your location on iPhone covers the privacy side if you’re balancing public and private location use.
#Privacy Considerations for Custom Locations
Businesses benefit most from custom locations since they’re marketing to customers. For personal use, creating a custom location for your home address is a privacy risk. Anyone who tags your custom location makes that address discoverable.
For personal accounts, stick to neighborhood-level locations rather than specific addresses. Some users also explore options like fake GPS on iOS for privacy during specific activities, though this can violate app terms of service.
#Bottom Line
Creating a custom Instagram location requires Facebook because that’s where Instagram’s location database lives. The process takes about five minutes to set up and 24 to 48 hours to become searchable on Instagram. Businesses see real engagement benefits from custom locations since tagged posts receive 79% more engagement on average. Set up the location, claim it on Facebook, then encourage customers to tag it consistently.
#Frequently Asked Questions
Can I create a custom location directly on Instagram?
No. Custom locations must be created through Facebook first since Instagram relies entirely on Facebook’s location database. There’s no in-app location creation tool in Instagram itself.
How long does it take for a new location to appear on Instagram?
Usually 24 to 48 hours. Some locations sync faster, but if it hasn’t appeared after 48 hours, verify the Facebook location was saved correctly and try clearing your Instagram app cache.
Can I edit a custom location after creating it?
Yes, if you’ve claimed the location on Facebook. Go to your Facebook page, find the location under your check-ins, and edit the name, address, or category through the location management tools.
Is there a limit to how many custom locations I can create?
Facebook doesn’t publish an official limit, but creating too many duplicate or nearly identical locations may cause some to be merged or removed by their moderation system. Create locations with distinct, meaningful names.
Can custom locations be removed?
Yes, but you’ll need to contact Facebook support directly through their Help Center to request removal. There’s no self-service deletion option for locations that have been tagged by other users.
Why isn’t my location showing in Instagram search?
Most commonly, the location is still syncing (wait 48 hours), location services are disabled on your device, or there was a connectivity error when you saved the location on Facebook. Recreating the location on Facebook often fixes it.