Snapchat introduced the Snap Map feature in 2017.
Snap launched Snap Map on June 21, 2017, giving users a map-based way to see selected friends’ locations and discover snaps connected with places and events. The feature was released globally for iOS and Android and became a distinct screen within the app.
Snap Map grew out of Snapchat’s focus on location-based storytelling. It could show friends as Bitmoji-style markers, highlight areas with popular public posts, and help users explore what was happening at events or in different parts of the world. Its underlying technology was influenced by Zenly, a social-mapping app acquired by Snap before the launch.
The date is sometimes confused with later location-sharing updates, but 2017 refers to the original Snap Map launch. Privacy controls were part of the feature from the beginning: users could share with all friends, select friends, or nobody through Ghost Mode. Location visibility was optional rather than mandatory.