You can create a custom location on Instagram by using the location tag feature during posting, but Instagram must first verify the location exists
Instagram does not let you invent a location from nothing. Instead, you tag an existing place when you post a photo or video, and if that place does not yet have an Instagram location page, you can request one. Instagram's system then checks whether the location is real — a street address, a business, a landmark, or a geographic area — before creating the page. This process takes a few days to a few weeks, and there is no may provide Instagram will approve it.
The most common reason people want to create a location is to tag a small business, a home address, an event venue, or a neighborhood that does not yet have a dedicated page on Instagram. Once the location exists, anyone can tag posts there, and the location builds a feed of all photos and videos posted from that spot.
Key Takeaways
- You create a location by tagging it while posting a photo or video; if it does not exist, Instagram gives you the option to add it as a new place.
- Instagram requires a real street address or recognizable landmark — you cannot create fictional or purely personal locations.
- The location must be verified by Instagram before it appears publicly, a process that typically takes several days.
- Once created, any Instagram user can tag photos and videos at that location, building a shared feed for that place.
- Business accounts can add extra details like hours, a phone number, and a website link to their location page.
How to add a location while posting a photo or video
Open Instagram and start creating a new post or story the way you normally would. After you select your photo or video and add any captions or filters, tap the "Add location" button. On most phones this appears near the bottom of the screen, alongside buttons for tagging people and adding music.
A search box will open. Type the name of the place you want to tag. If the location already exists on Instagram, it will appear in the dropdown list — tap it and you are done. If it does not appear, keep typing or scroll down to see if a partial match shows up. When you are certain the location does not exist, look for a button or option that says "Add [location name]" or "Create new location." Tap that option.
Instagram will then ask you to enter the street address for the location. Type the full address — the street number, street name, city, and state or country. Be as specific as possible. Tap "Add" or "Create," and Instagram will send your request for verification. You can now finish posting your photo or video. The location will appear on your post once Instagram approves it, which usually takes between three and fourteen days.
What information Instagram needs to verify a location
Instagram requires a real, verifiable street address. This means the location must be a place that actually exists in the physical world — a business, a home, a park, a street corner, or a landmark. You cannot create a location for something fictional, imaginary, or purely personal (like "my favorite coffee table" or "the spot where I met my partner").
When you submit a new location, Instagram checks the address against its database and cross-references it with mapping services like Google Maps. If the address is valid and matches a real place, Instagram approves it. If the address is incomplete, incorrect, or does not match any known location, Instagram will reject it and you will not be able to use that location tag.
For businesses, Instagram may also check whether the business is registered or listed online. If you are creating a location for a very small or new business, make sure the address is correct and that the business name matches what appears in public records or on Google Maps.
Adding business details to a location page
If you have a business account on Instagram, you can add more information to your location page once it is created. This includes your business hours, a phone number, a website link, and a category (like "Restaurant" or "Boutique"). These details help people find and contact your business directly from the location page.
To add this information, go to your location page (search for it in the location search box), and look for an "Edit" or "Suggest edits" button. On a business account, you may see additional options to claim or manage the location. Tap the button and fill in the fields. Instagram will verify the information before it appears publicly.
If you do not have a business account, you can still suggest edits to a location page, but Instagram may ask other users to confirm the information before it is added. This is why business accounts have more control — Instagram can verify the information against your business profile.
Why Instagram might reject your location request
Instagram rejects location requests for several reasons. The most common is an incomplete or incorrect address. If you type "Main Street" without a city, or if the street number does not exist, Instagram will not approve it. Make sure you include the full street address, city, and state or country.
Instagram also rejects locations that are too vague or too broad. You cannot create a location for "Downtown" or "The North Side" — these are too general. You can create a location for a specific street, a specific building, or a specific business, but not for an entire neighborhood or district.
If your location request is rejected, you will see a message explaining why. Read it carefully and try again with a corrected address. If you believe the location should exist and Instagram is making a mistake, you can try submitting it again with slightly different wording or a more precise address.
How location tags appear on posts and in feeds
Once a location is created and verified, it becomes a clickable tag on Instagram. When you post a photo with a location tag, other users can tap the location name to see all photos and videos tagged at that place. This creates a shared feed for that location, similar to a hashtag feed but organized by geography instead of topic.
Location pages also appear in Instagram's search results. If someone searches for your location by name, they will see the location page with all recent posts, the location's details (hours, phone, website), and a map showing where it is. This is useful for businesses because it makes them discoverable to people looking for places in their area.
You can tag a location on a post, a story, or a reel. The tag works the same way on all three formats. You can also tag multiple locations on a single post if the photo was taken in more than one place, though this is less common.
Editing or removing a location after you post
If you posted a photo with the wrong location, you can edit it. Go to your post, tap the three dots in the corner, and select "Edit." Tap the location tag and search for the correct location. You can change it to a different location or remove the location tag entirely. Save your changes and the post will update.
If you want to remove a location tag from a post without changing it to something else, tap the location, then look for a "Remove" or "Delete" option. The exact wording depends on your phone and Instagram version, but the button is usually near the bottom of the location menu.
You cannot delete a location page itself unless you are Instagram staff. However, if a location page contains incorrect information or is being misused, you can report it to Instagram by going to the location page and tapping the three dots, then selecting "Report location."
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for Instagram to verify a new location?
Verification usually takes between three and fourteen days, though it can sometimes take longer during periods of high volume. Instagram reviews the address you provided and checks it against mapping databases. You will see a notification when your location is approved, and it will then appear on your post and in search results.
Can I create a location for my home address?
Technically yes, but it is not recommended for privacy and safety reasons. If you create a location at your home address, anyone on Instagram can tag photos there and see that location on a map. This makes your home address public and visible to strangers. Consider using a nearby landmark or business instead if you want to tag your general area.
What if someone else already created the location I want?
If the location already exists on Instagram, you simply tag it when you post — you do not need to create it again. Just search for the location name in the location search box and tap it. If the existing location has incorrect information, you can suggest edits by going to the location page and tapping "Suggest edits."
Can I create a location for an event that happens only once?
Instagram allows locations for temporary events if they have a real, specific address. For example, you can create a location for a concert venue or a festival if it is held at a specific street address. However, Instagram may remove the location after the event ends if it is no longer relevant. For one-time events, using a hashtag in addition to a location tag is often more effective.
Do I need a business account to create a location?
No. Any Instagram account can create a location by tagging it while posting. However, business accounts have additional features once the location is created, such as the ability to add hours, a phone number, and a website. If you are creating a location for a business, switching to a business account gives you more control over the location details.