Youth Incorporated Magazine

WhatsApp Live location sharing has finally been made available to India for both Android and iOS users. WhatsApp Live Location sharing allows you to share your real-time location with family or friends, via personal chat or group messaging.

The feature is no rocket science to decipher. One simply has to open a chat with the person or group you want to share with. Under “Location” in the attachment button, you’ll find a ‘Share Live Location’ option. You can then select how long you want to share, and hit send. The person in the chat will be able to see your real-time location on a map. If more than one person shares their Live Location in a group, all their locations will be visible together on the very same map.

With Live Location sharing, the exact location of the smart phone will be broadcasted as is, as opposed to the existing feature where your location is stagnant. You will have no control on the live location stream that is accessed by your friends and family, unless you decide to turn it off. The feature is quiet similar to Snapchat, where you can track people’s location no matter which part of the world they’re in and you can even see if they’re driving or walking. But Snapchat does not let you see the routes their taking, if they’re on the go.

The WhatsApp Live Location feature is not permanent, and you will have the option to share your real-time location for 15 minutes, 1 hour or 8 hours with someone or a group. You can stop sharing your real time location any time you want. The feature is extremely helpful if you’re doing a late night commute – the person whom you’ve shared your location will be able to track your movements, and should they find something suspicious, they can take necessary measures knowing exactly where you’re at.

“Whether you’re meeting up with friends, letting loved ones know you’re safe, or sharing your commute, Live Location is a simple and secure way to let people know where you are,” explains WhatsApp.