How does “nearby” work on Zinola?
Your area first, then places within about 5 km, then your city and state. Why Newest ignores distance, and posts from people you follow.
- In the app
- On zinola.in
Updated
Zinola puts what's closest to you first. Your own area leads, then the places around it, then the rest of your city.
How the feed is built
When your feed is sorted by Nearest, each page mixes posts in this order:
- Your area. A few posts from the area you've picked come first.
- Nearby. Then posts from around you, closest first. Areas within a short distance, usually about 5 km, count as nearby.
- The rest of your city.
- Other cities in your state where Zinola is open.
Mixed in, you'll also see the odd review and shout-out from people you follow, wherever they are. See Follow and unfollow people.
The exact mix can differ from city to city, as we tune it to how busy each place is.
When “nearby” doesn't apply
- Newest ignores distance. It shows the latest posts first, wherever they are. See Filter and sort your Home feed.
- All of your city: if you pick the whole city instead of one area, nothing is put first by area.
- No area yet: until you choose one, you see the whole city. See Set or change your area.
Who sees your posts
Distance works the other way too. Questions and requests reach your area and the areas around it by default. Other posts go to your area. Every post is public. See Who sees your post.
Common questions
How far is nearby on Zinola?
Usually about 5 km around your area. Your own area always comes first, then places nearby, then the rest of the city.
Why do I see posts from far away on Zinola?
When there are few posts near you, the feed fills up from the rest of your city and then your state. Sorting by Newest also ignores distance.
Why do I see a review from someone outside my area?
You follow them. Reviews and shout-outs from people you follow can appear in your feed wherever they are.
Related articles
- Set or change your areaPick your area with search or your location, or see all of your city. Your area decides what Zinola shows you first.
- Filter and sort your Home feedShow only questions, recommendations, requests or reviews, and sort by Nearest, Newest or Most thanked. The app and website differ.
- Who sees your post?Neighborhood posts are always public. How the area and Nearby areas decide whose feed they reach, and the default for each type.
- Get alerts about your areaThree switches for alerts about neighbors asking for help, posts near you and new listings, and the daily limits that keep them small.