As a Local Guide, you know that photos have the power to help people see the world and make decisions about where to go. But there’s a lot you can learn about a place by seeing it in motion. That’s why we’re introducing video on Google Maps.
Today, Local Guides on Android have the chance to add the first-ever videos to millions of places. The possibilities are really exciting: Take viewers on a mini tour of a store you love, or show the bustling scene at your favorite neighborhood restaurant. You can even do a quick review where you showcase a place’s best item or offer tips for visitors. (More inspiration: How to create videos that stand out on Google Maps.)
If you’re a Local Guide on Android, you can get started right now.
How to create a video when you’re at a place:
Search and select a place on Google Maps
Scroll down and tap “Add a photo”
Tap “Camera” and hold the shutter button for up to 10 seconds
How to upload a video you’ve already shot:
Search and select a place on Google Maps
Scroll down and tap “Add a photo”
Tap “Folder” and select a video. Only the first 30 seconds of a video can be added.
Visit the Help Center to learn more about sharing videos.
Caption: Video showcasing how to take a video on Google Maps
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use this feature on my desktop computer or iOS device?
Right now, you can see videos on Google Search results for places in a web browser, but you can only upload videos on Google Maps for Android.
Why can’t I see this feature on my Android device?
If you’re a Local Guide and you can’t see or upload video on your Android device, try again shortly. The feature is rolling out gradually, and you may not be able to use it immediately.
Thanks @MegS ! Looking forward to adding some more videos and seeing what the points update is.
@BenKlein and I were doing some uploading and found sometimes it is 5 points and sometimes it is 7, so we’ll await for the updates on points.
Any particular policies beyond the ones listed here? Could people potentially go to businesses and interview business owners for a brief 30 seconds? Though this would be considered promotional…
One other comment… when viewing videos on Android or desktop Maps, is there another section or is there a particular way of organizing it? I added a video for Voodoo Doughnuts and @KimberlyAnnG and I couldn’t find it…
I am wondering if it is just my phone? I am using a Non-Stock Camera App (Camera MX with Live Photo Capability), with Oxygen OS instead of Android (One Plus spare phone while I wait for Pixel XL)
I will do some more tests but what seemed to happen is one of my videos was recognized as a photo. However I can “play” it from Google Maps.
@MegS thanks for your info, really good to know,… I’ll talk about this option to my customers in Belgium and Europe! It’ s interresting to know how to performe with this and keep nice and pro quality.
Already saw it @tashantamim . I am iOS user but tomorrow my new Android is coming and I will be able to contribute even more with my new device. Looking forward to test this and many other features which are available only on Android devices. Anyway thanks for tagging me, much appreciated.
However, they both have well over 200+ photos already, so I have trouble finding my video, which is why I had asked if there’ll be a particular way of the videos being organized.
I do see them in my contributions found here but on mobile only. I don’t see the videos at all on my contributions tab on desktop maps. @MegS should it be like that on desktop?
This is awesome! I have over 5000 Google Glass photos and videos since 2008 of our travels. I added my first one here: https://goo.gl/maps/cqX3LNBAWQR2
Shows up on Android, but not desktop yet. Great new feature!
Thank you very much! Now I know what I am looking for.
Maps will auto play the video while I am browsing through the photos.
That should be the reason why I got lots of grey boxes when looking for @Shirley videos. They need time to load so my phone or my network is just too slow.
I can see an option to stop auto play of videos is needed in Maps.
I browse the Donut shop’s photo from top to bottom, and back from bottom to top, I did not have any moving video shown. May be it will take more time to got added to the Place. How long did you added it?
From @AubreyB 's video, I can confirm the video is not listed at Desktop Maps - but it DID got listed in Google Search Result using Desktop browser.
Funny it seems Google Search is recieving a lot of Maps enhancements even ahead of Desktop Maps.
I’ll talk about this option to my customers in Belgium and Europe! It’ s interresting to know how to performe with this and keep nice and pro quality.
