Need some help navigating the redesigned Connect? This FAQ will help you get to know some of the new features and functionalities and point you to additional resources with more information.
If you have a question which isn’t covered below, please share it in the comments!
Getting familiar with Connect
- What are the different ways I can participate in the Connect community?
You can share your Local Guides stories by writing topics or engage with other community members by liking or replying to their content. You can also participate in and even organize meet-ups right here on Connect!
- What are “Categories”?
Categories are the four different sections where you can share posts on Connect. They are: Connections & celebrations, Google Maps contribution stories, Google Maps tips & tricks, and Meet-ups. You can learn more about each category in this guide. Within each category, you will find additional tags that further explain what your topic is about and make it easier for other community members to discover based on their interests.
- What is a topic, post, and reply?
A topic is every new individual article that you create on Connect. A reply is the same as a comment; it’s your response under another Local Guide’s topic. And a post is everything that you publish — individual topics as well as replies to other Local Guides’ content.
- Where can I learn more about how to use the redesigned Connect?
Head to Community guidelines at any time to find tutorials, guidance, and tips and tricks on how to enjoy the updated platform to the fullest!
Finding & creating content
- Where are all my posts?
You can find everything you’ve posted and all your Connect activity in your profile. Click on your profile picture in the top right corner of the page and then “View your profile.” In the Activity tab, you can choose to see all your interactions in one place, or have only your topics, replies, solutions, and other activities displayed.
- How do I search on Connect?
Use the search bar at the top of the page to find people and content you care about. Learn more here.
- How do I start a new topic?
Click on the pencil icon in the top left corner of the screen if you’re using a computer, or the bottom right corner if you’re using a mobile device. Select “New topic” and follow these steps to write your content!
- Where are my drafts?
Unfinished topics and replies are automatically saved as drafts, and you can find them by clicking on the pencil icon or tapping on your profile picture and selecting “Drafts.” You can have multiple reply drafts but only one topic draft saved at any given time.
- Is there a photo limit?
There’s no limit to how many photos you can post on Connect, but we encourage you to share only your best shots to inspire others. Photos should be up to 4 MB and ideally with a 2:1 ratio. Read our media guidelines here.
- Can I share videos on Connect?
Yes! You can now upload videos up to 16 MB directly in your posts. Read our media guidelines here.
- How do I organize a meet-up?
Click on the pencil icon and select “New meet-up.” Follow the steps in this topic to submit your meet-up for approval. You can find all meet-ups and recaps by you and other Local Guides in the Meet-ups category.
- How can I get my content featured?
We’re always on the lookout for great original content to highlight on Connect. Simply share your stories, making sure you stay on topic and follow these writing tips, and your topic could get featured!
- Can I delete my content?
You can delete your own topics if they don’t have replies by clicking on the three dots in the bottom right corner and then on the bin icon. If your topic has replies, you can flag it to our Google Moderators to have a look. You’re also able to delete your replies by clicking on the bin icon again. If you change your mind, you can restore your post within 1 hour after deletion.
Account & settings
- How can I update my profile info?
Go to your profile page and click on the Edit button to change your username and profile photo. If you want to add a brief introduction, a background photo, a signature, and other info to your profile, click on the About me button in your profile page. All of these options and more are available in your Preferences. Tap on your profile picture to find your Preferences in the drop-down menu.
- How do I change my preferred language on Connect?
In your Preferences, go to Interface and select your preferred language from the drop-down menu next to “Interface language.” Click “Save Changes” at the bottom of the page.
If a post is written in a language different from your preferred language, you’ll see a globe icon at the bottom. Click it to translate the post!
- How do I change my notification settings?
In your Preferences, go to Notifications and choose when and what type of notifications to receive.
- How can I close my Connect account?
In your Preferences, go to Account and click “Delete My Account” at the bottom of the page. If there’s something we can do to improve your Connect experience, let us know in this feedback form.
Community & help
- Where can I find the Community guidelines?
You can find our Connect Community guidelines here. We moderate content and may restrict user access based on these guidelines, so we encourage you to read them carefully. To learn more about our community and platform, be sure to explore the Community guidelines section, too.
- How do I report a post or another user?
Letting us know about posts and users that don’t follow our Community guidelines or the Local Guides program rules helps us keep our community safe and welcoming. You can alert Googler Moderators about an issue by flagging inappropriate content.
- I found an issue with the redesigned Connect. How do I submit feedback?
Fill out this form to share your feedback about Connect and your experience. For more details, check out this topic.
Still have questions? Let us know below!
the video upload is much needed feature 
