Every review, photo, and update you share makes Google Maps more useful for everyone. In fact, every time you discover a great local spot, odds are there’s a fellow Local Guide to thank.
As a token of appreciation, we occasionally invite active Local Guides to test new features before they launch, access special perks, or join exclusive events. Because these opportunities are limited and often tailored to specific regions, not every Local Guide will receive every invite.
However, when we do have a surprise to share, we want to make sure we can reach you. If an opportunity comes up in your area, here is how you can make sure your account is set up to hear about it:
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Check your email preferences: Make sure you’re opted in to receive emails from Local Guides so we can drop you a note if something pops up.
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Keep your location updated: Keeping your current city updated in your email settings helps us know when an opportunity is relevant to you.
Thank you for continuing to guide the way and making the map a better place for millions of people every day.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I become eligible for opportunities?
Sharing reviews, photos, and local knowledge on Google Maps earns you points and helps you level up. Reaching higher levels may occasionally unlock surprises — like early access to new features or event invitations. Beyond your level, eligibility often depends on the consistency and quality of your contributions, or even a specific passion (like being a top-tier restaurant reviewer!). Keep in mind that many invites are also tailored to specific locations.
- How will I know if I’m eligible for a special reward?
If you’re selected for a special event or early access, we will reach out to you via email. You can manage your email preferences in your Local Guides settings.
- I saw someone else receive an invite, but I didn’t. Why?
Not every Local Guide will receive every invite. If you’re active and opted in but haven’t received an email recently, don’t worry — just keep doing what you do best! Your continued contributions are exactly what makes this community so vibrant.
- I just updated my city in my email settings. Will I receive an invite for that area?
If an invitation has already been sent out, updating your region won’t make you eligible for that specific instance. However, updating your city ensures you’re eligible for future opportunities in your new area.
- Can I ask for a specific opportunity or feature access?
While we love your enthusiasm, the Local Guides team is currently unable to fulfill individual requests for specific event invites or early feature access.
- Can I exchange an invite or early access for cash?
No. Local Guides opportunities and benefits are intended solely as a gesture of appreciation for our community; they have no cash value. They cannot be sold, traded, or exchanged for money.
- I want to participate in more events! What should I do?
The best way to be considered for Google-hosted event invites is to stay active in the Local Guides community, sharing helpful information and authentic experiences with others. However, you don’t have to wait for a Google-hosted event to connect with Local Guides. You can join an upcoming meet-up or organize your own event to bring local explorers together.
- Is there anything special that I should know about early access?
We love offering our awesome Local Guides community a sneak peek at new features and exclusive access to early experiments! If you’re selected for an early access opportunity, here’s are few friendly reminders:
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Keep it exclusive: We may ask you to keep the details confidential, especially while the experience is still ‘under construction.’ Please review the specific instructions provided for each early access opportunity.
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Your voice matters: You aren’t just testing; you’re helping us build. Whether it’s through a survey or a feedback tool, your honest take helps us refine features before they reach the rest of the world. Don’t hold back — we’re all ears!
