Trouble Posting Videos

Google Maps contribution stories
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I’m a local guide that likes to incorporate my drone skills into the content I post on Google Maps, to make it more comprehensive and helpful for people looking at a space. I have a ton of trouble getting my videos posted consistently.

These are some examples of what I post:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/9jToRK8zFUEJmoeX6

My issues are:

  • Videos often don’t post at all, even after multiple attempts
  • Videos that do post, sometimes don’t have audio
  • Sometimes videos that do post, sit in “Your Upload is Pending” forever

Additional notes:

  • I’m aware of the 30 second time limit, and usually build that into my content
  • The audio I use is always AI-generated by me, so there’s no issue with copyright
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As far as I know, the only reason videos get muted is because the spam filter suspects the music could be copyright protected. I love the phrase “AI generated by me” :wink:

It did not take long to find your business https://wegoup.cool/ where you offer drone services, and using your Local Guides account to post videos that can be considered indirect advertisements for your business is not allowed. This can very well explain your problems with videos on Maps.

According to the Local Guides Program Terms and Conditions Organizations, brands, and businesses are not eligible for the Program. So we should never mix commercial interests with those of being an independent/volunteer Local Guide.

The pending posting issue is probably something else.

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Thanks for your reply, Morten!

I can see the potential issue with abusing the Local Guides ecosystem to promote my own business. I’m always very careful to avoid that issue. I don’t talk about or show my company in any of my Google Maps content. To be very clear, I don’t charge or accept any benefit for the content I post on Google Maps.

I started as a Local Guide, got into drones later, and the two inevitably merged when trying to create helpful content. I am a licensed drone pilot and could do this for money, but I do it solely because I think it’s the best way to see where a place is and what it looks like inside. I sprinkle a little entertainment on top and hope it helps someone.

I can see the logo end-screen as a little over the top, but I’m stabilizing the drone footage anyway and I think it’s helpful to know what logo to look for.

All that aside, I think you’re probably right on the spam filter being the cause of much of my trouble. Anything anyone can do about that? Or should I give up on trying to create this type of content for Google Maps?

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Also, I added the AI-generated by me note to say that I own the audio as far as ownership is concerned.

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The issue is using your Local Guides account. Your business can have a Google account that is not signed up for the LG program. From there you might have better luck posting your videos. I would be interested in knowing if this is the case should you try it out.

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I understand, that is a good idea. :+1: I’ll experiment and report back.

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