Google has added a new feature to Maps: video reviews.
Now users can create 10-second clips in the Maps app or upload 30-second clips from their camera rolls to describe their experiences at destinations in a new way.
After quietly launching the feature to some users, it seems Google is already testing it with businesses to allow them to highlight their own products with videos as well.
Google has added a new feature to maps: video reviews. Now users can create 10-second clips in the Maps app or upload 30-second clips from their camera rolls to describe their experiences at destinations in a new way
Two weeks ago, Google rolled out the feature to Local Guides, a community of users who share tips and photos about places on the Maps app.
‘As a Local Guide, you know that photos have the power to help people see the world and make decisions about where to go,’ a post on the community’s forum read.
‘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.’
Anyone can join Local Guides, but it appears only Android users can post videos so far (though anyone using a web browser can view them).
To create a video on the app, Local Guides can simply: 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.
They can also post videos up to 30 seconds long from their camera rolls by tapping ‘Folder’ and selecting a video to upload.
Though many Local Guides are already asking, the new tool doesn’t yet support 360 videos.
In a guide for how to post great videos, Google said all videos should be shot in portrait mode.
‘Take viewers on a mini tour of a store you love, or show the bustling scene at your favorite neighborhood restaurant,’ the post reads.
‘You can even do a quick review where you showcase a place’s best item or offer tips for visitors.’
The guide for effective videos also includes some examples of types of reviews – it lists: interior, exterior, food/drink, details and personal reviews. Examples given are the interior of a rooftop bar (left) and a personal on-camera review (right)
According to TechCrunch, Google has also reportedly begun emailing Local Guides to notify them of the new feature and is expected to officially announce it soon.
The company has a review policy banning the inclusion of spam, personal information, illegal/copyrighted content, explicit material, and more.
Along with the new feature that will allow reviews to speak about destinations for the first time, Google has also released a new set of guidelines that applies to audio.
It bans off-topic content, anything with a conflict of interest, and explicit/offensive language.
One of the example videos shows a clip of a dish at Momofuki Nishi (left), while another depicts the exterior of the popular vegan restaurant by Chloe (right)
The guide for effective videos also includes some examples of types of reviews – it lists: interior, exterior, food/drink, details and personal reviews.
One shows a clip of a dish at Momofuki Nishi, while another depicts the exterior of the popular vegan restaurant by Chloe.
‘You can also put yourself on camera to give a quick review,’ the guide says about giving a first-hand take on an experience.
‘A personal review showcasing a particular dish or interesting tips for visitors is a nice way to highlight a place.’
‘Feel free to add details and information, and your opinion is fine too, but keep in mind that similar rules apply to video reviews as to written reviews.’