If you use any of Google’s apps you will know that they constantly get updates. This time around Google is updating Maps with the ability to add videos to places around you.
While ratings and photos are usually a good enough indication of what to expect, videos will be much more immersive in not only providing non-visitors a tour of places they’ve yet to visit, but also for businesses to showcase what they have to offer.
How it Works
The process is simple enough, being integrated in the already-available “Add a photo” option which comes up after you’ve selected a place in Maps.
Rather than simply taking a photo, users can hold the shutter key for up to 10 seconds to upload a video instead.
Upon holding, they’ll see a prompt saying “New! Hold for video.”. Alternatively, users will also be able to tag along a 30-second video they’ve recorded previously of the place.
Limited to Local Guides
The process is available to people in its Local Guides program. It was made available a couple of weeks back, though, a notification is being sent via email only now. As a reward, Local Guides get seven points for each video that they upload as an incentive.
However, as TechCrunch reports, Mountain View also plans to partner with businesses and encourage them to upload videos themselves showcasing their services the way they want. After all, Local Guides can only cover so much and can only give an outside-in view of places they visit.
Available on Google Maps now
The feature is already rolling out to Google Maps users throughout the globe. It is currently available only on Maps for Android as of now, though, it should come to other platforms sooner rather than later.
Note: You can use the feature only if you’re signed up as a Local Guide.
