Google is testing video on their popular Maps app.

Test screening

As of now, only a select crew (of around 30 million users) can upload video to Google Maps. But the moving pictures they put online as portraits of map-worthy places will be visible to everyone.

Google has made their Google Maps ‘Local Guides’ the beta test cohort for the new video function. ‘Local Guides’ is like a loyalty program for Google community members who contribute content to Maps.

Folks in the ‘Local Guides’ program can upload videos to Maps now. They get seven points in the ‘Local Guides’ program for each video they put up.

Film school

Users can upload video directly from the Google Maps app. Once a place has been searched and selected, scroll down and tap ‘Add a photo’. Video is captured by holding the shutter button down for up to 10 seconds.

It is also possible to upload up to 30 seconds of a pre-shot video that is already on the user's device. At the moment, that seems to be Android only.

Coming soon

Of course, the function is currently in beta so it’s possible that the process could change between now and broader launch. But, it seems simple enough as it is.

Will video up the engagement factor on Google Maps, or will they distract you from the task at hand? Maybe a bit of both?

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