Search giant Google has recently launched a new feature that allows users to create and submit video reviews for Google Maps.
While we are still a long way from seeing features such as real-time Street View appearing on the Google Maps platform, video is now set to become part of the company’s mapping service.
The new feature will be accessible only through Google’s Local Guides scheme, and it will allow users to either shoot a 10-second video directly from Google Maps, or upload a 30-second video clip from their camera roll.
This video feature was first spotted by TechCrunch, but it is believed that Google made the feature available to the public a couple of weeks ago, although it didn’t create much of a fuss about launching it. However, it is now notifying users about the feature via email. It is anticipated that it will be rolled out for wider public use in the future.
Prior to the introduction of the video review, users were only able to attach photos to locations on Google Maps, with textual reviews also appearing. This has not stopped people creating their own video reviews and uploading them to their own personal networks, websites and social media accounts to give others a chance to preview hotels, restaurants and other landmark destinations.
The introduction of this feature allows Google to highlight the best parts about a business or location; for example, a video of a restaurant’s trademark dish being prepared can be uploaded as a short video clip directly to Google Maps. It can give viewers a preview of the place and indicate its atmosphere more effectively than a photo can, which can ultimately persuade or put off visitors.
Google is also letting the creators of the video content use these videos for their own personal reviews, so long as they comply with the company’s policies and terms used for written reviews. Local business can therefore use the feature to showcase their own products both on Google Maps and their own sites.
To record or upload a video review to Google Maps, search for the place or business you want to review and click on the “add a photo” button, then the camera icon. You will then be presented with a bubble notifying you that you can now hold for a video.
At present, this is only available Local Guides on the Android version of the app, but it appears that Google is also beginning to test it with local businesses too. Despite this, the videos will be visible on all devices and platforms.
This may seem like something a minor addition to Google Maps, but with visuals and video becoming more important and prominent on the net, it could be an opportunity for businesses to promote themselves with a professional-looking clip.
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