Local knowledge from people around the world plays a big part in how Google Maps delivers fresh information. As part of our community of over 500 million contributors, your photos, reviews and videos of authentic experiences make it possible for people to confidently decide what to do and where to go. To make it even easier for you to share your perspective, here are three updates we’re bringing to Maps.
Quickly find and share your favorite moments
Photos and videos you post help people better understand a place, like the overall vibe or the newest menu. Now, we’re making it easier to find the right image for sharing. If you turn on media access for Google Maps in your phone settings, you’ll see photos and videos from your recent experiences highlighted directly in the Contribute tab. All you have to do is tap and post. Photo and video recommendations are now available globally on Android, and will expand to iOS in the coming months.
Get a head start on captions with Gemini
Captions add valuable context to photos, but it can sometimes be tough to find the right words. To help get you started, we’re using the power of our Gemini models to suggest a draft. Once you select your photos, Gemini analyzes the images to create captions that you can edit or remove. Caption suggestions are available now in English on iOS in the U.S., and will expand globally and to Android in the coming months.
See the impact of your contributions
We’re also making it easier for you to track your impact on Maps. Total points will be displayed right on the Contribute tab and Local Guide levels will be prominently highlighted on profile pages. We’re also updating our achievement badges so it’s clear at a glance if you’re an expert fact-finder, a master photographer or a rising novice. Plus, if you’re looking for trusted voices while wading through reviews, we’re making it simpler to spot high-level contributors with new gold-colored profiles. These updates are now rolling out globally across Android, iOS and desktop.
We’re constantly inspired by the ways our community helps people navigate and explore the world. We hope these new features make sharing your experiences a little more effortless.
An X post on Google Maps official, “One of the superpowers of Ask Maps is finding the perfect vibe while factoring everyday practicalities. For your next date, instead of just searching “restaurants near me,” ask Maps to find the midpoint between home and work, filter out tourist traps, and string together a multi-stop itinerary.”
The X post added, “Looking for a bar quiet enough to read in? To find this specific atmosphere, Ask Maps sifts through millions of community reviews, cross-references Popular Times, and checks local event schedules to help you find peace and quiet.” Ask Maps is grounded in dynamic, real-world data. Whether you’re looking to enjoy the spring weather or capture a special moment, it can factor in the current time and the sun’s live trajectory to find the perfect location for your shot.”
“Any time you’re going for a walk, ask Maps to generate a custom route based on scenery, historical landmarks, or local events. It can even calculate your departure time backwards so you arrive perfectly synced with the sunset,” Google added in the X post. Ask Maps to help you plan itineraries when traveling. Share your destination and things you’d like to do, and it will string together a cohesive trip built just for you. When finding a spot to eat, Ask Maps can combine multiple constraints to help you book a reservation instantly. From prompt to plans, Ask Maps is here to help . Open the app and share how you’re using it below.
Ask Maps is now available to everyone in the U.S. and India.
Here are six prompts to get you started. 🧵
— Google Maps (@googlemaps) March 30, 2026
