• Displaying photos and videos is now easier directly in the "Contribute" tab
• Tracking contribution points and local guide levels with greater clarity

Google has announced a series of updates to its Maps app aimed at simplifying how users share local experiences worldwide.

This comes as part of support for a community of over 500 million contributors who provide photos, reviews, and videos that help others make informed decisions about the places they visit.

Easier sharing of photos and videos

The new updates allow users to showcase their recent photos and videos directly in the "Contribute" tab within the app, after granting media access in their phone settings.

Users can simply tap on a photo or video to post it instantly. This feature is currently available globally on Android and will reach iOS devices in the coming months.

Automatic caption suggestions for photos

Users can now leverage the power of Gemini models, which provide suggested captions for photos to help describe the atmosphere or details of a place more easily.

These captions can be edited or removed according to user preference. Caption suggestions are currently available in English on iOS in the U.S., and will expand to cover other regions and Android devices.

Tracking impact and personal recognition

Google has added new ways to display contribution points and local guide levels directly in the "Contribute" tab and profile pages.

Achievement badges have also been updated to indicate whether a user is an expert information collector, a skilled photographer, or a rising contributor.

Users can easily identify trusted contributors by their gold-colored profile highlights. These features are now available globally across Android, iOS, and desktop.

Google expressed appreciation for its user community, which helps make exploring and navigating the world easier, emphasizing that these updates aim to make sharing experiences smoother and more effortless.