Google Maps goes social by giving each user their own profile

Google is turning Maps into a kind of social network by giving each user their own profile filled with photos and comments they have submitted.

This is an extension of a pilot feature released last year that allowed users to follow selected local guides and get their latest updates.

Following the success of the pilot launch, Google is expanding this functionality worldwide to all users.

“Today we are expanding this function and starting to implement it globally. If a Google Maps user has shared photos, reviews, or lists publicly, you can now follow them and receive their recommendations, tips, and updates in their Updates tab on Google Maps.

So the next time you find someone to share helpful takeaway menu photos, helpful lists of your city’s most spacious parks, or inspiring photos of local shops and services, you can keep up to date with all their recommendations. “

Google Maps profiles will contain topic filters where you can see the places and businesses that users share most frequently.

Users can also write a short slogan that appears under their profile photo in much the same way as Instagram.

Here is an example of what a Google Map profile looks like:

Manage your Google Maps profile

Any Google user who has publicly shared photos, reviews or lists will have the ability to manage their own Google Maps profile.

First of all, no one is required to have a public profile. Everyone has the option to show or not the things they have shared on Google Maps.

Users will also have the option to restrict their profile, which means that new followers will need to be approved before they can view content.

Or users can choose to keep their profile completely open for everyone to follow. All these settings can be adjusted from the profile page.

Source: Google