Google Maps can now write captions for your photos using artificial intelligence

Google on Tuesday announced new features to make it easier for users to contribute local knowledge to its Maps app. Notably, Gemini can now create captions when users are looking to share a photo or video about a place.

Once users select the photos they want to share, Gemini will analyze the photos to create captions. Users can then choose to edit or remove the caption. The company says the new tool is designed to give users a head start on captions when sharing content. Google says caption suggestions are now available in English on iOS in the US, and will expand globally and to Android in the coming months.

The company is also making it easier to find the right image to share with the community. If users turn on media access for Google Maps in their phone’s settings, they’ll see photos and videos from their recent experiences right in the Contribute tab. From there, they can click on the photo and post it.

“The photos and videos you publish help people better understand the place, such as the general appearance or the most recent listing,” Google explained in a blog post. “Now, we’re making it easier to find the right photo to share.”

Photo and video recommendations are now available globally on iOS and Android.

Additionally, Google is making it easier for users to track the impact of their contributions, as they will now see the total points earned displayed in the Contribution tab. In addition, Local Directory levels will be highlighted on profile pages. For context, Local Guides earn points by adding photos, writing reviews, answering questions, and checking facts to improve Google Maps.

The company says it has updated its achievement badges so it’s easier to tell if someone is an “expert fact finder,” a “professional photographer,” or a “rising beginner.” Additionally, Google is making it easier to discover high-level contributors with new gold-colored profiles.

Google says these new features are designed to support its community of more than 500 million contributors, who share photos, comments, and videos to help others decide what to do and where to go. Given that Maps relies largely on contributors to keep information fresh and up to date, it makes sense for the company to streamline the process for these contributions.