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D316 Don't steal Maps users attention
D316 Don't steal Maps users attention
Having distracting objects in your shots can block Maps users from seeing relevant details of the place. They don't want to be distracted by seeing your face, your friends, or some random detail that honestly could be taken anywhere.
Let Maps users have a clean view of the places. Faces, animals, flowers, and the other distractions mentioned below automatically and unavoidably draw Maps users' attention first. Save such photos for other platforms.
Selfies
Notice how I block the view of the beach behind me. Selfies and portraits are great for Facebook and the family album.
Group photos
Even though Maps users want to see the National Monument of Indonesia behind us, they can't help also looking at me and my friends posing in this photo. We are clearly a distraction!
Birds, fish and other animals
This photo does not tell Maps users anything of value about the place. Zoom out and show us the place. Don't show such random details - no matter how cute the fish, birds, or other animals are.
Flowers
Many local guides love taking beautiful pics of plants, flowers, and fruits. Nice pics for sure, but they should not be uploaded to Google Maps. These flowers are most likely dead or replaced once the Maps user arrives.
Kids
Happy kids stealing focus and blocking Maps users' view of the place. Kids are not part of the place. They are a distraction on Google Maps no matter how cute and happy they are!
Traffic signs
For a good reason, traffic signs are designed to draw attention. This is an extreme case. You can't look at this image without first looking at the traffic sign.
Cars
Do you see 2 cars and a bicyclist? Or do you see a fruit and vegetable store? Always take a critical look at your pics before uploading them to Google Maps. Avoid such distractions.
Clouds
Fascinating cloud formations. Nice photo, but do not upload them to Google Maps. Pretty clouds are distractions stealing focus from the actual place.
Sunrises
Breathtaking view for sure. But this photo is not representing the place very well. The building is poorly lit and this pic is not showing what Maps users can expect.
Sunsets
If you look carefully this photo is taken from an airplane. So it is not showing a place on Google Maps! Share this photo on another platform.How to prevent this issue
How to prevent this issue
Memorize this list of frequent distractions.
When shooting for Google Maps take some time to reflect and look for what Maps users instinctively will see first in your images.
Moving or zooming out can often remove distractions from your frame.
Avoiding many of these distractions is not explicitly mentioned in the official guidelines from Google. So nothing is stopping you from uploading photos not clearly showing the places. But you will not get thousands of views and praise from Maps users. They might flag your irrelevant photos and they could be made private so only you can see them.
On the next page, you will find information about a special kind of distraction. Those that obscure business names. Just click/tap "Suggested next page" below.
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