Recently, Google announced it will be discontinuing a beloved feature of Google Maps: the ability to follow other users and Local Guides. This functionality allowed users to keep tabs on their friends’ restaurant visits and explore their shared reviews and photos. With this social aspect, users could engage without the pressures often found on traditional social media platforms. In a community support post, Google stated that this change will take effect in September 2025.
The company noted that users will no longer have the option to follow contributors within Google Maps, nor will any follower data remain. This decision follows other recent changes, including the removal of specific media playback controls in the app. While some criticized the feature for attracting bot followers, many genuine users appreciated the social interaction it encouraged, particularly when navigating through new dining options or discovering new places. Once the discontinuation occurs, all data associated with followers will be erased.
However, your profile visibility settings will remain unchanged, meaning your public contributions will still be visible to others. The most significant alteration will be the absence of updates in the app’s For You tab, which previously showcased the contributions of users you followed. Google reassured users that they will no longer need to manage follower requests on their profiles. To replace the social element lost with this feature, Google recommends using Local Guides Connect to stay updated on contributions from Google Maps users.
Whether you loved the follow feature or didn’t pay much attention to it, Google is urging users to share their thoughts in the comments.
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