Google Maps Now Turns Your TikTok and Instagram Screenshots Into a Custom Travel Map

Google Maps added dropped a feature that can save your group chats from screenshot chaos every time you’re trying to plan a trip together. If you’re the type to hoard screenshots of must-visit cafes, Google Docs travel itineraries, or TikTok-recommended spots, Google can now take those screenshots, scan them, create pins on Google Maps, and organize them all into a dedicated list right in the Maps app.

Now, every screenshot — whether from Instagram, a friend’s text, or your favorite travel publication like Matador — can automatically be turned into a pinned map spot whether you have Android or iOS. Gemini AI pulls names and addresses, matches them with Google listings, and lets you quickly swipe through suggestions to save, favorite, or share.

Screenshots: Matador Network’s Instagram, left; Google Maps, right

There are two ways to go about which screenshots Google analyzes. The first is to enable auto-scanning of all of your screenshots in your camera roll. That can raise some eyebrows about privacy for some since that means Google has full access to your photo library, and the convenience factor doesn’t override the privacy concerns. Alternatively, you can stick to manually choosing screenshots by changing the permissions on your phone’s setting. Then you can select the screenshots for Google to read when you go back to Maps.

How to use screenshots to create a Google Maps travel list

Open Google Maps and head to the “You” tab at the bottom. There, you’ll find a new “Screenshots list” — the first time you tap it you’ll get a quick how-to walkthrough to learn the ropes. You’ll then get prompted to grant Maps access to your photos (or go with the manual upload option if you’re not into full access).

Next time you’re screenshotting the hottest new spot or dreamy travel rec, pop into Google Maps afterward. If Maps recognizes a location, it’ll prompt you to review and save the place. Simply tap “review,” decide if you’re feeling it, and save it straight to your Screenshots list or to other custom lists later.

Whether you choose to add screenshots manually or go with the full auto-scan, all of your saved places will be easily spotted on your map with a camera emoji and organized in the “You” tab.

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