E27: New! Google Maps Video Editing Tool, Text Message Button & AI Search

new podcast episode!

April 14, 2026

Breaking news from Google:

You can now edit videos directly in the Google Maps app prior to posting them!

Valentina Vasileva shared the news on LinkedIn recently, and she noted that this new interface looks surprisingly similar to those of TikTok and Instagram Reels.

This development signifies a bigger change in local search. Google Business Profiles are becoming less static and a lot more like social-media-esque content hubs. It will also probably make it easier for Google’s AI to understand video content and get richer data about local businesses.

Claire and I discuss this in today’s podcast episode. We also talk about:

  • New “Text Message” Button in Google (Aaron Weiche)

  • Local Search in the Age of AI (Amanda Jordan)

  • Why Reviews Matter for Ask Maps (Claudia Tomina)

  • What to Do When Your GBP Edit Gets Rejected (Stefan Somborac)

  • Can AI responses be influenced? (Mia Sato)

And we have a special guest appearance at the end! Can you guess who it is? 👀

Watch the episode here 👇️

🎧 Or if you prefer listening, find it on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Watch by topic:

00:00 Intro
00:17 New Text Message Button in Google
03:49 Local Search in the Age of AI
06:38 Why Reviews Matter for Ask Maps
08:39 What to Do When Your GBP Edit Gets Rejected
10:35 New Video Editing Features in Google Maps
13:16 Can You Influence AI Responses?
16:36 Tips, Sponsors, and Special Guest

Whitespark Logo
Whitespark Grid

Analyze competitor rankings

 

Our unique side-by-side comparison mode allows you to analyze your competitors’ rankings against yours, point by point, and day by day.

 
Learn more

Darren