Google Street View Trusted Photographer Program Shutting Down on December 31, 2024
The Google Street View Trusted Photographer program is shutting down on December 31, 2024. However, this change will not affect published virtual tours or your ability to share high-quality 360° content.
Here’s the official message from Google’s support platform, which confirms this update.
What Google Announced About the Trusted Program’s End
The Street View trusted program will retire later this year, on December 31, 2024.
Existing and future virtual tours, including standalone Photo Spheres and connected tours, will continue to function normally on Google Maps.
The trusted badge, related marketing materials, dedicated contributor support, and the for-hire photographer list will be retired. You must remove the trusted badge and branding from your materials by December 31, 2024.
Thank you for contributing to Street View. We look forward to the next chapter of user-contributed imagery.
What This Means for Your Virtual Tours and My Services
I have been part of the Google Street View Trusted program since 2015. For my clients, nothing changes with your current virtual tours: they remain live and fully functional on Google Maps. If you’re working with me or another trusted photographer, your tours continue to bring value.
Why Is Google Ending the Trusted Program?
One reason could be the growing accessibility of 360° cameras like the Insta360 X4, which can produce quality photos for under $800. However, professional photographers like me bring experience, skill, and quality that go beyond equipment.
What Changes?
Google-branded marketing and the trusted badge will no longer be used or valid after December 31, 2024.
The for-hire Trusted Photographer list and exclusive Google support channels will close.
Legitimate photographers will no longer claim special Google authorization. If someone says they have it, be cautious.
I will continue to support clients with Google-related issues using my expertise, similar to how any agency would.
What Stays the Same?
I will keep creating virtual tours both on and off Google’s platform.
Your published tours remain live and available.
You should select photographers based on portfolios, reviews, and referrals rather than badges.
The Broader Landscape of Local Search
Marketing evolves constantly. Google faces legal challenges that may reshape search results in coming years. Diversifying platforms matters: Apple Maps now covers over 14% of mobile map usage in Australia.
Other trends include:
Increased trust in community sites like Reddit even after Google searches.
Growing reliance on AI search tools such as ChatGPT, Gemini, and Perplexity.
I recommend verifying AI results by cross-checking with traditional search engines.
Why Authentic, Real Visual Content Still Wins
In a world moving quickly toward AI-generated content, authentic visuals like my virtual tours offer genuine representation of your business. AI-made images present risks including lack of copyright and control. I strongly advise maintaining real photography and video assets.
How to Stay Ahead
Whether you are a current or future client, remember:
Your existing virtual tours are valuable assets that continue to show your business authentically.
I deliver virtual tours tailored to your needs without relying on a single platform.
Visual content remains key to helping your business stand out online.
Let’s Keep Your Business Shining
My focus continues to be helping local Central Coast businesses showcase their spaces digitally. This priority becomes only more important as search evolves. Feel free to contact me if you have questions or want to discuss your virtual tour strategy.
Thanks for trusting Work Pics 360. I look forward to supporting your success in this next chapter.
All the best,
Marc Charette
P.S. If you know another business owner wondering what this means, please share this update. I’m always happy to help local businesses navigate these changes.