Affiliate links on Android Authority may earn us a commission. Learn more.
Frequent Google Maps contributors can get 1TB of free Drive storage and other perks
Google is offering anyone and everyone a chance to earn 1TB of Drive storage, for free. But that’s not all that they are offering.
Under the Local Guides program for Google Maps, the Mountain View company is rewarding its users who regularly add new locations, leave reviews for various locations, upload new photographs, update outdated information, or contribute new and useful info in many other ways.
The entire system has been gamified to achieve an increased level of user participation. So, the more a user contributes as a Local Guide, the higher their rewards. Google will filter out poor quality reviews, so people who are thinking of gaming the system to earn 1TB of storage might be in for a surprise.
While Google doesn’t specify it, it looks that the free terabyte of Drive storage is valid for one year. After the free period expires, you will still be able to access all your files, but you won’t be able to add new files until you sign up for a higher tier or remove existing files.
The updated Local Guides platform has 5 different levels of rewards:
- Level 1 (0 – 4 points): Enter exclusive contests (think new Google devices!) in select countries.
- Level 2 (5 – 49 points): Get early access to new Google products and features.
- Level 3 (50 – 199 points): Show up in the Google Maps app with your official Local Guides badge.
- Level 4 (200 – 499 points): Receive a free 1 TB upgrade of your Drive storage, allowing you to keep all the stories, photos, and videos from your travels in one safe place.
- Level 5 (500+ points): The very top Local Guides will become eligible to apply to attend our inaugural summit in 2016, where you’ll be able to meet other top Guides from around the world, explore the Google campus, and get the latest info about Google Maps.
As it turns out, one doesn’t need to achieve Level 5 in order to receive 1 TB of Drive storage (otherwise $9.99/month) for free. For the very best Local Guides who score over 500 points, Google will be hosting an inaugural summit next year. The company has promised to release more information regarding this summit next year.
Can’t wait to get started as a Local Guide? Here’s the sign-up page, which is open to everyone. Once you’re signed up and good to go, make sure to update to the latest version of Google Maps on your Android or iOS device to be able to track your contributions and earned points.
For more details regarding Local Guides, check out the program’s official support page here.