.png)
Ever wondered who creates those stunning 360° virtual tours you see on Google Maps — the ones that let you step inside restaurants, hotels, and storefronts with a click?
Behind many of those immersive experiences are certified professionals from the Google Street View Trusted Photographer Program — a global network of trained photographers who specialize in creating interactive virtual tours for businesses.
In this post, we’ll break down exactly what this program is, how it works, why it matters, and how you (or your business) can benefit from joining or hiring a Street View Trusted Photographer. With a real estate video app, agents can quickly produce professional listing videos that attract more buyers.
The Google Street View Trusted Photographer Program is an initiative by Google that recognizes skilled 360° photographers who consistently create high-quality, publishable virtual tours for businesses.
These professionals are authorized to:
When a Street View Trusted Photographer publishes a virtual tour, it appears directly on:
This gives businesses an instant upgrade in online visibility, credibility, and customer engagement.
Google launched the Trusted Photographer Program to expand Street View coverage beyond public roads.
While Google’s own Street View cars handle highways and neighborhoods, businesses wanted the same immersive experience inside their locations.
The program connects:
It’s a win-win — photographers earn income, and businesses attract more customers through virtual visibility.
Read: Turn Google Maps and Street View into a Profitable Side Hustle
Whether you’re a business owner or a photographer, this program offers major advantages.
✅ Showcase Your Space 24/7
Customers can explore your store, office, or venue anytime — even before they visit.
✅ Boost Local SEO
Listings with 360° tours get higher engagement on Google Maps and Search.
✅ Build Trust and Transparency
People trust what they can see — virtual tours help them feel confident in choosing your business.
✅ Increase Conversions
A study by Google found that businesses with virtual tours are twice as likely to generate interest or bookings.
✅ Official Google Badge
Once certified, you earn the Street View Trusted badge, displayed on your profile and marketing materials.
✅ More Clients, More Visibility
You’ll be listed in Google’s Trusted Photographer directory, where businesses can find and hire you.
✅ Access to Premium Tools
You can upload, link, and publish directly to Google Street View using approved software like CloudPano, GoThru, or Pano2VR.
✅ Grow a Profitable Business
Many professionals turn their certification into full-fledged 360° media agencies offering tours, photography, and video.
If you love photography, this program is a fantastic way to combine creativity with technology. Here’s how to join 👇
To be certified, you’ll need a 360° camera capable of producing high-resolution panoramas.
Recommended options:
You’ll also need:
Each location requires a systematic capture process to ensure a seamless 360° walkthrough:
💡 Pro Tip: Capture in natural light whenever possible for accurate color and clarity.
Once your images are ready, use a trusted platform like CloudPano.com or the Street View app to:
After publishing, your work becomes visible to millions of Google users exploring that area! 🌎
To become “Trusted,” you’ll need to publish at least 50 approved 360° images that meet Google’s quality standards.
Once verified, you’ll:
Not all photos qualify for Street View. To maintain quality, Google requires:
Meeting these standards ensures that your work looks professional and immersive when viewed on Google Maps or VR devices.
Read: From Part-Time to Profit: Side Hustle with Google Maps and Street View
A Street View Trusted Photographer isn’t just a cameraman — they’re a digital marketing asset for any local business.
Here’s how they make a difference 👇
Showcase homes and apartments virtually to attract remote buyers.
Let diners preview the atmosphere and seating options before booking.
Provide immersive previews of rooms, pools, and amenities.
Display cleanliness, modern facilities, and professional vibes.
Let clients visualize space layouts before planning weddings or conferences.
By connecting visuals to emotions, Street View tours turn curiosity into conversions.
While Google offers the Street View platform, tools like CloudPano.com take the experience to the next level.
With CloudPano, you can:
It’s the perfect hybrid between branding flexibility and Google visibility.
Let’s take a look at a quick success story.
A photographer named David started out capturing 360° photos for small restaurants in Austin, TX. Within a few months, he earned his Street View Trusted badge and began publishing tours for retail shops and gyms.
He soon noticed every client wanted more — drone photos, videos, and branded virtual tours. So, David expanded his services using CloudPano, creating fully interactive experiences.
Now, he runs a six-figure visual media business helping companies boost online visibility through immersive storytelling.
That’s the power of being Street View Trusted. 💪
✅ Shoot during optimal lighting (morning or golden hour).
✅ Avoid foot traffic — empty spaces look cleaner and more professional.
✅ Keep your camera spotless — dust shows up in 360° views!
✅ Always geotag correctly to avoid misplacement on Google Maps.
✅ Upsell branded tours for extra income (embed links, hotspots, logos).
🚫 Uploading blurry or low-resolution images.
🚫 Forgetting to connect photo nodes correctly.
🚫 Ignoring Google’s privacy rules.
🚫 Over-editing or using unrealistic filters.
Stay authentic. The goal is to represent reality beautifully, not artificially.
Street View continues to evolve alongside emerging tech like AI, AR, and VR.
Here’s what’s next:
As technology advances, Trusted Photographers will play an even bigger role in digitally mapping the world — one 360° image at a time.
Compact, ready to go anywhere
Interchangeable lens that’s upgradeable
Dual 1-inch sensors for improved clarity and low light performance
Dynamic range and 6K 360° capture
360° photo resolution at 21MP
8K 360° video recording for ultra-detailed visuals.
4K single-lens mode for traditional wide-angle shots.
Invisible selfie stick effect for drone-like perspectives.
2.5-inch touchscreen with Gorilla Glass protection.
Waterproof up to 33ft for underwater shooting.
360° photo resolution in 23MP
Slim design at 24 mm thick
Built-in image stabilization for smooth video capture.
Internal 19GB storage for photo and video storage.
Wireless connectivity for remote control and sharing.
60MP 360° still images for high-resolution photography.
5.7K 360° video recording at 30fps.
2.25-inch touchscreen for intuitive control.
USB Type-C port for fast charging and data transfer.
MicroSD card slot for expandable storage.
.png)
.png)
Try it free. No credit card required. Instant set-up.
.svg){kind=small}
.svg){kind=small}