Google Maps reviews can now use hashtags

Google says its goal is to help commuters avoid traffic problems completely using live traffic data it receives about potential delays. Photo: Andrea Warnecke/dpa

Google Map users will be able to make their reviews – whether of eateries, places of interest or even scenic spots – easier to find and more meaningful with the introduction of a Hashtag feature in reviews.

TechCrunch obtained confirmation from Google that support for hashtags was rolled out globally about a week ago on Android devices, though it has no timeline for the feature on iOS or web versions.

Users would be able to add hashtags to their old reviews, in addition to new reviews.

Google provides several suggestions on the hashtags: add up to five hashtags per review, writing them at the end of the review to make the text easier to read, and use specific terms to make it more relevant. 

It adds that hashtags referring to dietary options like #vegetarian or accessibility features like #wheelchairfriendly would also be useful. For outdoor locations, hashtags like #goodforselfies and #sunsetviews could also be helpful for others.

To use hashtags, tap the blue link in a review to be taken to a list of the other nearby places that have the same hashtag.

Techcrunch speculates that this feature, hot on the heels of the Follow feature and revamped My Business app, is part of an effort by Google to compete against Facebook’s Pages platform.

The Follow feature introduced in October lets users follow businesses for updates on news, sales, deals and events; much like Liking a business' Facebook Page.