If you’ve ever uploaded photos or videos to your Google Business Profile (GBP) and wondered whether anyone was actually looking, Google has just delivered some welcome news.
Google is once again displaying individual view counts for every photo and video uploaded to your GBP media gallery. While this feature existed previously before being quietly removed, its return gives you crucial insight into how potential customers interact with your visual content. So, what does this update entail, and how can you use the data to refine your profile?
What is Google’s media view count feature?
Google’s restored media view count feature brings transparency to how searchers interact with your images and videos. It displays a running view tally directly on each piece of media in your GBP manager.
Instead of relying solely on overall monthly performance metrics, this new feature allows you to see the exact number of impressions each specific video or image receives on your GBP.
Google is rolling out this update in stages. If you can’t yet see the view tally in your GBP, it should appear within the coming weeks. To check if you already have access, simply log in to the Google Account connected to your profile, navigate to the ‘Photos’ or ‘Photos or Videos’ tab and look for a small view counter overlay on your images and videos.
Why GBP image view counts are important
How your business appears to customers online is very important. According to research from the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), 97% of Australian adults access the internet on mobile phones, which prioritises a visual-first approach. This means when users search for your business, they’ll see your GBP images before reading any reviews or business descriptions.
While image view counts aren’t necessarily an important metric on their own, the information can inform you of the following things:
- Click-through rate (CTR): Strong visuals grab attention on Google and encourage searchers to click through to your website or to get in touch.
- Trust & conversion: Authentic imagery builds immediate credibility. Photos that gain high view counts often signal that searchers are actively evaluating your business before reaching out.
- User engagement: High engagement tells Google that your profile provides valuable, relevant information to searchers in your area.
How to use this information to improve your presence
Having access to clear insights and data on which image content your customers are engaging with is an important tool. It takes the guesswork out and allows you to make strategic decisions around which visual content is best for your GBP.
Here’s how GBP image view counts can help you tailor your profile:
- Identify high-performing visual themes: Audit your top-viewed photos to find what’s working well and build on it. If short video clips or before-and-after shots get the most attention, prioritise those in your next content upload.
- Refresh underperforming visuals: Replace blurry or low-viewed images for clear, bright shots that look great on smaller screens, as well as on desktops.
- Prioritise original, authentic media: Move away from generic stock photos and upload real images of your team, projects, and space to build instant credibility.
At the end of the day, tracking your media views gives you a clear indication of what your prospective clients actually care about. By keeping an eye on what works and updating your gallery as needed, you can stop guessing and start using your GBP to actively drive business to your site.
