How Do You Add Videos to Your Google Business Profile?

By Bill Stilwell · Last reviewed October 16, 2026

The short answer

Google lets you add videos to your Google Business Profile (GBP) from the Photos section, the same way you add photos. Google’s limits are up to 30 seconds long, up to 75 MB, and 720p resolution or higher. Videos are checked against Google’s content policy, and Google says they can take 24 to 48 hours to appear.

What this means

Videos show in the photos and videos area of your profile on Google Search and Maps. They’re short. Think of a quick look, not a commercial.

Good videos for local businesses show something real:

A walk-through of your shop or office
A job in progress or a finished project
Your team at work
A quick tip that shows you know your trade

Say Clearwater Pool Service films a 20-second clip of a green pool turning clear over two visits. It’s real, short, and shows exactly what the business does.

Media only shows to the public after your profile is verified.

Why it matters

Video shows you’re real. It’s hard to fake a team at work in your own trucks or shop.
Rejected uploads are common. If a video is too long, too big, or breaks policy, it won’t go live. You may not notice unless you check.
Bad video hurts. Shaky, dark, or confusing clips make a business look careless.
Privacy and permission matter. Filming customers, their homes, or their kids without permission can cause real trouble (see 11.1.12 Photo Permission).

Who this applies to

Any verified business. Service-area businesses can show job sites. Storefronts can show the inside and the entrance, which also helps people find you.

You can skip video if you can’t film without showing private customer details. Photos alone are fine.

How to do it

Plan a short clip under 30 seconds. One idea per video.
Film on a phone in good light. Hold it steady. Check that it’s at least 720p. Most phones film well above that.
Keep private details out of the frame: house numbers, license plates, faces of people who didn’t agree, and paperwork.
Get written permission if a customer’s home, face, or property is shown (see 11.1.12 Photo Permission).
Trim the file so it’s 30 seconds or less and under 75 MB.
Search your business name and city on Google, or open it in Maps. Select Photos, then Add photos, and pick the video file.
Check the status. Google shows Pending, Not approved, or Live. Google says it can take 24 to 48 hours.
If it’s not approved, check Google’s content policy, fix the issue, and upload again.
Add a new video every few months so the profile shows recent work.

What proof to keep

The original video files, with dates
Signed photo or video permission from any customer shown
A screenshot of the video showing as Live on your profile

Store these with your marketing files. The permission forms belong with your legal records.

Common mistakes

Uploading long ads. Videos over 30 seconds won’t go through. Cut it down.
Adding music you don’t own. Use your own sound or no music.
Showing a customer’s address or face without permission. Blur it or don’t use the clip.
Stock footage. It doesn’t show your business and can look fake.
Uploading and never checking. A video stuck at Pending or Not approved helps no one.
Filming in the dark. Google’s photo guidelines ask for media that’s well lit and in focus. Video works the same way.

When to get help from a pro

Most businesses can do this themselves with a phone.

A videographer: if you want polished video for your website and ads too.

Attorney: if you want to use a video showing customers or their property and you’re not sure your permission form covers it. Questions to ask:

Does my permission form cover video on Google and social media?
What should I do if a customer asks me to take a video down?

Bill’s note

[Bill: add a short story or lesson here. For example, the kind of simple phone video you’ve seen work best for local businesses, or a video that got rejected and why.]

If you’d rather have this done for you, SiteSmarty handles Google Business Profile management.

How I did this for SiteSmarty

[Date I did this:]
[What I actually did, step by step: what I filmed for SiteSmarty and how I trimmed it]
[What it cost and how long it took:]
[What surprised me or what I’d do differently:]
[Screenshot or photo to add, with private info blurred: the video showing as Live on the SiteSmarty profile]
[Result so far:]

Questions people ask

How long can a Google Business Profile video be? Up to 30 seconds, according to Google’s help page. The file can be up to 75 MB, at 720p or higher.

Why is my Google video still pending? Google says media can take 24 to 48 hours to appear. Media also won’t show publicly until the profile is verified.

Why was my video not approved? It likely broke Google’s content policy or didn’t meet the size and length rules. Check both and try again.

What kind of videos should a local business post? Short, real clips of your work, your team, or your place. Skip ads and stock footage.

Audit check

Question: Does the Google Business Profile have at least one live, recent video that shows the real business and follows Google’s rules?
Pass looks like: One or more videos showing as Live, each under 30 seconds, showing real work or the real location. Permission on file for any customer shown.
Fail looks like: No videos, or only videos stuck at Pending or Not approved. Stock footage. Customers’ faces or addresses shown without permission.
Evidence to collect: Screenshot of live videos with dates, the original files, and signed permission forms.

Where this fits

Do this first: 14.1.9 Photos, 14.8.1 Google Business Profile Verification, 11.1.12 Photo Permission

Do this next: 14.9.8 Performance Data

Sources

Google Business Profile Help, "Manage your Business Profile photos & videos" (checked October 16, 2026)
Google Business Profile Help, "Business Profile photos, videos & posts content policy" (checked October 16, 2026)

This page explains general rules and Bill's own experience. It is not legal, tax, or insurance advice. Talk to a qualified professional about your situation.