Lately, social media has been filled with posts of users describing their journeys through time, made possible by Google Maps. No longer just a tool for directions, the map application has transformed into a “time machine” that brings people back to their most cherished memories.

This form of “time travel” is actually a simple use of Street View, a feature that’s been available on Google Maps for years but has recently gone viral again thanks to social media.

With this feature, users can return to the places they once lived, studied, or played - virtually revisiting streets and buildings that hold personal significance.

Some have even shared emotional stories of spotting deceased loved ones captured in old Google Maps images.

Why is this Google Maps trend so appealing?

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Many TikTok users share touching memories as they revisit familiar places on Google Maps.

For many, these homes and streets are intertwined with childhood memories, family milestones, and formative life events. Seeing them again - even on a screen - can vividly recreate the emotions tied to those moments.

As the trend spreads across platforms like Facebook and TikTok, it has created a powerful sense of shared nostalgia and emotional connection among people with similar experiences.

Many are also curious to see how their old neighborhoods have changed. Google Maps’ Street View offers a visual history, allowing users to witness the development - or disappearance - of familiar landmarks. The transformation can bring surprise, sadness, or a renewed appreciation for the past.

Moreover, the activity itself is fun and interactive. Users can challenge friends to find specific locations or reminisce together, turning memory-sharing into a lively group experience.

How to ‘time travel’ with Google Maps

Step 1: Open Google Maps
Launch the Google Maps app or visit https://www.google.com/maps.

Step 2: Search your location
Enter the address or name of the place you want to revisit.

Step 3: Activate Street View
Click the Map Layers icon (two stacked squares), choose Satellite, and select Street View.

Step 4: View past images

Click on the small photo in the bottom-right corner (on web) or bottom-left corner (on mobile). You’ll see a 360-degree image of the location along with the date it was captured.

The “time-travel” trend on Google Maps is more than just a fleeting fad. It shows how technology can meaningfully connect people to their past and emotions.

It transforms seemingly dry map data into a vivid archive of memories, helping each person find a piece of themselves within the flow of time.

Du Lam