Google is expanding to crowdsourced, hyperlocal news with a new app called Bulletin that lets anyone contribute news about their local community, via Phone Scoop.

Bulletin lets users post photos, video, and messages directly to the web straight from their phones, without needing an existing blog or website. According to Google’s bare-bones website about the app, Bulletin stories are public and can be accessed through Google search, shared on social networks, or sent in emails and messaging apps.

Post photos, video, and messages directly to the web straight from your phone

The whole idea seems like a more focused dive into short-form news that social networks like Twitter and Facebook have typically been home to (with a greater emphasis on sourcing content from actual community members). While it will no doubt be difficult to compete with, say, Twitter, which has already become the de facto place for quick, breaking news, the placement in Google search is a powerful component that shouldn’t be underemphasized, given Google’s virtually uncontested monopoly on search.

For now, Bulletin is in a limited pilot program in Nashville, Tennessee, and Oakland, California. Users in those areas who are interested in trying out the app can sign up to be an early access user with this form.