Pokemon GO PokeStop's AR screenshot has a tiny shiny surprise

Pokemon GO PokeStop
Pokemon GO discuss a surprise appearance on a PokeStop (Image via The Pokemon Company)

In a delightful discovery that has captured the attention of the Pokemon GO community, Reddit user ICEY171 found a PokeStop featuring a Shiny Weedle peeking out from an AR screenshot. This was done at a custom-nominated PokeStop, and not one at an officially placed location.

"This waypoint was accepted while having an AR screenshot of shiny weedle"

The community response to this find was mixed, with some users humorously suggesting that the Weedle might just be a real one walking around.

Comment byu/ICEY171 from discussion inpokemongo

However, others shared their struggles and successes with PokeStop nominations, providing valuable insights into the process.

Eth43va lamented their inability to get nominations accepted, despite persistent efforts. Tiny-Platform1392 pointed out that in their town, recent PokeStop descriptions have become more detailed, which might aid in the acceptance process.

ICEY171's post stirred up a discussion among Pokemon GO players (Image via Reddit)
ICEY171's post stirred up a discussion among Pokemon GO players (Image via Reddit)

A particularly insightful response came from TrailMomKat, who described their dedication to improving their village's Pokemon infrastructure. They moved to a village with only a few stops and gyms but managed to increase these numbers significantly through careful and detailed nominations.

They emphasized the importance of good spelling and grammar and educational facts about historical locations to improve the chances of acceptance.

Players provide further inputs regarding the PokeStop nominations (Image via Reddit)
Players provide further inputs regarding the PokeStop nominations (Image via Reddit)

Despite these tips, frustration was evident among some users, like reddevil18, who meticulously followed the rules but still faced rejections. They noticed random, seemingly non-compliant PokeStops getting approved in their area.

Another user, Significant-Ant-2078, expressed their exasperation with seeing non-stationary soccer goals and sheds labeled as churches becoming PokeStops, while their well-researched submissions were overlooked.

Also read: Pokemon GO Adventure Week 2024 Timed Research


How to nominate a PokeStop in Pokemon GO?

PokeStops in Pokemon GO (Image via The Pokemon Company)
PokeStops in Pokemon GO (Image via The Pokemon Company)

Nominating a PokeStop in Pokemon GO involves several steps and a fair bit of effort, but understanding the process can significantly improve your chances of success.

Account Requirements

Firstly, you need to be at Level 37 and have an adult account to make a nomination. If you haven’t reached this level yet, focus on leveling up or ask a fellow player to nominate on your behalf.

Submission Process

  1. Go to your menu: Navigate to the Main Menu, select Settings, and then choose New PokeStop to start your submission.
  2. Place the orange pin: Set the orange pin on the map at the desired public location, ensuring it is correctly positioned.
  3. Take a photo: Capture a clear photo of the landmark without including pedestrians, animals, or any copyright-protected content.
  4. Submit additional photos: Provide more images from different angles to add context and support the evaluation process.
  5. Enter a title and description: Give a clear title and a descriptive backstory for the landmark to help the community understand its significance.
  6. Submit your nomination: Preview your nomination, make any necessary corrections, and then submit it for evaluation.

While not every nomination will be approved by Niantic, providing detailed and accurate information can improve your chances. The community's feedback highlights the importance of persistence, attention to detail, and sometimes a bit of luck in the nomination process.

Also read: GO Adventure Week 2024 - Exploring the shiny odds


In conclusion, the discovery of a Shiny Weedle in a PokeStop AR screenshot has not only delighted Pokemon GO fans but also shed light on the intricacies of PokeStop nominations.

Following the outlined steps and heeding the community’s advice enhances the chances of contributing valuable landmarks to the game.


To learn more about Pokemon GO, check out our other guides and coverage: