Introduction to Google Discover Updates
Google is rolling out two significant updates to its Discover feature, which could change the way your content reaches its audience. The updates include the ability to follow publishers directly in Discover and the integration of social posts from various platforms.
What’s New in Google Discover
Signed-in users can now follow their favorite publishers and creators directly within the Discover feed. When a user taps on a name, they will see a dedicated space showcasing that source’s content across different formats. If they like what they see, they can choose to follow the source to receive more of their content over time.
Following Publishers and Creators
The process of following publishers and creators is straightforward. Users can preview a publisher or creator’s content, including articles, YouTube videos, and social posts, before deciding to follow them. This feature allows users to have more control over the content they see in their Discover feed.
Social Posts in Discover
In the coming weeks, Google Discover will start showing posts from social media platforms like X and Instagram, as well as YouTube Shorts. This integration will provide users with a more diverse range of content in their Discover feed. According to Google, users have expressed interest in seeing a mix of content, including videos and social posts, in addition to articles.
Examples of the Updates
To give users a better idea of what the updates will look like, Google has provided examples of the dedicated publisher space and in-feed social media posts in Discover. These examples demonstrate how the updates will change the user experience and provide more personalized content.
Why These Updates Matter
The updates to Google Discover are significant because they provide publishers and creators with more opportunities to reach their audience. The follow button gives publishers a direct, opt-in signal from users, which can help stabilize Discover traffic over time. This update is also in line with Google’s preferred sources feature in Top Stories, which allows users to choose the news outlets they want to see more often.
Looking Ahead
The follow button is available starting today for signed-in users, and social posts will appear in the coming weeks as the integration rolls out. These updates point to more user-directed personalization across Search surfaces, giving users more control over the content they see.
Conclusion
The updates to Google Discover are exciting for both users and publishers. The ability to follow publishers and creators directly, along with the integration of social posts, provides a more personalized and diverse range of content in the Discover feed. As the updates roll out, it will be interesting to see how they impact the way content is consumed and shared. With more control over the content they see, users can expect a better experience, and publishers can expect more opportunities to reach their target audience.