Google DiscoverDiscover is a personalized feed of content recommendations based on user interests, rather than search results that require keyword typing. Articles indexed by Google that comply with Discover policies may be eligible to appear, but Google makes no promises that they will actually be displayed.
This guide explains how Discover and Search work, their eligibility, seven optimization tips, and updated image recommendations. The user interface section from the previous article is retained for context; menu details may vary by app and region.
Google Discover is a feature that allows users to receive personalized content based on their interests. By following the guidelines above, you can maximize the use of Google Discover to increase the visibility of your content and reach a wider audience. We hope this information is helpful!
When Was Google Discover First Introduced?
Google introduced a rebranding from Google Feed to Discover in 2018. The concept is different from query-based search: content is recommended based on the user’s permitted interests and activities. For planning, differentiatesearch intentfrom interest-based recommendations, and prioritizeE-E-A-T principlewhen presenting the experience and expertise that you truly possess.
Since 2018, Google has launched a feature called Discover on the main Google Search page. Discover serves as a platform where Google presents content relevant to users’ interests based on their search history. This feature is available on both Android and iOS devices and can be accessed by clicking the “Discover” icon on the main Google Search app page.
How Does Google Discover Work?
Discover prioritizes content that users are likely to find interesting, but publishers can’t choose who sees an article. Google states that content is eligible if it’s already indexed and follows Discover policies; no special tags are required. Focus oncontent that helps readers and do not treat the increase understanding impressionsas a guarantee that the article will appear in the feed.
Google Discover is a feature designed to help users find relevant and engaging content based on their interests. Unlike traditional search, Google Discover displays content without requiring a search query from the user. To display relevant content, Google Discover uses a variety of data and advanced algorithms that optimize content from various websites.
How Google Discover Works
Google Discover uses several data and signals to determine what content to show users, including:
- User Activity: Google monitors user activity across all their products, including search history, video viewing, and interactions with content.
- History and Location: User browsing history and location settings also affect the type of content displayed.
- Followed Topics: Users can select specific topics they are interested in, and Discover will display content related to those topics.
Similar to Social Media Feeds
The Google Discover system is similar to social media feeds, tailoring content based on users’ hobbies, interests, and preferences. By understanding how Discover works, website owners can optimize their content to increase the likelihood of appearing in users’ feeds.
Difference between Discover and Search on Google
Unlike Search, appearances in Discover don’t always start with the keyword you type. Therefore, evaluate traffic from the Discover report, if available, and then use it.marketing analysisto understand engagement after visitors land on the page. Sharp fluctuations are more common than evergreen searches, so don’t confuse the two sources.
Google Discover differs from Google’s traditional search feature. While Google Search displays search results based on keywords entered by the user, Discover displays personalized content in the form of cards organized based on the user’s interests. For example, if you frequently search for technology-related information, your Discover page will display content related to technology without having to search again.
The Difference Between Google Discover and Google Feed
Google Feed was the old name for the personalization service before it was rebranded as Discover. Historical information is useful for understanding the terminology, but the UI and content criteria need to follow the latest Google documentation. Quality editorial images andfeatured image of the articlesupports article previews, provided that usage rights and image material are clear.
Google Discover is an evolution of the Google Feed, with several significant updates that make it more engaging and functional. Here are some of the key differences between the two:
- UI/UX ViewGoogle Discover has a more modern and visually appealing design. This update includes the addition of topic headers and a “Discover” icon, making it easier for users to navigate.
- User Customization: Users have more control over the content they see in Discover. Through the “Control” menu, users can set their preferences to see more or less content from certain topics.
- Access Location: Discover is now available not only in the Google app but also on the Google browser homepage, making it easier for users to access personalized content.
- Content Type: While Google Feed primarily displays news content, Discover displays a variety of content types, including evergreen content that remains relevant over the long term.
The Importance of Google Discover in SEO Optimization
Discover can be a source of additional traffic, but it’s not a substitute for SEO strategies for queries users are actually searching for. Make sure your site is usable and doesn’t slow down.page performance testingand diagnosistechnical SEODon’t promise Discover results just because all the technical elements are met.
Optimizing for Google Discover is an important part of your SEO strategy for several reasons:
- Consistent Exposure: Discover allows your content to appear consistently in users’ feeds, increasing the chances of exposure and interaction.
- Reaching Out to Old Content: Discover not only displays new content but also relevant old content, providing an opportunity for existing content to reach new audiences.
- Increase Brand Awareness: With content appearing in users’ feeds, your brand can increase visibility and brand awareness.
- Multi-Content Support: Discover supports a variety of content formats, such as blog articles and videos, providing flexibility in content strategy.
How Does Content Appear in Google Discover?
By 2026, content that is already indexed and follows Discover policies will be eligible without a specific schema. However, eligibility does not guarantee distribution. Connectcontent planningwith truly useful content quality and auditson-page SEO strategyto ensure the title does not arouse curiosity in a misleading way.
Content appearing in Google Discover is deemed to meet Google’s content requirements and policies. No special tags or other structured data are required. Google automatically displays content from highly credible sites, as measured by four main criteria:Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness (E-E-A-T).
E-E-A-T Criteria:
- Experience:Experience is key in E-E-A-T. Google rates content higher if the creator has direct experience with the topic being discussed.
- Expertise: Google prioritizes content created by experts in their fields.
- Authoritativeness: Content from reputable sites is preferred.
- Trustworthiness: Content accuracy is highly considered to ensure user trust.
What Types of Content Are Not Eligible to Appear on Google Discover?
Content that is misleading, exaggerated, manipulative, or otherwise non-compliant may be excluded. Google requires titles that capture the essence of the content, not clickbait or tactics that hide important information. Understandbenefits of page optimizationand useUTM trackingto differentiate the source of visits when assessing results.
Google Discover has strict policies regarding the types of content it deems ineligible, including:
- Harmful content
- Fraudulent practices
- Content that is harassing or spreads hate
- Manipulated media
- Misleading medical content
- Vulgar sexual content
- Terrorist content
- Violence and gory scenes
- Vulgar and impolite language
7 Tips to Get Your Website Content to Appear in Google Discover
For images, Google recommends a minimum width of 1,200 pixels, a resolution above 300,000 pixels, and a large preview viamax-image-preview:largeor AMP. Images need to be relevant, high-quality, non-misleading, and not simply a site logo. Usesite traffic qualityto read the impact of visit quality, not just total impressions.
To increase the chances of your content appearing in Google Discover, here are some tips you can follow:
1. Create an informative and interesting title
The title is the first element a user sees, so it’s crucial to create a clear, accurate, and informative title. Avoid using clickbait titles, which can diminish the credibility of your content. Instead, ensure the title accurately reflects the content and captures the reader’s interest.
Implementation Example
For example, if you’re writing an article about home gardening tips, an informative title like “10 Home Gardening Tips for Beginners” is more effective than a clickbait title like “These Gardening Secrets You Never Knew!”
2. Using High Quality Images
Engaging, high-quality images can increase the appeal of content in Google Discover. Images with a resolution of at least 1,200 pixels are highly recommended, as Google tends to favor high-quality images for display in Discover.
Implementation Example
If you’re writing an article about a tourist destination, use high-quality images that showcase the beauty of the destination. Make sure the images are high enough in resolution to look sharp and attractive on a variety of devices.
3. Avoid Using the Site Logo as the Main Image
Using your site’s logo as your main image isn’t the best way to attract readers. The main image should be relevant to the content and able to capture the user’s attention. Choose an image that accurately depicts the topic discussed in your content.
Implementation Example
If you’re writing an article about a recipe, use an image of the dish as the main image. Avoid using website logos or images that are irrelevant to the content being discussed.
4. Avoid Excessive Detail in Content Previews
Excessive detail in titles, snippets, or preview images can make content appear confusing and less engaging. Aim to present information concisely, clearly, and capture the user’s attention without providing too much unnecessary detail.
Implementation Example
When writing a snippet for an article, make sure it’s enough to convey the essence of the article without revealing the entire content. For example, “Learn how to easily make a delicious chocolate cake with simple ingredients” is more effective than “A complete recipe for making a chocolate cake with ingredients easily found at the market.”
5. Create Relevant and Informative Content
Relevant and informative content is key to engaging users on Google Discover. Ensure your content provides useful insights and is presented in an engaging and easy-to-understand manner. High-quality content is more likely to appear in Discover because Google prioritizes content that adds value to users.
Implementation Example
If you’re writing about health tips, ensure the information presented is accurate and supported by reliable sources. Create articles that are not only engaging but also provide real benefits to readers, such as “5 Tips for Maintaining Heart Health Supported by the Latest Research.”
6. Optimize On-Page SEO
On-page SEO optimization is a crucial step in ensuring your content is easily found by search engines. This includes the use of relevant keywords, engaging meta descriptions, and good content structure with appropriate use of headings (H1, H2, H3). Good SEO not only helps your content get discovered in search but also increases the chances of appearing in Google Discover.
Implementation Example
If you’re writing a smartphone buying guide, make sure the article contains relevant keywords, such as “smartphone buying guide 2024,” “tips for choosing the best smartphone,” and so on. Furthermore, ensure your meta description is engaging and concisely describes the article’s content.
7. Ensure Optimal Site Speed
Site speed is a crucial factor Google considers when ranking content. A fast-loading site not only improves the user experience but also increases the chances of your content appearing in Google Discover. Ensure your site is optimized for speed by minimizing image sizes, using caching, and fixing inefficient code.
Implementation Example
Use tools like Google PageSpeed Insights to measure and improve your site’s speed. If the results indicate your site is slow, follow the tool’s recommendations to improve page load times.
How to Access Google Discover?
Access Discover is generally through the Google app and some Google surfaces on supported devices. The user experience may vary based on account, region, and app version. Make suretrust in publishers as well as brand consistencyreflect the original publisher so that readers understand the source of the article, without pretending to have official Google certification.
To access Google Discover, follow these steps:
- Open the Google Search app on your smartphone (Android/iOS).
- On the main page, click the “Discover” menu in the bottom left corner.
- You will see a page that displays a row of cards containing the cover image, content title, site or source, and the publication date of the content.
- Click on the card to read the full content.
- To see more content, click the “More Stories” button at the bottom of the Discover page.
- You can give “Likes” to content by clicking the “Love” icon under the content title, or share the content by pressing the “Share” icon.
How to Disable Google Discover?
Users can customize their interests and recommended content through the Discover controls on their product, but the exact menu may vary by device.important page elementsremains relevant for websites that want to improve the reader experience andexamples of SEO implementationhelp organize supporting pages.
If you want to disable the Google Discover page, follow these steps:
- Open the Google Search app on your smartphone (Android/iOS).
- On the main page, click on your profile photo in the top right corner.
- Select the “Settings” menu then click the “General” option.
- On the “General” page, slide the “Discover” toggle to the left until it is gray.
How to Set Up Feeds in Google Discover?
Enabling Google Discover
To enable Google Discover, follow these steps:
- Open the Google app on your phone.
- Click the profile icon at the top right of the screen.
- Select Settings.
- Scroll down and select Discover.
- Enable the Google Discover feature.
Setting up Google Discover
To set Google Discover to show more relevant content, follow these steps:
- Open the Google app on your phone.
- Navigate to the Google home page.
- Click on the content card you want to read.
- Scroll down the screen to find more content.
- Click the “More Stories” button at the bottom of the page to see more content.
Setting Interests in Google Discover
To set interests in Google Discover, follow these steps:
- Open the Google app on your phone.
- Click the Box icon at the bottom right of the screen.
- Scroll down and select Follow topic.
- Choose a topic that interests you.
- Click Follow.
By managing interests, users can delete topics that are no longer relevant or add new topics they want to follow.
Google Discover eligibility checklist for publishers
- Make sure the page is indexable and does not violate Discover policies.
- Create a title that describes the content without clickbait.
- Choose relevant editorial images that are at least 1,200 pixels in size when available.
- Check the large preview rules and the appropriate og:image.
- Display author identity, source, and page information clearly.
- Keep the mobile experience and reduce elements that cover the content.
- Use Search Console to check Discover performance when data is available.
- Check whether incoming traffic is generating results conversion measurementrelevant without considering impressions as business results.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Google Discover?
A personalized content recommendation feed based on user interests across Google products that support it.
What is the difference between Google Discover and Search?
Search begins with a user query, while Discover recommends content based on interests and other signals.
Do I have to use a special schema to appear?
No. Google states that indexed content that follows Discover policies is automatically eligible.
Can old articles appear in Discover?
Yes, if it is still relevant and useful to the user’s interests, without any guarantee of appearance.
Will all indexed articles appear in Discover?
No. Eligibility is not the same as guaranteed distribution.
What is the image size for Google Discover?
Google recommends images of at least 1,200 pixels and relevant high-resolution quality.
What is the function of max-image-preview:large?
This setting allows large image previews when Google chooses to display them.
Does clickbait help Discover?
Misleading titles and sensational material that does not meet the policy may reduce eligibility.
Where is the Discover report in Search Console?
Discover reports may appear if the site data meets the report display requirements.
How to measure the success of Discover traffic?
Look for quality visits, engagement, and relevant business actions; don’t just chase clicks.
