Google Discover is part of Google Search that shows people content related to their interests, based on their Web and App Activity, without a search query. Google lists the Google app, the browser on google.com on an Android phone or tablet, and on some devices a swipe right from the home screen as ways to find it.
How does content appear in Discover?
According to Google, content is automatically eligible if it is indexed and meets Discover’s content policies. No special tags or structured data are needed, and being eligible is no guarantee of appearing. Discover uses many of the same signals and systems as Search to assess helpful, people-first content. Older content can appear if it is helpful and relevant to a person’s interests.
Google’s recommendations for site owners:
- Avoid clickbait and sensationalism in titles, snippets and images. Use titles that capture the essence of the content.
- Offer content that is timely, tells a story well or gives unique insights.
- Include large, high-quality images that are at least 1,200 px wide, have more than 300,000 total pixels and use a 16:9 aspect ratio. Large previews are enabled with
max-image-preview:largeor AMP. - Specify an image via schema.org markup or
og:image, and avoid generic images such as a logo.
Discover may filter out content that does not suit an interest-based feed, for example job applications, petitions, forms, code repositories or satire without context.
Why does Discover traffic change?
Google calls Discover traffic less predictable and dependable than keyword-driven search traffic and recommends treating it as supplemental. Fluctuations can come from shifting user interests, changes to the content types shown and updates to Google Search. The Performance report for Discover in Search Console shows impressions, clicks and CTR for content that appeared there in the last 16 months, as long as a minimum number of impressions is reached. It includes traffic from Chrome.
Example
A page can allow large image previews with this tag:
<meta name="robots" content="max-image-preview:large">
Common mistakes
- Clickbait in the title, snippet or image. Google advises against misleading or exaggerated details, and against withholding information needed to understand the content in order to earn clicks.
- The site logo as the preview image. Google says to avoid generic images such as the logo in schema.org markup or
og:image. Both can influence which image Discover picks. - Large previews not allowed. Large images are enabled by
max-image-preview:largeor by using AMP. - Images that are too small. Google recommends at least 1,200 px width, more than 300,000 total pixels and a 16:9 aspect ratio.
Frequently asked questions
How do I access Google Discover? Use the Google app, an Android browser on google.com, or swipe right from the home screen on some devices. Web & App Activity and personal results need to be on.
What is the difference between Google Search and Google Discover? Search answers a query. Discover suggests content based on a person’s interests and activity without one.
Sources
- Discover and your website – Google Search Centraldevelopers.google.com
- Customize what you find in Discover – Google Search Helpsupport.google.com
- Discover – Google Searchsearch.google
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