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Google has rolled out a significant update to its popular Discover feed, giving users much more control over how they experience the content. This feature is primarily available on mobile devices, blending search interests with a social-style stream of articles and updates that Google believes will interest the user.
What’s New?
A new “Follow” button has been introduced in Discover, allowing users to tailor their feeds more precisely. With this feature, users can follow specific content creators, integrating posts from platforms like Instagram, X, or YouTube Shorts directly into their Discover stream. Additionally, users can now search for and follow publishers directly, making the content more relevant and personalized.
Why This Matters
Google’s motivation for this update stems from user feedback expressing a desire for more creator-driven content within Discover. The change signifies an effort to elevate Discover’s role, positioning it as a stronger competitor to social media platforms like X and Instagram by merging search capabilities with social content.
This move also aligns with recent developments, such as Google’s efforts to make it easier to follow brands in Top Stories and Google News. Ultimately, this creates a more interactive and engaging experience, which could serve as a testing ground for additional AI-powered features in the future.
Why Should You Care?
This update provides a new level of customization for your feed, moving beyond simple dismiss options. Now, you have more control to shape what content appears based on your interests, not just your search history. It also allows for better filtering of algorithmic biases, helping users discover more engaging, relevant content. For creators, this feature offers a valuable way to connect directly with audiences, which is especially important as people seek out more trusted sources amid the rise of AI-generated content.
What’s Next?
To start customizing your Discover experience, consider adding Digital Trends as a preferred source—just tap “Follow” when you see us in Discover. The follow feature is now available, with social card integrations from platforms like Instagram and YouTube Shorts gradually rolling out to select users on Android and iOS. Also, there’s potential for deeper integration across Google services such as Search and News, as Google aims to develop Discover into a comprehensive social space for users.
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