Google Discover is a personalised feed of articles and videos shown in the Google app and on Chrome’s new tab page on mobile, without the user typing a query. Businesses can appear in it with timely, useful articles that have large, high-quality images, accurate titles and clear expertise. Discover traffic can be large but unpredictable, so it suits companies that publish guides, research or industry news regularly, as an extra channel on top of search rather than a strategy on its own.
How Discover works
Discover shows content based on a user’s interests, drawn from their activity in Google products and the topics they follow. There is nothing to submit: any page indexed by Google that meets Google’s content policies can appear. Content does not need to be new, but timely articles and topics people are following tend to appear more often.
What Google recommends
| Recommendation | How to apply it |
|---|---|
| Use large, compelling images | At least 1,200 pixels wide, and allow large previews with the max-image-preview:large robots setting |
| Write titles that capture the content | Specific and accurate; avoid clickbait and exaggeration |
| Provide timely content or unique insight | Industry changes explained quickly, original data, useful guides |
| Show expertise and trust | Named authors, sources, a clear About page |
| Follow Google’s content policies | Discover applies additional policies against misleading and sensational content |
Images matter more than in search
Discover is a visual feed. A page with only a small logo image is less likely to be shown well. Use an original, relevant featured image, and check your pages do not restrict image previews:
<meta name="robots" content="max-image-preview:large">
WordPress core has added this setting by default since version 5.7, unless a site is set to discourage search engines. On other platforms, check your page source.
Topics that suit businesses
- Explanations of changes in your industry soon after they happen, such as new regulations or platform updates
- Original research and benchmarks
- Practical guides on questions many people in your field are following
Measuring
Search Console shows a Discover performance report once a site reaches a minimum level of Discover impressions. It lists impressions, clicks and the pages shown. Expect large swings from week to week; judge over months.
What to avoid
- Clickbait titles that overpromise, which Discover’s policies discourage
- Stock images unrelated to the article
- Publishing volume without substance, hoping for a spike
Frequently asked questions
Can a B2B company get Discover traffic?
Yes, if it publishes timely, useful articles on topics its audience follows. Volume will usually be smaller than for news publishers.
Does Discover affect search rankings?
No. It is a separate surface. Good content and strong E-E-A-T help both.
Why did our Discover traffic suddenly drop?
Discover traffic naturally fluctuates with users’ interests and freshness. Check for policy issues in Search Console, but expect variation.
Sources
- Google Search Central, “Get on Discover”
- Google, Discover content policies
- Search Console Help, “Discover performance report”