Google is experimenting with something new to make the Discover feed more social

The Google Discover section of the Google app has started showing the likes counter for articles, at least to those lucky few involved in a new experiment carried out by the Mountain View giant.

This aspect would make the Discover feed more “social”, also considering that Google does not have a real social network following the closure of Google+.

join us on telegram

Google Discover: the counter of likes for articles is tested

Google is testing the counter of the number of likes left by users on articles: this could be a useful metric for the user to choose what to read while browsing the Google Discover feed.

It has long been possible to leave feedback, positive or negative, on an article found in the Discover feed: although at first the feedback mechanism was based on leaving a thumbs up for the appreciation of content or a thumb down in case on the contrary, for some time now the mechanism has been modified, transforming the appreciation into a heart-shaped icon and moving the contempt within the context menu, making it like “I don’t care” and the like.

To date, leaving an appreciation for an article only refines the content that is shown within your Discover feed and some users may be surprised that their feedback is shared (anonymously) and exploited to provide information as well. to other users (purpose of the ongoing experiment).

If the test is positive, therefore, the like button could experience a second life within Discover. This could, however, have (partly) negative repercussions, especially on the small publications that, every day, try to make their way among the information giants, to break through the hearts of users.

When will we be able to see the news?

At the moment, the like counter is in an experimental phase and has only been spotted within a block of articles relating to a particular topic and by a very small number of users.

We do not know if and when Google will decide to extend this novelty of Google Discover to more users, perhaps to subscribers to the Beta Program of the Google app. We will keep you updated in case of further developments.

Leave a Comment