Google Discover is rolling out a major update with a new Follow button that lets users subscribe to publishers and creators directly. Along with support for more content types like Instagram posts, X (Twitter) updates, and YouTube Shorts, this update gives you greater control to personalize your Discover feed. Here's how the new features work, why they matter, and how both users and creators can make the most of them.
What Is Google Discover?
Google Discover is a personalized content feed available in the Google app and on many Android devices. Unlike Search, which waits for you to type a query, Discover proactively recommends content based on your interests.
Until now, customization options were limited to negative filters, such as:
See less content like this
Not interested in [topic]
Don't show content from [site]
These controls helped reduce unwanted content, but they didn't allow users to actively curate what they wanted to see more of.
New Feature: Follow Publishers and Creators
The most significant update is the new Follow button in Discover.
Here's how it works:
While browsing in Discover, tap the Follow button in the top-right corner of an article card.
Once followed, you'll start seeing more content from that publisher or creator in your Discover feed.
Tapping the profile image + name on the left opens a dedicated page with:
Recent articles
YouTube videos
Social posts from Instagram and X (Twitter)
Wikipedia descriptions (when available)
Note: This feature is available only when you are signed into your Google account and is rolling out gradually.
Discover Is Adding More Content Types
Alongside the Follow button, Google is also broadening the variety of content shown in Discover. In addition to traditional articles, you'll now see:
Instagram posts
X (Twitter) updates
YouTube Shorts
More platforms are expected to be integrated in the future, with testing already underway since early 2024.
This shift reflects Google's goal of making Discover "one convenient spot" where you can see updates from your favorite voices, publishers, and platforms.
Why This Matters
For Users
Gain greater control over your feed by actively following trusted sources.
Discover becomes less random and more tailored to your personal interests.
For Publishers & Creators
A new opportunity to build a direct audience within Google Discover.
More chances for visibility as users follow and engage with your brand.
Multi-platform content (articles, videos, social posts) can all appear in one place.
How to Make the Most of Google Discover
For everyday users:
Follow your favorite news sites, YouTube channels, and creators directly.
Use "Not interested" filters to fine-tune your feed over time.
For publishers and creators:
Ensure your website is mobile-friendly and optimized for Discover eligibility.
Publish high-quality, original content that aligns with Google's E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness) standards.
Encourage your readers to hit "Follow" in Discover for better retention and recurring traffic.
Final Thoughts
With these updates, Google Discover is evolving from an algorithm-only recommendation engine into a hybrid of personalized subscriptions and automated suggestions.
For users, this means a more relevant, interest-driven feed. For creators, it's a chance to reach audiences more directly than ever before.
As more social platforms are integrated, Discover could soon become the go-to hub for news, videos, and social updates all in one place.
