Source: Search Engine Roundtable by barry@rustybrick.com (Barry Schwartz). Read the original article
TL;DR Summary of Google Discover’s Experimentation with X (Twitter) Posts Visibility
Google Discover is currently testing new ways to display posts from X (formerly Twitter). At present, it appears that only posts from accounts users follow are shown, excluding content from non-followed accounts. This limited visibility approach is part of Google’s ongoing experimentation to optimize X content integration in Discover feeds.
Optimixed’s Overview: How Google Discover is Refining X Content Visibility for Users
Google’s Strategic Experimentation with Social Content in Discover
Google Discover has long included posts from X (formerly Twitter), but recent observations reveal a shift in how this content is curated. The platform now seems to prioritize showing X posts exclusively from accounts that a user already follows, rather than surfacing posts from a broader range of sources.
Key Insights into the Experiment
- Limited content scope: Only posts from followed accounts appear in the Discover feed, restricting exposure to new voices.
- Official confirmation: Rajan Patel, Google’s VP of Engineering for Search, confirmed ongoing experiments with various approaches to integrating X content.
- User feedback: Some users have requested Google to expand visibility to non-followed accounts to enhance content diversity.
- Potential risks and benefits: While this approach might improve relevance by focusing on known accounts, it could also reduce content discovery and limit the diversity of information presented.
Implications for SEO and Content Creators
Content creators and SEO professionals should monitor these changes closely, as Google’s evolving algorithm for social media content in Discover could impact content reach. Building a strong follower base on X might become increasingly important to ensure visibility in Google Discover feeds.
