Looks like Google is testing a new one mobile search function which would reveal the TikTok and Instagram videos in their own dedicated carousel – the apparent response of the search giant to the growing appetite for short-form video content.
The new feature will extend to a test feature launched by Google earlier this year, which nested a carousel of “Short Videos” in the custom Google Discover tab. While the original version of the feature focused on aggregating videos from Google-owned platforms such as YouTube and the Tangi short video project, Instagram and TikTok content will be included in the update.
The move is probably designed to help Google maintain its useThere are those who just want to let their eyes shine and watch a cat in pajama pants for a few minutes as an excuse not to feel anything for a while – that is. everyone. For example, when a user clicks on a short video in the carousel, it will be directed to a web version of its native platform, rather than being transported to its appropriate application – which means users will have more chances press the Back button and return to Google than they will fall into an endless scroll hole.
A Google spokesman confirmed TechCrunch that the function is currently being tested on mobile devices, but said that the carousel is still in its infancy and does not yet appear next to every search query.
The new “Short Videos” carousel is still completely separate from the “Stories” feature that Google introduced for the search engine for iOS and Android in October 2020. Formerly known as “AMP Stories,” Stories are made up of compiled content. a short list of Google’s digital publishing partners, which includes Forbes, USA Today, Vice, Now This, Bustle, Thrillist and others.
G / O Media may receive a commission