Google Discover serves content to over 800 million monthly users based on their interests, even when they are not searching. For websites that crack the Discover algorithm, it can become a massive traffic source delivering tens of thousands of visitors per article with zero search query dependency.
How Google Discover Works
Unlike Google Search, Discover pushes content to users proactively based on their browsing history, search behavior, and topic interests. Content appears in the Google app and mobile Chrome homepage. Discover favors fresh, engaging content with high-quality images from authoritative sites.
Content That Performs on Discover
Trending topics, interesting data, unique perspectives, and visually compelling articles tend to perform best. Listicles, how-to guides with strong visual elements, and content that sparks curiosity get the highest click-through rates from the Discover feed.
Image Optimization Is Critical
Discover is a visual feed. Use high-quality images at least 1200 pixels wide. Enable the max-image-preview robots meta tag to allow Google to display large image previews. Compelling thumbnails dramatically increase CTR from the Discover feed.
Technical Requirements
Your site must be indexed by Google, mobile-friendly, and have fast loading speeds. Implement AMP or ensure excellent Core Web Vitals. Use structured data markup where appropriate. These technical foundations are prerequisites for appearing in Discover.
Google Discover is free traffic that most website owners ignore completely. Optimize your content and technical setup for Discover, and you can unlock a powerful new traffic channel that complements your existing SEO strategy.