Google Discover, known for surfacing fresh content, seems to be taking a turn with its new Follow feature.
Traditionally, the platform showcases less than a day-old content, prioritizing recent updates. However, since the introduction of the Follow feature, users like Glenn Gabe, have noticed a shift.
Gabe, a senior SEO consultant and an avid Google Discover user, observed a notable increase in the display of older content in his feed.
In Fact, He Shared On X:
“With the move to following topics in Discover, I have noticed an interesting trend. To populate the feed with content based on the topics I'm following, I'm seeing more articles that are from weeks, or even months ago. That could always happen, but I'm seeing that more now... So if you're seeing less traffic from Discover, this could also be playing a role. i.e. Google isn't providing as much *recent* content, but instead, focusing on providing targeted content based on the topics you are following. I'll keep tracking this over time and share more. Stay tuned.”
Instead of emphasizing recent content, the algorithm prioritises delivering targeted content based on the user's followed topics.
This observation raises interesting questions about the impact of the Follow feature on content recency.
If a user follows a specific topic, and Google Discover aims to showcase authoritative content…it might encounter challenges in finding new and relevant content for that specific topic.
In such cases, the algorithm appears to lean towards displaying older but authoritative content linked to the user's interests.
The Logic Is Clear
If you're following a particular topic, and Google Discover prioritizes authoritative content, the platform may struggle to present the latest updates.
Consequently, users may notice older yet reputable content appearing more frequently in their feeds.
As Google continues to refine its algorithms, user experiences on platforms like Google Discover are subject to change.
In essence, it highlights the ongoing efforts to balance fresh updates with authoritative content by improving the Follow feature.
