seo
How to Get on Google Discover: A Complete Guide
Published: 09/09/25 - Updated: 09/09/25
Introduction: Why Google Discover Matters
Google Discover is a personalized feed of articles, videos, and updates shown to users on mobile devices and in the Google app. Unlike traditional search, it surfaces content before someone searches—based on interests, browsing behavior, and engagement patterns.
For publishers and businesses, getting featured on Discover can mean millions of impressions, especially since it’s driven by relevance rather than keyword queries. So how do you position your content to appear there? Let’s break it down.
What is Google Discover?
Google Discover is part of Google’s mobile experience, designed to recommend content tailored to each user. Instead of search results for explicit queries, it delivers a curated feed using signals like:
- Past searches
- Activity across Google services (e.g., YouTube, Maps)
- Followed topics and interests
Importantly, Google Discover is not about keyword targeting—it’s about quality, relevance, and engagement signals.
For background, Google offers an official guide to Discover with best practices.
How to Get on Google Discover
1. Meet Technical Eligibility Requirements
- Your site must be indexed by Google.
- Use Google News Publisher Center if relevant, but you do not need to be in Google News to appear in Discover.
- Ensure mobile-friendly design, as Discover is almost entirely mobile-based.
- Use HTTPS for secure browsing.
2. Focus on High-Quality, People-First Content
Discover prioritizes content that demonstrates E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness). This means:
- Publish original, insightful articles rather than rehashed summaries.
- Include clear author bios and, where possible, expert credentials.
Cover topics in a way that provides depth and context.
3. Optimize for Engagement and Relevance
Since Discover is personalized, engagement signals are key:
- Write compelling headlines that spark curiosity without clickbait.
- Use high-resolution images (at least 1200 px wide) with the proper settings so Google can display them full-bleed in Discover.
- Publish timely content on trending topics relevant to your audience.
- Encourage sharing and interactions, as these reinforce relevance signals.
4. Use Visuals Strategically
Discover is a visually rich feed. To improve your chances:
- Add feature images that are eye-catching and contextually relevant.
- Use video where possible, as multimedia increases engagement.
- Avoid stock photos where unique visuals are available.
5. Align Content with User Interests
Think beyond keywords. Google Discover surfaces content aligned with users’ interests, such as:
- Evergreen guides (e.g., “How to invest in 2025”)
- Trending industry updates
- Lifestyle and entertainment content
- Local events and timely news
This means blending evergreen authority content with timely, trend-driven updates.
Common Misconceptions About Google Discover
- You can’t “force” your way in: There’s no tag or schema that guarantees placement.
- It’s not SEO in the classic sense: While technical SEO helps, content quality and relevance matter far more than keyword optimization.
- Clickbait hurts in the long run: Misleading titles may temporarily spike clicks but reduce trust signals, hurting long-term visibility.
Measuring Success on Google Discover
You can track Discover performance inside Google Search Console under the “Performance > Discover” report. Metrics include:
- Impressions
- Clicks
- CTR (Click-Through Rate)
This data is only available if your content has appeared in Discover, so seeing this report is already a positive sign.
The Future of Google Discover
With AI-driven personalization expanding, Google Discover is becoming a key traffic source beyond search queries. As LLM-powered features like Google AI Overviews grow, content optimized for clarity, expertise, and engagement will be more likely to surface across both Discover and AI-driven search.
Conclusion: A Content Strategy for Discover Success
If you want to know how to get on Google Discover, the answer isn’t a single trick—it’s a combination of:
- Strong technical foundations
- People-first, authoritative content
- Visuals that stand out
- Timely, relevant publishing
By consistently delivering value and optimizing for user engagement, your content stands a far greater chance of being surfaced by Google Discover—and cited by AI systems relying on Google’s content ecosystem.
Ed Coles
Ed is the SEO Lead at Kaizen, with 8 years experience in the SEO industry. Having worked across various agencies from small to large multinational independents, Ed initially started in the world of PPC before quickly moving to the world of SEO. From helping clients in the third sector and retail, to working on larger global ecommerce sites, Ed has been responsible for supporting the roll out and delivery of global SEO strategies in EMEA and NORA across some iconic brands such as Vans, Timberland, The North Face, LEGO, and Adidas, among many others.