How to Get Traffic From Google Discover for Your Website
How Google Discover chooses articles, the image settings it needs, and practical steps to earn a place in peopleβs feeds.
Google Discover is the feed of articles shown in the Google app and on many Android home screens. Unlike search, nobody types a query. Google recommends content based on each person's interests. For publishers and blogs, a single article picked up by Discover can bring more visitors in a day than search brings in a month β and then vanish just as quickly.
How Discover differs from search
- No keywords. Content is matched to interests, not queries.
- Freshness matters. New and timely content is favoured, though evergreen articles can appear too.
- Images are central. Each card is dominated by a large picture.
- Traffic is volatile. Spikes and drops are normal, not necessarily a sign of a problem.
Technical requirements
There is no application process. Indexed pages that meet Google's content policies are eligible. To give your articles the best chance:
- Use large, high-quality images at least 1200 pixels wide.
- Allow large previews with the robots meta setting
max-image-preview:large, or by using AMP. Without it, Google may show only a small thumbnail, which is far less attractive. - Avoid using your logo as the main image of an article.
- Make sure the page is mobile-friendly and loads quickly.
Content that tends to do well
- Timely stories and new information in your niche.
- Content with a unique angle, original reporting, data or first-hand experience.
- Strong visual topics: food, travel, cars, gadgets, fashion, home.
- Helpful explainers on subjects people follow closely.
Sites with a clear focus and a consistent history of quality in a topic area tend to see more Discover traffic, because Google can match them to interested readers.
Headlines: interesting, not clickbait
Google's Discover guidelines specifically warn against clickbait and sensational tactics β exaggerating details, withholding crucial information to force a click, or using emotional bait. Headlines should capture the essence of the article honestly. "Why our electricity bill fell 30% after these five changes" is specific and intriguing. "You won't BELIEVE what happened to our bill!!" breaks the guidelines. The free Discover headline generator helps you write engaging headlines that stay within the rules; see how to write Discover headlines without clickbait.
Measure Discover separately
Search Console has a dedicated Discover report once your site gets enough Discover traffic. Look at which articles performed and what they have in common β topic, image style, headline type. Expect large swings: Discover traffic often arrives in bursts over a day or two after publication.
Common reasons for a sudden drop
- Normal fluctuation as interest in a topic fades.
- Images that are small or not allowed as large previews.
- A shift to clickbait headlines or thin, repetitive content.
- Broader quality issues affecting the site in search as well.
Make sure your share images are large and working with the image URL checker.
Related guides
More free tools: browse all our free AI search tools, no sign-up needed.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to sign up for Google Discover?
No. Indexed content that meets Google's policies is automatically eligible.
What image size does Discover need?
At least 1200 pixels wide, with large image previews allowed by your robots meta settings.
Why is my Discover traffic so unpredictable?
Discover follows changing interests and freshness. Spikes and drops are normal for most sites.
Can evergreen content appear in Discover?
Yes, though timely content is more common. Updated, high-quality evergreen articles can resurface.