Google starts featuring videos from TikTok and Instagram directly in Search

A few months ago, Google started adding “Short Videos” to its Discover panel but now this test has been expanded to Search. The expansion of Short Videos, which show Instagram and TikTok videos, to Search means that users may see a dedicated panel when searching for specific topics.

The move is expected to help Google keep its users from leaving the platform completely by allowing them to watch entertaining Instagram and TikTok videos in a dedicated carousel in Google search for mobile devices.

Google Search Short Videos

Google starts featuring videos from TikTok and Instagram directly in Search

Previously, this panel within Google Discover would highlight content from sites such as Instagram and TikTok within a scrollable carousel on Android devices. However, the addition of these new Short Videos to Search means that users may see a dedicated panel when searching for specific topics in the Google app or in a mobile browser.

via TechCrunch

It is important to note that this Short Videos carousel is not the same as Google Stories, a feature the company introduced in October 2020. The Stories only allow the company’s online publishing partners to share short video clips on the platform, whereas the Short Videos carousel will be focused on pushing short-form video content from other platforms.

If you search for something and select one of the “Short Videos” within this Search carousel section, you will be taken to the web version of the social platform – not the native mobile app, even if the app may be installed on your device.

A spokesperson for the company told TechCrunch that the Short videos within Search  “feature was currently being piloted on mobile devices” which means that the feature is not available for all users. We do not know how widely this new Search panel is available or if it will become a permanent feature on the platform.

However, keeping in mind the popularity of short-form video platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels, the search engine giant’s latest move seems like it will become a permanent fixture on the platform.

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About the Author

Asma is an editor at iThinkDifferent with a strong focus on social media, Apple news, streaming services, guides, mobile gaming, app reviews, and more. When not blogging, Asma loves to play with her cat, draw, and binge on Netflix shows.