Google Discover Desktop Data Already Trackable In Search Console via @sejournal, @MattGSouthern
Google Discover desktop data is already trackable in Search Console. Here's how to prepare ahead of the full rollout. The post Google Discover Desktop Data Already Trackable In Search Console appeared first on Search Engine Journal.
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Google Discover desktop data is already trackable in Search Console. Here's how to prepare ahead of the full rollout.
Data suggests Google Discover has been in testing on desktop for over 16 months. Desktop Discover data reveals lower traffic than mobile (only 4% in the US). Publishers can access their desktop Discover performance now in Search Console.Google recently confirmed that Discover is coming to desktop search, but new findings show it has been in testing for over 16 months.
If you know where to look, this data is already available in Search Console.
Hidden Desktop Discover Data in Search Console
Google announced Discover for desktop at the Search Central Live event in Madrid.
Now, John Shehata, CEO of NewzDash, has found that desktop data has been tracked in Search Console since early 2024.
Shehata shared on LinkedIn:
“Google Discover on desktop is finally here–and it’s already been quietly tracked in Google Search Console! Thanks to a simple URL tweak, we now have access to 16 months of Discover desktop data–right inside GSC.”
How to Access Desktop Discover Data
Want to see your desktop Discover stats? Just add special text to your Search Console URL.
Shehata explained:
“I added &metrics=CLICKS&compare_device=MOBILE&device=DESKTOP to the Discover URL in GSC. This let me compare desktop vs. mobile Discover performance.”
SEJ has tested this method and confirmed it works for revealing desktop Discover data.
Key Findings From Early Desktop Discover Data
Looking at 9.6 billion impressions, Shehata found:
Google has been testing desktop Discover for at least 16 months Big jumps in traffic happened around July 30, 2024, and October 2024 Desktop traffic is only about 4% of mobile Discover traffic in the US Mobile click rates are nearly twice as high as desktop in most countries New Zealand appears to be a test market with desktop traffic at 18% of mobile levels Desktop data isn’t shown for many countries in Search ConsoleOptimizing Content for Desktop Discover
While the basic rules are similar to mobile Discover, consider these desktop-specific tips:
Track both devices: Set up GA4 filters to separate desktop and mobile Discover traffic using “pubsub2” referrer filters with device settings Use good images: Desktop screens show images differently, but Google still wants high-quality photos (at least 1200px wide) Craft smart headlines: Discover seems to favor headlines with a “curiosity gap,” providing enough information to interest readers while withholding key details.What This Means for SEO Pros
The desktop rollout brings both chances and challenges. Desktop users browse differently from mobile users, which affects how content performs.
Shehata noted:
“This data opens up a new layer of Discover strategy. Desktop Discover is still in its early stages, but now’s the time to start analyzing.”
Google hasn’t announced when desktop Discover will fully launch. However, this hidden data provides publishers with a head start in understanding this new traffic source.
Featured Image: Below the Sky/Shutterstock
SEJ STAFF Matt G. Southern Senior News Writer at Search Engine Journal
Matt G. Southern, Senior News Writer, has been with Search Engine Journal since 2013. With a bachelor’s degree in communications, ...
