How to Add Your Website to Google Discover

How to Add Your Website to Google Discover Using Google Search Console

Introduction

Google Discover is a personalized content feed that appears in the Google app and on mobile devices. It shows users articles, videos, and other content based on their interests—without them needing to search. While you cannot manually submit content to Google Discover, you can optimize your website and use Google Search Console to monitor eligibility and performance.

This article explains what Google Discover is, how to ensure your site is eligible, how to set up Google Search Console correctly, and best practices to increase your chances of appearing in Discover.

What Is Google Discover?

Google Discover is a mobile-focused feed that automatically surfaces content Google believes users will find interesting. It prioritizes:

  • High-quality, timely content

  • Strong images and visual storytelling

  • Pages that demonstrate expertise, experience, authority, and trust (E-E-A-T)

Important note: There is no button or form to “add” your site to Discover. Inclusion is automatic if your site meets Google’s criteria.

Step 1: Add Your Website to Google Search Console

To be eligible for Google Discover, your website must first be verified in Google Search Console.

How to Add a Property

  1. Go to Google Search Console

  2. Click Add Property

  3. Choose one of the following:

    • Domain (recommended – covers all subdomains and protocols)

    • URL Prefix (specific URL only)

  4. Verify ownership using one of these methods:

    • DNS record (for Domain property)

    • HTML file upload

    • HTML meta tag

    • Google Analytics or Google Tag Manager

Once verified, Google can begin collecting data.

Step 2: Ensure Your Site Is Eligible for Google Discover

Your site must meet Google Discover content policies and technical requirements.

Key Eligibility Requirements

  • Pages must be indexed by Google

  • Content must follow Google Search and Discover policies

  • The site should be mobile-friendly

  • HTTPS is strongly recommended

You can check indexing status in Search Console under Pages.

Step 3: Optimize Content for Google Discover

Although Discover traffic cannot be forced, these best practices improve your chances:

1. Use High-Quality Images

  • Minimum width: 1200px

  • Enable the max-image-preview:large setting

  • Avoid logos or low-resolution images

2. Create Evergreen and Timely Content

  • Publish news, trends, and updates relevant to your niche

  • Refresh older articles to keep them current

3. Write Clear, Non-Clickbait Headlines

  • Titles should accurately reflect the content

  • Avoid misleading or exaggerated language

4. Demonstrate E-E-A-T

  • Show author names and bios

  • Include sources and references

  • Maintain a clear About and Contact page

Step 4: Enable Large Image Previews

To allow Google Discover to show large images:

Add this meta tag to your page header:

<meta name="robots" content="max-image-preview:large">

Or apply it site-wide via your CMS or SEO plugin.

Step 5: Monitor Discover Performance in Search Console

If your site appears in Google Discover, a Discover report will automatically appear in Search Console.

How to Access It

  1. Open Google Search Console

  2. Select your property

  3. Click Discover under the Performance section

Metrics You Can Track

  • Impressions

  • Clicks

  • Click-through rate (CTR)

If you don’t see the Discover report, it means your site has not yet received Discover traffic.

Common Reasons Sites Don’t Appear in Discover

  • Low-quality or thin content

  • Reused or syndicated content without value

  • Poor mobile experience

  • Lack of visual elements

  • Policy violations

Final Thoughts

You cannot manually add your site to Google Discover, but you can increase your chances by:

  • Verifying your site in Google Search Console

  • Publishing high-quality, original, and engaging content

  • Optimizing for mobile and visuals

  • Following Google’s content policies

With consistent effort and quality content, Google Discover traffic can become a powerful source of visibility and engagement.