Google has recently made some changes to its features, including the removal of Web Stories from image search results, the removal of the carousel view in Google Discover, and the transformation of the grid view into a carousel view in Google search results. This announcement was made by Google to align their documentation with the current appearance of these features.
Web Stories, previously known as AMP Stories, were launched by Google in 2018. They were later introduced to Google Discover in 2020. However, in May 2020, Google removed teaser-based Web Stories. Despite becoming popular among publishers, Web Stories have faced criticism for their low quality and spammy content.
The recent changes made by Google mean that Web Stories will no longer appear in image search results, the carousel view in Google Discover has been removed, and the grid view in Google search results has been replaced by a carousel view. These changes have led many to believe that Web Stories may eventually disappear altogether.
The reaction to this news has been mixed. Some have expressed their belief that Web Stories have been on the decline for a while now, with the carousel view in Discover becoming less common and many stories being of low quality. Others have criticized Web Stories for providing a poor user experience and taking up space that could be used for legitimate content.
For publishers who relied on Web Stories for traffic, these changes may require a shift in strategy. It is clear that Google is reducing the visibility of Web Stories and it is possible that they will continue to show fewer of them in the future.
In conclusion, Google has made significant changes to its features, removing Web Stories from image search results, the carousel view in Google Discover, and transforming the grid view into a carousel view in Google search results. These changes have sparked mixed reactions and may require publishers to adjust their strategies. It remains to be seen how this will impact the future of Web Stories.
