Google is now implementing its own link shorteners, search.app and share.google, for content shared via the Google Discover feature. This change affects how links appear when shared, obscuring the original source while still providing rich previews that include images and descriptions. While some may view this modification as unnecessary, it is gradually being rolled out to more users. For those using Android flagships, Google Discover is a familiar feature that allows users to access personalized news articles, videos, and other relevant content.
Many individuals appreciate sharing interesting finds with their friends and family. However, the recent shift in how links are shared could be seen as bothersome to some users. In the past, when sharing content from Google Discover, URLs were straightforward and recognizable. Users could instantly identify the website linked in the shared content.
Social media platforms and messaging apps would typically generate rich previews, displaying the website’s meta description and featured image if compatible with standard web practices. With the new approach, Google has introduced its link shorteners, transforming regular URLs into search.app and share.google links. This change is now being made available to a larger user base. Although these shortened links may conceal the original website, Google includes a standard text message mentioning the website’s name, allowing users to modify or remove this information if they choose.
Fortunately, Google has managed to retain the metadata, ensuring that rich previews are still visible when sharing these shortened URLs on platforms like WhatsApp. The practice of link shortening is not unusual. While it can be beneficial for sharing lengthy URLs, it often serves primarily to collect analytic data on user interactions. Other platforms, such as X (formerly Twitter) and Apple News, have also adopted similar practices.
Have you encountered shortened URLs when sharing content from Google Discover? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
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