In a significant move to enhance efficiency and user experience, Google has announced that starting in March 2025, all publication pages in Google News will be automatically generated. This transition aims to streamline the publisher workflow and simplify the product experience by eliminating manual publication submissions and customizations.
Key Changes and Implications
- Discontinuation of Manual Customization: Publishers will no longer have the ability to create or customize their publication pages in Google News manually. Existing manually created pages will be replaced by automatically generated ones.
- Logo and Title Adjustments: Customization features for logos and publication titles in the Publisher Center will be discontinued. Google News will utilize site favicons for publisher logos and site names for publication titles.
- Removal of Custom Sections: Custom sections previously created in the Publisher Center will no longer appear on publisher landing pages within Google News.
What Remains Unchanged
This transition does not affect the eligibility criteria for content appearing in Google News. Content from publishers that adhere to Google’s content policies will continue to be automatically eligible for consideration across Google News and related surfaces.
Steps for Publishers Moving Forward
To adapt to these changes, publishers should consider the following actions:
- Ensure Compliance with Content Policies: Regularly review and adhere to Google’s content policies to maintain eligibility for inclusion in Google News.
- Optimize Site Favicons and Names: Since Google News will now use site favicons and names for branding, ensure that your website’s favicon is clear and representative of your brand and that your site name accurately reflects your publication.
- Stay Informed About Further Updates: Keep abreast of any additional changes by regularly checking Google’s official announcements and support pages.
Conclusion
Google’s move to automate publication pages in Google News marks a significant change in how publishers manage their content on the platform. While this transition aims to simplify processes and enhance user experience, it’s crucial for publishers to understand and adapt to these changes to maintain their presence and visibility within Google News.
For more insights and discussions on this topic, you can follow industry experts on Twitter:
- Barry Schwartz: https://twitter.com/rustybrick/status/1889421987828682892
- Search Engine Land: https://twitter.com/sengineland/status/1889422453127918070
FAQs
What prompted Google to automate publication pages in Google News?
Google aims to improve the publisher workflow and simplify the user experience by eliminating manual publication submissions and customizations.
Will my existing manually created publication pages remain active?
No, starting in March 2025, all manually created publication pages will be replaced by automatically generated ones.
How can I ensure my content remains eligible for Google News?
Ensure that your content adheres to Google’s content policies, as compliance is key to maintaining eligibility.
What will happen to the custom sections I created in the Publisher Center?
Custom sections previously created will no longer appear on your Google News landing pages.
How will my publication’s logo and title be displayed after the change?
Google News will use your site’s favicon as the publisher logo and your site name as the publication title.