Google has discontinued the display of Web Stories in image search results, the carousel format in Google Discover, and the grid view in Google search results has transitioned to a carousel format. Additionally, Google has adjusted the availability of Web Stories.

Official statement. “To ensure our documentation reflects the current presentation of the feature in Google Search: Web Stories no longer appear in Google Images, and the grid view has transitioned to a carousel format in search results,” Google stated.

Update to documentation. A new “Feature availability” section has been added to the Web Stories documentation on Google's site, which states:

Web Stories may appear as individual results on Google Search, accessible in all regions and languages where Google Search is available. Web Stories can also appear in a carousel format on Google Search, which is available in the United States (English), India (English and Hindi), and Brazil (Brazilian Portuguese).

Within the Discover feed, Web Stories may appear as standalone cards where users can tap through the story. While this format is available globally and in all languages supported by Google Discover, it is most likely to be seen in the United States, India, and Brazil.

Updates on changes. Google will no longer feature Web Stories within:

• Image Search results
• Google Discover carousel format
• The previously existing grid format in Google Search, which is now a carousel format

Timeline. In 2018, Google introduced AMP Stories, later rebranded as Web Stories. In 2020, Google integrated Web Stories into Google Discover. By May 2020, Google announced the end of AMP requirements. In 2021, teaser-style Web Stories were removed. Web Stories quickly gained popularity among numerous publishers.

Community response. Here’s what some are saying about this update:

The signs have been evident for quite some time regarding Web Stories. I seldom noticed the carousel in Discover anymore, and many stories were of poor quality. In my opinion, this is just the beginning… I believe Web Stories might disappear completely within a year or so. A heads-up to content creators… pic.twitter.com/l4tvsKfP8o

— Glenn Gabe (@glenngabe) February 9, 2024

…a terrible experience for users, but also occupying valuable space that used to drive traffic to genuine websites, instead of spammy “Stories” about how much apple cider vinegar your dog should consume in the morning, packed with AI-generated drivel and advertisements… pic.twitter.com/R0vm7Q62F1

— Lily Ray ? (@lilyraynyc) February 9, 2024

Significance. If your site has been receiving significant traffic from Web Stories, you may want to reconsider your strategy. Google has scaled back on where and when these Web Stories can appear, suggesting that they may continue to reduce their presence moving forward.

Follow-up. Several weeks later, Google clarified the situation; Web Stories still appear in Google Images.

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