Google Tests Autoplay Videos in Search Results

As a heavy user of the internet, I have yet to discover anyone who enjoys videos that automatically start playing as before long as a web page loads. It'south a terrible idea made worse when the audio isn't muted by default.

Then it'southward with dismay that I study Google is experimenting with autoplay videos appearing in search results. Google confirmed such a test was being carried out to Search Engine Land later on it was spotted by TheSEMPost.

Below is an screenshot of the search results layout when autoplay video is included, courtesy of TheSEMPost:

The video appears on the right of the search results page and is, of course, related to what yous are searching for. So this volition exist particularly appealing to publishers who are promoting a new movie, Television receiver show, or video game and want their trailer seen every bit much every bit possible. Thankfully, the videos are muted and only play through once. If you lot desire to hear the video or have the urge to watch it once again, it requires a click or tap.

For now, Google is only rolling this test out to a very pocket-sized number of users. When by Search Engine Land if it would become a permanent feature, a Google spokesperson gave a standard response: "Nosotros are constantly experimenting with ways to improve the search experience for our users, but accept no plans to denote [the characteristic] at this time."

That's not the only search change that'southward in the cards. In a separate story, Search Engine Land also reported that Google will do abroad with Instant Search. The characteristic, which dates back to 2022, loads search results as you type. Only in the terminal seven years, Google users are increasingly going mobile. "Many more of our searches happen on mobile, with very different input and interaction and screen constraints," Google told Search Engine State. Search suggestions—the sometimes humorous drop-downs that appear when yous type—will remain, simply Google won't load full results until you hit Search.