Google Search is discontinuing its continuous scroll feature, which automatically loads more results as users scroll past the first page. Instead, Google will reintroduce the classic pagination bar at the bottom of search results.
Timeline and Implementation
- Desktop First: Starting today June 25, Google will disable continuous scroll for desktop search results.
- Mobile Next: Continuous scroll will be removed from mobile search results in the coming month.
- History: Continuous scroll was launched on desktop in December 2022 and on mobile in October 2021, lasting about a year and a half for desktop.
A Google spokesperson confirmed to Search Engine Land that the change starts on June 25 for desktop, with mobile to follow. The classic "Next" button will appear on desktop, and a "More results" button will be shown on mobile.
Google aims to serve search results faster and found that automatically loading more results did not significantly increase user satisfaction.
Impact
- Website Clicks: Websites on page two may see fewer clicks, depending on user behavior with the new pagination.
- Search Console Data: This change may affect data as searchers might scroll more or less compared to clicking the "Next" button.
