Google to make India-first feature, YouTube Shorts, reach more countries via Discover Cards

You will know that the short video is from YouTube when you see the YouTube logo on the top left corner in the Card.

YouTube app. (Unsplash)

Looks like Google Discover is getting more useful than ever. The company has been spotted testing YouTube Shorts and other short-form video content for it's Discover section. As pointed out by 9to5Google, Google Discover started showing short videos last year in August, along with regular videos and AMP-based web stories. However, at that time, the short videos were shows from other services like Tangi and Indian TikTok competitor, Trell. Now, ahead of its beta coming to the US next month, the company seems to have brought YouTube too in the mix.

You will know that the short video is from YouTube when you see the YouTube logo on the top left corner in the Card. The title of the video will appear below. It has been mentioned that tapping on the card will immediately open the YouTube app along with a new fullscreen player, letting you like/dislike, see comments, share, and see “More” — Description, Report, or Send feedback.

YouTube Short videos in Discover. (9to5 Google)

YouTube Short videos in Discover. (9to5 Google)

Unfortunately, there is no seek bar, so you cannot jump to a particular moment in the video, or play/pause the video. However, you can swipe up and see the next short video on YouTube.

Google has been testing YouTube Shorts in India for months now and looks like it is ready to bring it to the US as well by highlighting them in Discover. The firm has already confirmed that it is coming to the country in March.

Last month, Google said that in five months of testing in India, YouTube Shorts are now receiving 3.5 billion daily views. The first official figure for YouTube Shorts was disclosed by YouTube CEO Susan Wojcicki in a blog post detailing the company's plans for 2021.