Google Says Goodbye to Explore and Continuous Scroll

Google has officially retired its Explore feature, an add-on introduced two and a half years ago to enhance search results by providing more discovery-based content. 

The change coincides with another significant update: the removal of continuous scroll on mobile search results, which Google discontinued in October following its earlier removal from desktop. Since Explore was activated through continuous scrolling, its functionality became obsolete once infinite scroll was phased out.

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This quiet yet impactful shift has sparked discussions among search experts and everyday users alike. It signals Google’s clear intent to simplify its interface and focus on what it does best—delivering accurate and timely search results.

What Happened to Google Explore?

The Explore feature used to appear after users scrolled beyond the usual search results on mobile. Acting like a discovery portal, it displayed related topics and content that went beyond the specific query. 

While innovative in concept, Explore often felt out of sync with Google’s straightforward, purpose-driven approach to search.

Explore’s disappearance is directly linked to the removal of continuous scroll. Without the seamless scrolling experience on mobile, the mechanism to trigger Explore vanished. 

Glenn Gabe pointed this out on X, confirming that Explore no longer functions as it once did.

In his tweet, Gabe noted:

“When they removed infinite scroll from mobile, Explore was removed too. I cannot get that to trigger at all (which makes sense since it was triggered via scrolling).”

Google Explore Update. Yes, *Explore*. Google removed infinite scroll from the mobile search results in October, following the removal from desktop earlier. When they removed infinite scroll from mobile, Explore was removed too. I cannot get that to trigger at all (which makes… pic.twitter.com/k1l3Mp6SRM

— Glenn Gabe (@glenngabe) November 25, 2024

For many, the removal of Explore is hardly a surprise. Though it offered creative ways to stumble upon new topics, it never became a core part of how users interacted with Google Search.

Why Google Made These Changes

Google’s decision to retire Explore and Continuous Scroll reflects a shift toward streamlining the search experience. 

Here’s why these changes make sense:

Focus on Relevance Over Exploration

The Explore feature was designed to encourage serendipitous discovery, but it often felt unnecessary in a search environment where users typically come with specific intents. Removing it ensures users remain focused on the results that matter most.

Technical Simplicity

Continuous scroll allowed users to endlessly browse search results without interruption. However, it may have complicated loading times and added unnecessary layers to Google’s already efficient system. Its removal likely simplifies the backend processes while speeding up user interactions.

Mixed Reception Among Users

While some appreciated Explore’s ability to surface unexpected content, many felt it added clutter rather than value. Google seems to have prioritized functionality and user satisfaction over experimentation with features that didn’t widely resonate.

What This Means for Search Behavior

The removal of Explore and continuous scroll is a noticeable adjustment to how users interact with Google Search. For some, this signals a return to the basics—a no-frills, paginated search system where results are neatly divided into pages.

However, not everyone will welcome the change. Continuous scroll provided a seamless browsing experience, eliminating the need to load individual pages. For users accustomed to infinite scrolling on platforms like social media, returning to traditional pagination might feel like a step backward.

The Backstory of Google Explore

Google introduced Explore as part of its efforts to expand user engagement. It aimed to provide a more immersive search experience, allowing users to dive deeper into topics they might not have initially considered.

However, Explore struggled to find its footing. Critics argued it was poorly integrated, often failing to align with the precise, intent-driven approach that defines Google Search. Over time, it became clear that Explore was more of an experiment than a long-term feature.

The Bigger Picture

These changes are part of Google’s broader strategy to refine and streamline its search services. Here’s what this could mean for the future:

Enhanced Core Search

Google’s updates suggest a renewed focus on its primary mission: delivering fast, accurate, and relevant search results. By shedding underused features, it can allocate more resources to improving core functionality.

Opportunities for New Features

Removing Explore and continuous scroll doesn’t mean Google is stepping back from innovation. It might be a signal that the company is making room for newer, better-integrated features that address user needs more effectively.

Changing Dynamics for Marketers

For digital marketers, the removal of Explore means fewer chances to surface related content in less direct ways. SEO strategies will need to adapt to these changes, with an even stronger emphasis on creating content that aligns with user intent.

Practical Advice

For users and marketers navigating this new search landscape, here are some tips:

Focus on Content Relevance: Without Explore’s tangential recommendations, high-quality, directly relevant content will have even greater visibility.

Optimize for Traditional SEO: With continuous scroll gone, optimizing for page rankings and visibility on specific pages becomes more critical.

Adapt to Changing User Habits: Keep an eye on how search behavior evolves under the new system and adjust your strategies accordingly.

Key Takeaways

• Google has removed its Explore feature, a discovery tool for browsing related topics.
• Infinite scrolling on mobile devices has also been eliminated, likely simplifying the user experience.
• Google appears to be prioritizing streamlined search results over exploratory features.
• Some users may miss the convenience of continuous scrolling, while others welcome the return to traditional navigation.
• Google may use this opportunity to introduce new, more effective features in the future.