Skip to main content

Google Top Stories adds ‘For Context’ section with a second, related article

Alongside many Google search terms, you’ll find a row of “Top Stories” with news articles from various online publications. Now, Google is upgrading that section with a new “For Context” section on “Top Stories” articles.

SERoundTable first reported on this change, which appears to be rolling out to some users, myself included. When this new row triggers, it shows a second link to a separate but related story under the primary link. It won’t show for all stories in the carousel, and we’re not sure how Google decides which stories need a “For Context” addition.

So far, the best way to see this new feature in action is to search for “senate second stimulus package,” obviously a hot topic in the US right now. Under some links — in my case, an article from Forbes — Google shows another link. From the looks of it, Google may be using this “For Context” section to link a second story from the same publication in all cases as one Twitter user noticed the same behavior on a link from CNET.

Site default logo image

This feature may also be limited solely to mobile devices as I can’t trigger it on a computer. It’s also unclear if it’s limited only to specific topics, and I’ve been unable to trigger it on other search terms.

Everyone benefits from this feature, too. Sites end up with two articles in the same slot and users get an extra link to check out that may better suit their interests. It’s unclear how widely this has rolled out.

More on Google Search:

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

You’re reading 9to5Google — experts who break news about Google and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Google on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Don’t know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel

Comments

Author

Avatar for Ben Schoon Ben Schoon

Ben is a Senior Editor for 9to5Google.

Find him on Twitter @NexusBen. Send tips to schoon@9to5g.com or encrypted to benschoon@protonmail.com.


Manage push notifications

notification icon
We would like to show you notifications for the latest news and updates.
notification icon
You are subscribed to notifications
notification icon
We would like to show you notifications for the latest news and updates.
notification icon
You are subscribed to notifications