Google Images Update : Search and View Options Removed

As we knew, during the first quarter of 2018, Google updated many of its services to improve the user experience and strengthen its reputation as a reliable platform. Among these updates, there have also been some notable updates in Google Images. With its position as the largest global image search engine, Google Images plays an essential role for content creators as well as users. In the latest update, they aim to improve search results for both publishers and end users.

Changes in Google Images: What’s different in this update?

The most notable change in the 2018 update was the disappearance of the “View Image” button. Previously, this button allowed readers to view and obtain an image without visiting the publisher’s website.

This function was really useful, allowing you to quickly view and download a wide range of photos. However, the loss of this feature now requires visitors to visit the webpage containing the image, requiring additional steps to obtain the content.

Instead of being able to immediately view an image in its original resolution, viewers are sent to the image’s hosting website. This minor improvement had a significant impact as the “View Image” button was one of the most used features on the Google Images search results page. Additionally, Google has blocked the image search feature, but users can still use reverse image search to determine the source of an image. The rapid release of this update was not surprising at all.

This came after a legal disagreement with Getty Photos, in which Google was accused of encouraging image piracy by providing direct access to copyrighted photos. To address these issues, Google collaborated with Getty Images and updated Google Images to reduce the potential for copyright infringement.

What Does This Update Mean for Users?

Due to the absence of a “View Image” button, users now have to go through a more complicated process to view photos. After searching, they need to click on the “Visit” button to be redirected to the source webpage, after which they can save the image.

This upgrade has likely disappointed many users who valued the convenience of the prior system. However, it is an important step towards tackling the huge problem of image theft on the Internet. Many cases of illegal image usage have created huge problems for content creators and publishers.

Google also highlighted the positive aspects of the update. And said it gives people more context for the photos they search for. Users can learn more about an image by visiting the webpage where it is stored, such as its source, references, and related content.

Let’s take a simple example to understand this, while searching an image of a sandwich, the user may be sent to a website that contains a recipe for a sandwich. This additional context can be useful, although it is important to note that not all websites are equally trustworthy, and some may pose security threats.

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Implications

This change in 2018 brings good news for webmasters and content creators. Removing the “View Image” option increases the likelihood that viewers will visit the website where the image is hosted rather than view it separately. This modification is likely to result in a huge increase in website traffic, as visitors who previously avoided the website will now have to visit it to view the image.

To take advantage of this upgrade, webmasters should prioritize optimizing their image alt captions and ensure that their photos are correctly indexed by search engines. This allows them to increase their website’s performance in Google Images search results and attract more visitors. The upgrade emphasizes image optimization as a key component of SEO strategy in 2024.

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The 2024 Perspective: Google’s Continued Evolution

Since the 2018 update, Google has continued to develop and improve its services, with a particular emphasis on balancing user experience and intellectual property rights enforcement. In 2024, Google Images remains an important tool for visual content discovery, but the platform has evolved to place a greater emphasis on ethical image use and content creator safety.

In recent years, Google has developed various features to improve the user experience while maintaining the integrity of protected content. For example, Google now gives more specific credits for images, such as the name of the creator and the license under which the image is used. This improved openness enables consumers to make more informed decisions about the use of photos and ensures that content providers receive appropriate credit for their efforts.

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Google has also developed more sophisticated AI-powered search features, allowing users to more accurately find photos based on complex searches. These innovations have increased the overall quality of search results and made it easier for users to find the photos they need while still adhering to copyright guidelines.

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