Google is currently evaluating a new functionality that presents videos from Instagram and TikTok in a distinct, dedicated carousel within the Google app on mobile devices. This development is potentially aimed at keeping users engaged within Google’s ecosystem, rather than having them navigate away to other platforms for short-form video entertainment.

It’s important to note that this “Short Videos” carousel differs from Google’s “Stories” feature, which was introduced in October 2020 for the Google Search app on both iOS and Android. Those “Stories,” formerly called “AMP Stories,” showcase concise video content produced by Google’s publishing partners, such as Forbes, USA Today, Vice, Now This, Bustle, and Thrillist, among others.

The “Short Videos” carousel, in contrast, focuses on compiling social video content originating from various platforms. This includes Google’s own short-form video initiative, Tangi, the Indian TikTok alternative Trell, and Google’s video platform, YouTube, which has also been exploring short-form video options recently.

The inclusion of Instagram and TikTok videos within this carousel was initially reported by Search Engine Roundtable, as shared in a tweet by Brian Freiesleben. They discovered the feature by performing a search for “packers” in the Google app and then scrolling down the results page.

We have successfully reproduced these findings. (See image below.)

Videos from both Instagram and TikTok are present in the Short Videos section. Selecting a video directs users to the web-based version of the respective social media platform, rather than opening the native mobile app, even if it is installed. This design encourages Google users to stay within the Google environment, as a simple back-button tap returns them to the search results after viewing the video.

Google has been indexing video content for several years and established a partnership with Twitter in 2015 to incorporate their results into searches. The extent of any formal agreements with Facebook/Instagram or TikTok remains unclear at this time. (We will provide updates if either company provides a statement.)

Google has not issued a formal comment or provided further details regarding its plans, but a company representative confirmed to TechCrunch that the feature is currently being tested on mobile devices. This confirmation indicates that it is a limited, early-stage implementation and is not yet available for all search queries. However, as Google expands the product, it has the potential to become a valuable tool for indexing and showcasing popular video content from social media – provided that these platforms do not choose to prevent Google from doing so.

Currently, the feature is accessible in a limited capacity within the Google app for mobile devices and on the mobile web, according to the company.