May 08, 2024
In a substantial update, Google Search has removed the estimated number of results from its search engine results pages (SERPs). This change marks a significant shift in the way users interact with search results.
Reportedly the rumours suggest that this change was noticed in the last couple of days, removing the result count from its usual place between search filters and results. However, counts are still accessible under the "Tools" menu, along with Advanced Search and other filters.
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For decades, Google search has displayed the number of results, often in the millions or billions. While this change may not significantly affect functionality, it does mark a departure from a longstanding feature. Some users may welcome a cleaner interface while others may miss the feature Result Control.
What’s behind the change?
Google's move away from displaying result counts by default may indicate a focus on quantity rather than quality. With the addition of AI-powered search features, Google is prioritising relevance and accuracy over volume. The change in Google Search numbers may encourage users to explore more relevant information beyond the first page of results.
