Google is testing a feature that turns the Search app into a forum-like thread

What you need to know

• Google is testing a new “Discussion” feature for mobile Search, showing up mainly during sports-related searches.
• The feature lets users post comments, reply, and upvote or downvote posts, kind of like a Reddit thread.
• It’s still in beta and only pops up when you search “Team vs Team” in the U.S.

Google is currently testing out a new “Discussion” feature for its mobile Search app. Spotted during searches about sports events, this experimental setup pulls in real user takes and drops them straight into your mobile search results.

SEO consultant Nicholas McDonough shared some screenshots showing what looks like Reddit-style threads coming to Google Search on mobile (via Search Engine Roundtable). The experimental feature would let users post comments, reply to others, and rate posts with simple upvotes and downvotes.

The early version of this feature is being tested in beta on mobile and only kicks in when you search something like “Team vs Team” in the U.S.

Before users start chiming in, Google Search lays out the usual sports rundown, including live scores and schedules. Then, front and center, you’ll spot the new “Discussions” tab, ready for fans to jump in and share their thoughts.

Sports-only (for now)

As mentioned earlier, this new feature is still limited to sports stuff for now. When you’re checking out a game card, the “Discussions” tab shows up right next to other sections like “Overview,” “Scorecard,” and “Stats.”

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The “Discussions” tab is open to anyone with a Google account. You can jump in, share your thoughts on the game, and once you comment, your profile picture shows up. Other users won’t see your full name unless they hit the “More comments” button at the bottom.

Even though the setup feels a lot like Reddit or your usual comment section, there’s one big catch—no @mention feature. You can post replies, but there’s no way to tag someone directly, so they might not even see it.

If you’re trying to get someone’s attention, your best bet is to reply fast while they’re still active. But even then, it’s a bit of a gamble, especially in busy threads.

With AI platforms like ChatGPT and Google’s own Gemini gaining ground, it’s clear Google feels the pressure to step up its Search features.