Google just launched a new feature within Search that sees celebrities answering people's most pressing questions about them. These will appear in the form of selfie videos that'll come up at the top of search results.
For instance, Priyanka Chopra's prerecorded video will show up whenever someone asks Google how many languages she can speak. Same goes if anyone asks whether Will Ferrell can really play the drums.
It's pretty rad, and Google says these short video selfies offer a "uniquely personal, authentic and delightful touch straight from the source."
Google Outs Video Selfies By Celebs In Search Results
Among the celebrities who have recorded video selfies include Chopra, Ferrell, Tracee Ellis Ross, Mark Wahlberg, Gina Rodriguez, Nick Jonas, and James Franco. Judging by the looks of it, Google seems to have been heavily inspired by a Wired video series called Autocomplete Interviews, in which celebrities answer the most popular questions people ask about them on Google Search.
It's not entirely certain how many celebrities Google tapped for this project, but it's planning to include lesser-known celebrities going forward. Google also mentioned that it's a pilot feature, and presumably, it's trying to see whether the gimmick catches on. It's interesting because it puts a face on Google Search and thus makes it more personal than seeing a bunch of links and text, but would everyone want to click a video just to know the answer to a simple question? Perhaps, and perhaps not.
The feature is only available for U.S. folks for now, and Google didn't mention whether it'll go live in other countries as well.
Is Google Trying To Improve Its Social Component?
This is, however, not the first time Google has partnered with celebrities for Search-related features. In March, the company announced that more organizations and celebrities could use the "Posts on Google" feature, in which Twitter-like status updates from significant people appear right within Google's search results pages.
Google expanded that feature this year to include organizations, local businesses, and establishments. Together with video selfies appearing on Search, it appears Google is trying to make its platform more social, which is kind of funny because it failed to do that with its dedicated social network, Google+. The company just can't seem to build a proper social platform, so the next best thing is integrating social elements into its most popular products.
Thoughts about video selfies by celebrities? Do you think they cause Google Search to appear and feel more social? As always, feel free to sound off in the comments section below!
