Google Adds Forum Rich Results Reporting to Search Console

Google has rolled out a new feature in Search Console that gives publishers deeper insights into how discussion-based content performs in search results. The update introduces a dedicated “Discussion Forum” search appearance filter within the Performance report—offering a clearer picture of user-generated content visibility.

What’s Changed?

Until now, performance data for forum-style content was bundled under broader categories like “Rich results” or “Web.” With this update, Google Search Console now isolates metrics like impressions, clicks, and average positions for discussion-based content using structured data.

This change isn’t about new ranking features—it’s about better tracking and measurement for publishers managing forums, community threads, or social discussions.

Structured Data Types That Qualify

To take advantage of this new reporting feature, your content must use one of the following schema types:

• DiscussionForumPosting
• SocialMediaPosting

These types are built for platforms where users share opinions and responses—typical of traditional forums or community boards.

Minimum Required Markup Includes:

• Author name
• Date published (in ISO 8601 format)
• At least one content element (text, image, or video)

Optional enhancements include like counts, views, and nested reply structures. For threaded conversations, Google recommends nesting replies under the original post to maintain context.

Implementation Best Practices

To qualify for the new “Discussion Forum” appearance in Search Console:

• Follow Google’s structured data guidelines.
• Don’t misuse the markup—only user-generated content qualifies.
• Avoid tagging blog posts, company-authored articles, or product reviews.
• Use QAPage schema if your site is structured around question-and-answer content.

While JSON-LD is still supported, Google recommends Microdata or RDFa for better handling of lengthy content blocks.

Why This Update Matters

This update reflects Google’s increasing recognition of community-driven content. With the new filter, you can:

• Measure forum performance separately from other page types
• Identify which threads attract the most traffic
• Optimize content structure and engagement strategy based on real-time data

What This Means for Your Website

If you manage a forum or a community platform, this update is your opportunity to elevate your SEO strategy. With precise performance metrics now available, you can make smarter decisions about where to invest in user-generated content—and how to refine it for search.

Earn SEO is a team of SEO experts based in New York, helping businesses make the most of every Google update—from structured data optimization to search performance tracking. If you run a forum, community platform, or user-driven site, our team can help you implement the right schema markup and monitor results effectively using Search Console. Ready to improve your visibility with SEO strategies? Contact us today for a consultation tailored to your site’s structure and goals.