Google continues to expand its AMP project and it has evolved into more than just an optimized way of making mobile web pages load faster. It’s even used for powering interactive content in Gmail now. AMP Stories was announced a year ago, it’s a new way of creating interactive news stories, and it will now be rolling out soon on mobile Google Search for everyone.
AMP Stories is basically a combination of AMP pages with an interactive storytelling element. The interface is going to feel familiar to those who use Instagram Stories or Snapchat Discover. These stories are visually rich and users will tap through them as they would on Instagram. This format has been designed from the ground up with the mobile platform in mind and that’s pretty evident in how it functions.
The company has been working with a few publishers to bring out AMP Stories. The idea is to create a smooth and fast web-based experience which feels like a native app. Anyone will be able to build AMP Stories and it’s free. Google does offer a tutorial for those who are interested in making their own.
Google confirmed at the AMP Conf event in Tokyo today that AMP Stories will be rolling out soon to Google Search. They will be displayed in a dedicated block in results. AMP Stories will first be displayed for queries that are related to travel and other categories will be added down the line.