Confirmed: Google Showing Google +1 Counts To Logged Out Users

Google is now showing the Google +1 counts for logged out users. When the Google +1 feature launched in March, searchers were only able to see who in their Google network +1’ed a search result. Now, if you search while logged out, Google will show you the total +1 count for some search results. This may help Google promote the Google +1 feature and encourage additional users to try it.

Search Engine Watch spotted the change earlier. Google has since confirmed to us that it is new and showing to all signed-out users. “We’re now showing aggregate +1 annotations for signed-out users in search,” a spokesperson said.

Google +1 In Search Results While Signed-Out

Here is a screen shot of Google displaying the +1 count for searchers who are not logged in.

Google does not display the +1 count for all web page listings. For example, you’ll see them in searches for Google properties such as Google Maps, YouTube and others. They also appear for some non-Google sites such as Facebook and Twitter:

It’s unclear why they don’t show for all sites.

Google +1 In Search Results While Signed-In

How does this differ for searchers who are signed in? When signed in, you’ll see who in your Google +1 social network who have +1’d a results. Here is an example:

Related Stories:

• Meet +1: Google’s Answer To The Facebook Like Button
• Google’s “Me On The Web” Pushes Google Profiles — Take That, Facebook?
• It’s Here: Google +1 Buttons For Websites
• Google +1 Analytics Coming Soon; Here’s What To Expect
• Comparing Facebook Like vs. Google +1

About The Author

Barry Schwartz

Barry Schwartz a Contributing Editor to Search Engine Land and a member of the programming team for SMX events. He owns RustyBrick, a NY based web consulting firm. He also runs Search Engine Roundtable, a popular search blog on very advanced SEM topics. Barry's personal blog is named Cartoon Barry and he can be followed on Twitter here.