Key Takeaways

• Google has introduced platform properties in Search Console to track social media accounts.
• Creators can view clicks, impressions, and Insights for Instagram, TikTok, X, and YouTube.
• The verification process varies by platform and is done directly through the social account.
• This is Google's third social-media integration feature launched in the last seven months.

Google has launched a new feature in Search Console that allows creators and brands to track how their Instagram, TikTok, X, and YouTube content performs in Google Search, without needing to own a website.

The feature, called platform properties, was announced July 7, 2026, by Moshe Samet, Product Manager Lead for Search Console. According to Google, the rollout will happen gradually over the coming weeks, meaning the option will not appear in every account immediately.

What the feature does

Search Console has historically required users to verify ownership of a website domain before providing any data. Platform properties removes that requirement for four platforms: Instagram, TikTok, X, and YouTube. Users instead verify ownership of the social account itself.

Once verified, three reporting sections become available. A Performance report shows clicks and impressions, broken down by individual post or search query, with an option to export the data. An Insights report shows broader trends and top-performing content over time. A smaller section tracks click milestones.

Google's documentation notes that summary totals in the Insights report include clicks across web, image, video, and news search combined, while the detailed breakdowns beneath only reflect web search traffic. The company says the discrepancy between the two figures is expected.

Verification process varies by platform

According to Google, verification is not identical across the four supported platforms. Because Google does not control the underlying code of third-party platforms, the standard domain verification methods used for websites do not apply. Early reports indicate X may require fewer verification steps than Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube.

Google also confirmed that if a user's login connection with a platform expires, tracking will pause until the account is re-verified, though historical data remains accessible and reporting resumes once reconnected.