Google has updated its Search Central documentation to guide publishers on specifying preferred images for thumbnails in Search and Discover using schema.org structured data and the `og:image` meta tag. The update clarifies how Google selects thumbnails and provides best practices for image selection, emphasizing high resolution and relevance to the content.
To optimize your content's visibility in Google Search and Discover, leverage the use of schema.org structured data and the `og:image` meta tag to specify preferred thumbnails. Ensure images are high resolution, at least 1,200 pixels wide, and follow a 16x9 aspect ratio for better Discover engagement. This approach aligns with Google's updated documentation, providing actionable methods to influence thumbnail selection.