If you’ve been actively using Google’s social network, Google+, then you might want to download your content sooner than later. In December 2018, Google announced that a Google+ shutdown was coming. Well, it’s here. Today is the last day. RIP Google Plus (2011-2019).
Table of Contents[Hide][Show]
- Google’s Failed Attempts To Launch A Successful Social Network
- Offical Google+ Shutdown Announcement
- Google+ is no longer available for consumer (personal) and brand accounts
- What happened to Google+?
- What happened to consumer Google+ content?
- If I also use Google+ with my G Suite account, for example at work or school, how will I be impacted?
- Did You Have A Google+ Account?
Google’s Failed Attempts To Launch A Successful Social Network
Google practically owns the Internet. With dominating products like Google Search, Gmail, Google Analytics, Google Maps, Google My Business, YouTube, and Google Ads, they control the entire web experience from end-to-end for both consumers and businesses. But there’s one area that they can’t seem to win, social media.
After both Google Wave (2009-2010) and Google Buzz (2010-2011) failed to capture the attention of consumers, Google put all of their effort into a new social network called Google+. An impressive 198 million people signed up for Google+ accounts, but many of them never came back. Google+ didn’t have the killer features to grow active users like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
The lack of user activity on Google+ created what people joking called the infamous Google+ Graveyard. Google gave Google+ time to grow, improve, and recover, but ultimately it just couldn’t. After eight years, Google decided to pull the plug.
Offical Google+ Shutdown Announcement
Google shared this official Google+ shutdown statement on the main Google+ homepage.
Google+ is no longer available for consumer (personal) and brand accounts
From all of us on the Google+ team, thank you for making Google+ such a special place.
What happened to Google+?
In December 2018, we announced our decision to shut down Google+ for consumers in April 2019.
Other Google products (such as Gmail, Google Photos, Google Drive, YouTube) were not shut down as part of the consumer Google+ shutdown and you can continue using those products. The Google Account you use to sign in to these services will remain. Note that photos and videos already backed up in Google Photos will not be deleted. Learn more
What happened to consumer Google+ content?
We are in the process of deleting content from consumer Google+ accounts and Google+ pages. This process will take a few months to complete, and content may remain through this time. In the meantime, if you previously created content on Google+, you may be able to download and save your remaining Google+ content. You may also be able to view and delete your remaining Google+ activity.
If I also use Google+ with my G Suite account, for example at work or school, how will I be impacted?
Google+ for G Suite will continue as a way for people across an organization to have discussions. Learn more about how we’re continuing our investment in Google+ for G Suite.
If you’re not sure if your organization uses G Suite, you can check here. G Suite customers may see some changes to Google+ features related to the consumer Google+ shutdown. You can find more details here or you can talk to your G Suite administrator to learn more.
See the full FAQ for more details about the consumer Google+ shutdown.
Did You Have A Google+ Account?
Did you have a Google+ account? What features did you like or not like? How do you feel about the Google Plus shutdown? Please tweet us @methodshop or post a comment and let us know.
Hey there, folks! I’m Rebecca McSwain. Let me give you a glimpse into my world—I’m all about two things: writing and cats, with a side of cooking for good measure. Writing has my heart. I can’t resist pouring my thoughts into poems and blog posts. I often do it just for the sheer joy of it, no strings attached. Now, let’s talk feline friends. Cats are my soft spot. You might even catch me with a furry companion on my lap while I’m busy crafting my next literary masterpiece. But wait, there’s more! I’m a bit of a kitchen magician too. Down here in the South, good food is a way of life, and I take that to heart. So, that’s me in a nutshell!
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