Content

On the internet, content is defined as any kind of user-generated material: articles, posts, comments, videos, audio, blogs, and more. It’s what entices people to come online and keeps them engaged — sometimes for hours! But the mere existence of content is not sufficient. Content should be relevant and specific to all users, which could mean being available in their local language or specific to their region or culture. It should also be accessible and welcoming, allowing users to create and interact with the information comfortably and be part of online communities, where users can find advice or even inspiration.

The NBUs often turn to the internet when searching for content that’s not readily available in the physical world, such as medical advice or new recipes. However, the discoverability of relevant content is an issue for them for various reasons. Most of the internet today is in English, a language that is not native to the NBUs (See Language).

Online content often features Western subjects and doesn’t address the NBUs’ local concerns — such as upward mobility or aspirations — which makes relatable, local role models hard to find. Moreover, communities in NBU countries that are often found offline — such as housewives’ circles — are less represented online. This means the NBUs tend not to find the same solidarity, support or valuable advice online that they get from offline communities.

Progress is being made to create and surface content that’s relevant to the NBUs. Globally, a wave of websites is being produced in languages other than English, allowing more users to find information and perspectives that are specific to them. In Nigeria, some users are turning to private HIV-positive digital communities for critical medical advice. In India, online diversity communities are providing LGBTQ+ members in small towns with support and the courage to come out to their loved ones.

YouTube

YouTube is starting to show search results from other languages with automatically translated captions, titles, and descriptions when relevant content in the local language isn’t available. This means that an NBU in Thailand can learn about quantum physics from a professor at MIT in Boston, or the NBUs in Brazil can explore the Grand Canyon from home with captions in their local language. Our hope is that global content will become more accessible and inclusive for all users globally through translated captions.

But more can be done. There are three content topics we can create and surface more often, to make the internet even more inclusive for the NBUs. The first is empowering content, which covers money and livelihood (such as job openings and basic financial literacy), and education and skill development (such as career skills and informal training). The second is sensitive content, which encompasses information on health and wellness, relationships, identity, sex and abuse, or online safety and privacy. The third is cultural content, which includes information ranging from food and beauty to clothing, cooking, and religion. The availability of such content — when presented in the languages and contexts of the NBUs — will go far in making the internet more relevant and welcoming for everyone, everywhere.

Access

Internet access is a basic human right. But the goal of providing equitable and inclusive internet access to everyone remains unmet.

Building inclusive products

Conducting user research, whether it’s on-the-ground or virtual, helps designers better understand the people they aim to serve.

Content

Everyone should be able to find the info they need online, but not everyone can. Find out why.

Designing for confidence

Inclusive digital design can help novice internet users grow their digital confidence.

Ecosystems

Everybody who works in tech can help create a more inclusive, equitable internet for everyone, everywhere.

Financial inclusion

Financial inclusion goes beyond financial access. It’s about empowering, creating opportunities, and accelerating progress.

Growth in Africa

The growth of Africa’s internet economy will shape how everyone uses the internet in the future.

Hardware

The next billion internet users are mobile-first or mobile-only, which makes their smartphone a key part of their digital experience.

Immersion

Teams who immerse themselves in the communities they aim to reach are more likely to build successful products.

Jobs

Tech has the potential to fundamentally change the way employers and job-seekers interact in every kind of market.

Knowledge

It’s the tech community’s responsibility to support novice internet users as they learn how to be online.

Language

Most internet content is published in English. Learn how tech innovations are changing that.

Motorcycle Mode in Maps

Built for the next billion users, Motorcycle Mode in Google Maps shows how developers Google can improve existing services to meet evolving user needs.

Navigating a smartphone

From tapping, to pinching, to swiping, and more—developers can help unlock the value of a smartphone.

Optimizing for Offline

Novice internet users can better access the benefits of the internet with offline capabilities and “lite” versions of apps.

Privacy

We’re developing new ways to protect people’s privacy when they share devices with friends and family.

Questions

It’s our responsibility to help answer the questions of novice internet users—so they’re empowered when they go online.

Reality vs Perception

We’re helping educate novice internet users in order to prevent misconceptions and empower people when they spend time online.

Google Search is a key part of a novice internet user’s experience—providing access to everything from news, medical services, recipes, entertainment, and more.

Teaching

Novice internet users often learn how to use the internet and their smartphones through their friends and family. Learn more about their experiences.

Upboarding

Many novice internet users don’t know common digital symbols and functions. Upboarding helps grow digital literacy by meeting users where they are.

Voice

Developing enhancements for voice tools can help grow the internet and bring more people around the world online.

Women

The barriers women face are disproportionately higher compared to their male counterparts. We have the opportunity to empower women and help close the gap.