24-Hour View Gets Comparison Tool

Google has introduced a new comparison mode to its Search Console’s 24-hour view. This feature allows users to review hourly performance trends and compare them with previous data.

The update lets you analyse performance based on two specific reference points — either the previous 24 hours or the same day from the prior week. This makes it easier to spot changes or unusual patterns in short-term website activity.

This enhancement builds on the original 24-hour view that was first released in December. With the comparison mode now added, users can gain more insight from Search Console’s performance reports, helping them understand how their website traffic changes over time on an hourly basis.

 

Building On Near Real-Time Data

When Google first introduced the 24-hour view in Search Console, it brought with it more detailed hourly data and significantly reduced the delay in data availability.

Now, with the addition of the comparison feature, that data becomes even more meaningful. Rather than looking at figures in isolation, users can now track changes in clicks, impressions, average click-through rate (CTR), and search position over time.

This comparison capability is available across multiple performance reports within Search Console, including Search, Discover, and Google News, offering a broader view of how content performs across various platforms.

 

How It Works

The comparison mode is built directly into the same interface as the existing 24-hour view and functions according to your local time zone.

Users can switch between different data sets, including the most recent 24 hours, the 24 hours prior to that, and the same day from the previous week. Helpful visual indicators make it easier to see how each metric—such as clicks or impressions—has shifted from hour to hour.

 

Why This Matters

Previously, the 24-hour view in Search Console was useful but somewhat limited. It allowed users to quickly check recent performance data, but it lacked the context needed to understand whether a sudden rise or drop was significant—unless you exported the data for comparison elsewhere.

With the new update, it’s now possible to see whether these changes are part of a wider trend or just a short-lived fluctuation.

This improvement can be particularly valuable for marketers and SEO professionals. It enables quicker validation of the impact of website updates or content changes. It also helps in identifying specific times of day when issues or opportunities may arise.

Over time, this could also help teams set realistic expectations for how their site performs on an hourly basis. For businesses that rely heavily on timing—such as news outlets or ecommerce platforms—this level of insight could be a game changer.

 

Looking Ahead

Over the last year, Google Search Console has significantly improved, moving from delays of several days to offering near real-time insights along with flexible reporting options.

As with most new features from Google, this update is being released gradually. That means some users might not see it straight away. However, once it becomes available, it blends seamlessly into the current interface and doesn’t require any extra configuration to use.