In addition to the slew of Google+ updates today, Google has announced one more: custom URLs are now rolling out to almost everyone. If you don’t see the option yet on your Google+ profile or Google+ Page, don’t worry: Google says it is expanding availability throughout the week.
For those who don’t know what custom URLs (also called vanity URLs) are, here’s quick example. Currently, my Google+ profile is located at plus.google.com/u/0/103897375441006577816/. If I were to get a custom URL, I could maybe changed it to plus.google.com/+emil or plus.google.com/+epro, swapping out the string of numbers for something that is much easier to share.
Google first started testing custom URLs back in the middle of August 2012. About a week later, the company started notifying individuals and brands with verified accounts, but then it largely stopped expanding the feature. Now that’s finally changing.
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If your profile meets the following criteria, Google+ will let you claim a custom URL:
- Has a profile photo, and
- Has at least 10 followers, and
- Has an account that’s at least 30 days old.
At the same time, brands and businesses that have a linked website or a verified local business can claim a custom URL for their Google+ page as well. If you fall into either of these categories, you’ll want to read more about link and verification over at the Google+ Help Center.
Once you meet the eligibility criteria and Google prepares your custom URL, you can just visit your Google+ profile or Google+ page to begin the claiming process. Until then, you’ll just have to wait patiently, probably playing with all the other Google+ features that rolled out today.
See also – Google+ gets new backup, auto-enhance, and HDR filters to help you become a better storyteller and Auto Awesome Movies for Google+ secretly edits your best videos into a slick, customizable highlight reel
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