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.
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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