How to Get the Red “Live” Badge on Google Using Live Blogs

Real-time articles and updates are indispensable in today's world, offering news portals a significant advantage. Combined with Google’s red “Live” badge, this effect is amplified, driving more readers to the platform. This badge signals to readers that they can find the latest information here, making it highly attractive for news portals by increasing both visibility and click-through rates. With live blogs and proper implementation, obtaining the “Live” badge is possible even without prior approval from Google. This article provides an overview of the requirements and how to best achieve the badge using Tickaroo Live Blog.

The “LIVE” Badge in Google’s Top Stories

Google awards the red “LIVE” badge to live blogs that offer real-time reporting with regularly updated content. There are two ways to be listed as “Live” on Google and receive the red badge:

• In the Top Stories with the “LIVE” badge.
• In special live blog carousels requiring Google approval.

For the first option, no additional Google approval or whitelisting is required. Implementing structured LiveBlogPosting markup is sufficient, enabling any publisher with proper technical setup and regular updates to qualify for the “LIVE” badge. The second option is exclusive to approved publishers through Google’s Early Access Program.

Implementing LiveBlogPosting Markup

LiveBlogPosting markup is essential for listing as a liveblog with the red “LIVE” badge in Google Top Stories. Based on the Schema.org standard, this markup helps Google identify and label real-time content. Regular updates and correct implementation are crucial. Here’s how it works:

• Using LiveBlogPosting Markup: Follow Google’s developer documentation for specific requirements, including:

1. 1. Headline and lastUpdate clearly visible in the markup.
   2. datePublished and dateModified for Google to assess content freshness.
   3. Reverse-chronological updates with the newest content at the top and clear timestamps.
   4. Unique identifier for each update entry.

• Timestamps and Consistency: Ensure datePublished and dateModified match the latest updates in the main document and AMP version to prevent badge disappearance.
• Deeplinks for Better Navigation: Assign unique URL parameters to each update for easier navigation and indexing by Google.
• Optimization for AMP: AMP implementation is necessary for mobile display and Top Stories qualification, offering fast load times and improved user experience.
  

Using Tickaroo Live Blog

Tickaroo provides several methods for integrating LiveBlogPosting markup and optimizing for visibility:

• Server-Side HTML Integration: Ensures full content loading at page access, speeding up load times and enabling complete indexing by search engines.
• Server-Side Schema.org Data Integration: Allows Google to read all key information without JavaScript.
• Direct Stylesheet Integration: Loads visual elements directly, reducing load times and enhancing user experience.

Content and Format of a Successful Live Blog

Successful live blogs are both timely and engaging. Key tips include:

• Clear Titles and Headlines: Clearly indicate live status, e.g., “[Event] – Live Updates.” Each update should have its own title and timestamp.
• Regular and Relevant Updates: Frequent updates (5-15 minutes depending on the event) are positively rated by Google.
• Multimedia Integration: Incorporate images, videos, and interactive content to keep readers engaged.
• Snackable Content: Short, concise updates maintain reader attention and boost engagement.
  

Additional Optimization Tips

• Add NewsArticle Markup: While not mandatory, it may improve placement in Top Stories.
• Maintain Dynamic Updates: Frequent updates are essential for retaining the “LIVE” badge. And it helps build trust. 
  

Conclusion

Google’s red “LIVE” badge is a valuable tool for increasing visibility and engagement. With proper LiveBlogPosting markup and AMP use, Tickaroo live blogs meet all requirements for Top Stories appearance. Regular updates, clear formatting, and multimedia elements are key to an appealing and informative live blog. Tickaroo solutions simplify leveraging the “LIVE” badge benefits, providing readers with real-time information efficiently.