Google changes: Hashtag search and Youtube comments!

The integration of Google+ across Google properties continues in a big way with the launch of hashtag search. Simply put, if you search Google for a hashtag, you might see Google+ posts using that hashtag to the right of the regular search results.

Google’s Zaheed Sabur announced the new feature this morning on Google+, saying that it’s available initially for English language searches on both Google.com and Google.ca.

Sabur stated on his G+ profile:

The #hashtags you see in Google+ posts are a useful way to discover conversations around a particular topic. In May we added related hashtags to the Google+ stream, turning any post into an opportunity to go deeper and explore what’s interesting to you.

Today we’re bringing a richer hashtag experience to Google Search. Here’s how it works:

– When you search on Google for a hashtag, say [#AmericasCup] or [#WaterfallWednesday], a set of relevant Google+ posts may appear to the right of regular results.

– You’ll only be able to see posts that have been shared publicly or shared with you.

– If you click on any of these posts you’ll go to Google+, where you’ll see the full set of relevant posts.

– You’ll also see links to search for these hashtags on other social sites.

Hashtag search? Hmmn…

According to Ignite Social Media, to leave a comment on YouTube later this year, you’ll need to use your G+ profile. This makes G+ more relevant.

Ignite Social Media also states:

Google ignored Jimmy Fallon’s hashtag jokes and rolled out the ability to search for hashtags on Google. Results initially show results only from (you guessed it) Google+, but users can click a button to get results from either Twitter or Facebook.

Take a look at Ignite’s more in-depth analysis in this week’s Social Conversation: