Google has revealed a new feature that integrates links to the Internet Archive’s Wayback Machine directly within its search results.
This global update, launched today, allows users to access archived versions of webpages straight from Google’s search interface.
The new capability is part of Google’s existing “About this page” feature. To use it, simply click on the three dots next to a search result, select “About this result,” and then choose “More about this page.”
There, you’ll find a link to the Wayback Machine, which lets you view older versions of the webpage.
A Google spokesperson explained the reasoning behind the addition:
“We know that many people, including those in the research community, value being able to see previous versions of webpages when available. That’s why we’ve added links to the Internet Archive’s Wayback Machine to our ‘About this page’ feature.”
The Internet Archive, a non-profit digital library, has been preserving website snapshots through its Wayback Machine for over 25 years. Mark Graham, Director of the Wayback Machine at the Internet Archive, emphasized the importance of this collaboration:
“The web is aging, and with it, countless URLs now lead to digital ghosts. Businesses fold, governments shift, disasters strike, and content management systems evolve—all erasing swaths of online history,” Graham explained.
“This digital time capsule transforms our ‘now-only’ browsing into a journey through internet history.”
It’s worth noting that this feature won’t be available for all websites. Archived page links won’t show up if the rights holder has opted out of archiving or if the webpage violates content policies.
This partnership between Google and the Internet Archive enhances access to historical web content. For researchers and everyday users, it’s a valuable tool to look through how online information has changed over time.
This feature is now live, and users worldwide can access archive links via Google Search.
