Google +1 Button Now 3x Faster
Reflecting its relentless drive to speed up the web, and possibly in response to grumblings about drag from the +1 button, Google has announced changes that will allow the +1 button to load up to three times faster.
The speed boost is a result of
updates from Google that will make both the +1 button, and the page loading it, faster.
Google is currently rolling out changes that will increase the speed. If you have already added the +1 button to your site, Google says you do not have to make any changes. It will automatically load more quickly.
Google is also introducing an asynchronous snippet, which will further increase speed.
According to Google: “The async snippet allows your web page to continue loading while your browser downloads the +1 JavaScript. By loading these elements in parallel, we’re ensuring the HTTP request to get the +1 button JavaScript doesn’t lead to an
increase in your page load time. For those of you who have already implemented the button, you’ll need to update the code to the new async snippet, and then you should see an overall improvement in your page load time.”
To generate the new async snippet, use Google’s +1 Configuration Tool.
The Google +1 button was launched June 1 and has been swiftly adopted across the web.
If you haven’t done it already, here’s how to add the +1 button to your site.
Here’s the info for webmasters and programmers who want to customize the +1 button for your site.
Confused? Here are answers to a slew of questions about the +1 button.
