Google has provided an update on the use of emojis in webpage titles and meta descriptions, stating that they do not harm or help SEO.
This was stated by Google search advocate John Mueller in a Google Search Central SEO office hours hangout recorded on January 28th.
One of the questions posted asks for an update on Google’s position on emojis, especially when using emojis in titles and descriptions.
Websites do not violate Google’s guidelines and can use emojis when optimizing their pages.
But is it wise to use them?
Optimizing web pages with emojis seems like a wasted effort, but you can read Mueller’s answer below and decide for yourself.
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Google’s position on the use of emojis in page titles and descriptions
On your website, you can use emoji anywhere you like, including titles, meta descriptions, and main content.
However, there is no guarantee that Google will show them in search results.
Google rewrites most titles verbatim, but may ignore emojis even if you choose to display your written title.
Mueller said Google won’t show emojis if they’re disruptive or if the search snippet looks misleading.
Instead, Google will try to find an equivalent word and use that instead.
“It’s definitely okay to use emojis in page titles and descriptions. We don’t show all of these in search results, especially if we think they might confuse or mislead search results.” Especially so.
But you can definitely keep them there. That’s not to say they pose a problem. is to be used in association with the page, so I don’t think there is much advantage in having them there. ”
Emojis don’t cause problems for your site’s SEO, but they don’t help either.
Mueller said Google doesn’t value titles and descriptions with emojis just because they’re more colorful than plain text.
“But it’s not like having a colorful title gives you an advantage. From that perspective, if you want these in your title and description, go for it. If you don’t want them, That’s fine too, I don’t think it hurts or harms SEO or helps SEO.”
With all this in mind, it’s better to write the title and description in plain text.
Emojis are allowed, but Google is unlikely to show them.
There is no SEO benefit from using them.
The only potential benefit of emojis is increased click-through rates. So you should consider it when deciding if it’s worth using.
Listen to Mueller’s full response in the video below.
Featured image: DiA99/Shutterstock
