Google Indexing API
IndexingDirect notification to Google for URL crawling and indexing
Overview
Google Indexing API is Google's official tool for notifying their crawlers about new or updated URLs that need immediate attention. Launched in 2018, it was designed specifically for time-sensitive content like job postings and livestream events, where fast indexing directly impacts user experience and business value.
The API operates through a simple REST interface that sends notifications directly to Google's crawling system. While Google officially restricts usage to job postings and livestream structured data, the API has become a widely-used tool across the SEO community for accelerating indexing of various content types. This creates an interesting gray area where many practitioners use it beyond its intended scope.
Unlike traditional crawl discovery methods that rely on sitemaps, internal links, or external backlinks, the Indexing API creates a direct communication channel with Google's systems. This makes it particularly valuable for sites with crawl budget constraints or time-sensitive content that can't wait for normal discovery cycles.
Key features
URL Notification
Notify Google about new or updated URLs for faster crawling. Bypasses normal discovery timelines by directly requesting crawl attention.
Batch Processing
Submit up to 100 URLs per request for efficient bulk operations. Reduces API call overhead for sites with frequent content updates.
Real-time Status Updates
Get immediate feedback on notification success or failure. Helps identify URL formatting issues or quota problems instantly.
Structured Data Support
Officially supports job postings and livestream structured data. Google prioritizes these content types for indexing speed.
Developer-friendly Integration
RESTful API with clear documentation and libraries for major programming languages. Easy integration into existing content management workflows.
Pricing
| Plan | Price | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Free Tier | Free | 200 requests per day, job postings and livestream structured data only (officially) |
FAQ
Can I use Google Indexing API for regular web pages?
Officially, Google only supports job postings and livestream structured data. However, many SEOs report success using it for other content types, though Google may restrict this usage.
How fast does Google Indexing API work compared to normal crawling?
URLs submitted through the API typically get crawled within minutes to hours, compared to days or weeks through normal discovery. Speed depends on site authority and content quality.
Is there a rate limit for Google Indexing API requests?
Yes, the default quota is 200 requests per day per project. You can request higher quotas through Google Cloud Console if needed for larger sites.
Do I need Google Search Console to use the Indexing API?
Yes, you must verify ownership of the domain in Google Search Console before using the API. This prevents unauthorized indexing requests for domains you don't control.
Can the Indexing API guarantee my pages will rank?
No, the API only requests crawling and indexing—it doesn't influence rankings. Your content still needs to meet Google's quality guidelines to rank well.
Review Sentiment
Bottom line
A free option for technical SEOs: Google Indexing API offers free Google tool that directly notifies Google when pages are added. It lacks a review track record, so treat it as experimental.
People love
- +Free Google tool that directly notifies Google when pages are added or removed for faster crawling and indexing
- +Can significantly reduce time between publishing and indexing compared to waiting for natural crawl discovery
- +Simple REST API integration with clear documentation available through Google Search Central
Common complaints
- –Officially limited to JobPosting and BroadcastEvent schema pages — not designed for general content indexing
- –Default daily quota of only 200 requests per project requires additional approval for higher usage
- –No traditional review platform listings — as a free developer API, there is limited user feedback or community support
Last updated Feb 2026