IndexNow
IndexingOpen protocol for instant search engine indexing notifications
Overview
IndexNow is an open protocol developed by Microsoft and Yandex that lets websites instantly notify search engines when content changes. Rather than waiting for search engines to discover updates through traditional crawling, IndexNow sends immediate HTTP notifications when pages are created, updated, or deleted.
The protocol emerged from Microsoft's push to reduce crawl waste and improve indexing efficiency. Bing, Yandex, Seznam.cz, and other engines that support IndexNow share submitted URLs among themselves, meaning one notification potentially reaches multiple search engines. This collaborative approach sets IndexNow apart from proprietary solutions like Google's Indexing API.
IndexNow's main limitation is Google's absence. Since Google controls the majority of search traffic, the protocol's impact remains constrained for most websites. However, for sites targeting markets where Bing or Yandex have stronger presence, IndexNow provides genuine value for faster content discovery.
Key features
Instant Notifications
Sends immediate HTTP POST requests to search engines when content is published, updated, or deleted. Bypasses traditional crawl schedules for faster discovery.
Multi-Engine Support
Works with Bing, Yandex, Seznam.cz, and IndexNow.org. Microsoft and Yandex are primary adopters driving protocol development.
Simple Implementation
Requires only an API key file on your server and HTTP POST requests to notify engines. No complex authentication or rate limiting.
Open Source Protocol
Community-driven specification with public documentation and examples. No vendor lock-in or proprietary dependencies.
Batch Operations
Submit up to 10,000 URLs per notification request. Efficient for sites with frequent content updates or large publishing volumes.
Action Types
Specify URL-updated or URL-deleted actions to help search engines understand content lifecycle changes.
Pricing
| Plan | Price | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | Protocol implementation, unlimited notifications, open source |
FAQ
Does IndexNow work with Google?
No, Google does not currently support the IndexNow protocol. Google still relies on traditional crawling, XML sitemaps, and their proprietary Indexing API for specific content types.
How fast is IndexNow compared to regular crawling?
IndexNow can notify search engines within seconds of content changes, compared to days or weeks for traditional crawl discovery. Actual indexing speed still depends on search engine processing.
Do I need separate API keys for each search engine?
No, IndexNow uses a shared key system. Once you generate a key and place the verification file on your server, all participating search engines can use the same key.
Can IndexNow guarantee my pages get indexed?
No, IndexNow only notifies search engines about changes. Search engines still make their own decisions about crawling, processing, and indexing based on content quality and other factors.
Is IndexNow better than XML sitemaps?
IndexNow and XML sitemaps serve different purposes. IndexNow provides instant notifications for specific changes, while sitemaps give search engines a comprehensive view of your site structure.
Review Sentiment
Bottom line
IndexNow is free and worth exploring for technical SEOs — instantly notifies Bing, Yandex, and other search engines about new. Still too new for formal reviews, so set expectations accordingly.
People love
- +Instantly notifies Bing, Yandex, and other search engines about new or updated content
- +Open protocol — free to implement with simple API calls or WordPress plugins
- +Reduces crawl budget waste by telling search engines exactly which URLs changed
Common complaints
- –Google does not support IndexNow — still relies on traditional crawling and sitemaps
- –Only signals content changes — does not guarantee faster indexing or ranking improvements
- –Requires server-side implementation that may be complex for non-technical users
Last updated Feb 2026