Google’s Stance on AI-Generated Images
Google’s Gary Illyes recently shed light on whether AI-generated images, when used alongside legitimate content, can impact a website’s rankings. The question of how Google reacts to AI image content has been a topic of interest, especially after the search engine giant’s update that seemed to de-rank low-quality AI-generated content.
Understanding the Impact on SEO
The question posed to Gary Illyes was straightforward: if a website’s content is legitimate but features AI-generated images, will the site be penalized? Illyes’ response was clear: AI-generated images do not directly impact SEO. This means that using AI-generated images will not result in a penalty from Google.
The Technical Aspect
Illyes did mention a technical issue to consider when using AI-generated images: server resources. When you add images to your site, you’ll need to allocate some resources to support them. However, this does not affect your site’s SEO. In fact, Illyes suggested that using AI-generated images might even bring in some traffic from Google Image Search.
Authenticity Matters
While Gary Illyes did not discuss authenticity, it’s an essential aspect to consider when using AI-generated content. Users expect authenticity, especially when it comes to product illustrations or recipe instructions. Google emphasizes creating content for users, and considering how users will react to your content is crucial. Publishers should keep this in mind to ensure their content resonates with their audience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Google’s Gary Illyes has made it clear that AI-generated images will not negatively impact a website’s SEO. While authenticity is essential, the use of AI-generated images can even bring in additional traffic from Google Image Search. As long as the content is legitimate and created with users in mind, the use of AI-generated images should not be a concern for website owners. By understanding Google’s stance on AI-generated images, publishers can focus on creating high-quality content that engages their audience without worrying about potential penalties.