Google has long maintained that the LLMs.txt file is essentially useless for web admins and developers, even going so far as to say that Google itself wouldn’t use it. In fact, the company has recommended that web admins should noindex the file if they decide to use it on their websites. This stance has led many to believe that the LLMs.txt file held little to no practical purpose in the search landscape.
However, in an unexpected twist, Google has now uploaded an LLMs.txt file to its Google Search Central portal. This new development raises a host of questions about the file’s relevance and potential future role. Why has Google, a company that previously downplayed the file’s usefulness, decided to publish it officially?
The file is over here: developers.google.com/search/docs/llms.txt. Here is a partial screenshot:
This was spotted by Lidia Infante who posted it on Bluesky and asked John Mueller of Google, “Is this an endorsement of llms.txt or are you trolling us, John?”
John replied saying, “hmmn :-/”
What Is LLMs.txt?
The LLMs.txt file was initially introduced to help search engines manage Large Language Models (LLMs). It’s meant to provide metadata about these models and their interactions with web data. Despite its theoretical purpose, Google’s messaging around the file has been inconsistent, with the company suggesting it was largely unnecessary for most users.
The sudden appearance of this file on Google Search Central suggests a shift in Google’s approach. Does this mean that the file will become more critical in future SEO practices? Or is Google simply documenting it for reference, without any significant change in its utility?
What Does This Mean for Developers?
For developers and SEO professionals, the LLMs.txt file has always been a mystery—Google’s previous advice to noindex it left many questioning whether they should bother using it at all. However, now that Google has uploaded the file to the public, developers might need to reassess their stance on it and its potential role in search engine optimization (SEO).
The upload of the LLMs.txt file could signal that Google is moving towards deeper integration of Large Language Models into its search processes. As a result, developers should stay updated on any changes to how this file is used or how it might influence search rankings.
Why Should Developers Pay Attention?
While Google has previously dismissed the importance of the LLMs.txt file, this new upload could imply that its role in SEO strategies might be evolving. Google frequently makes adjustments to how it handles certain aspects of search, and the LLMs.txt file could be a precursor to new features or guidelines that developers need to be aware of.
For now, it’s still unclear whether Google will begin using the file in search algorithms or if it will remain a relatively obscure part of SEO. But with its official inclusion in the Google Search Central portal, it’s an issue that developers should keep on their radar.
Conclusion
Google’s move to upload the LLMs.txt file to its official Google Search Central portal has raised eyebrows in the development community. After years of dismissing its usefulness, this sudden action begs the question: Is the LLMs.txt file now relevant, or is it simply a technicality? Regardless, it warrants attention. Developers and SEO professionals should monitor future updates and be prepared to adapt their strategies if this file becomes more central to Google’s search algorithms.